Economy and business, Construction industry | Took the necessary action in time

– Fortunately, it looks brighter. There are many projects, says carpenter Tommy Bergersen from Brumunddal.

Together with colleague Atle Nordlund from Nord-Odal, they are in full swing for Obos Block Watne in Lund in Stavsberg. In the toughest times when there was little to do, Nordlund was among the carpenters who were hired out.

– We have felt a lot of uncertainty. Still, I thought it would drag on again. We need income to be able to live, says Bergersen.

Took an important step during the count’s time

The construction industry in the former Hedmark county is hardest hit by the crisis. In the last year, the number of new housing starts fell by 52 per cent. Only Troms is worse affected.

Two weeks ago, the message came that there was a complete stop at all Boligpartner’s construction sites. On Tuesday, the billion-dollar group announced a tender after major financial problems. 126 employees are affected.

also read

Housing partner submits a tender

Regional manager Frode Brenden in Obos Block Watne admits that they have put two tough years behind them:

– After all, we are dealing with people. Our employees have families. It is boring to see what happens in Boligpartner. We tackled downsizing and hiring early. Now we sell quite a bit and we are on the way up, says Brenden.

– The whole industry is struggling with the same thing. We could have been there if we hadn’t chosen to start with rental properties. It is our move to get through the crisis, says property developer and Nordbolig owner Oddvar Haugen.

He states that a lack of sales means that Boligpartner’s equity is tied up in plots of land and in started and unsold housing units, which ultimately results in a liquidity crisis.

Change of beat

Figures presented by Boligprodukterene in April may indicate that the bottom level has been reached.

– The curves have flattened. It’s a change of pace. The uncertainty is when it comes to the interior, notes Haugen.

The construction industry sees small positive signs that it may loosen for housing sales.

– We have several stakeholders for our projects. The customers have woken up, says Oddvar Haugen.

What reinforces the impression is a clear growth in sales in Western Norway. In Oslo too, the construction industry is seeing a significant change. Haugen marks pI also note that the prices of rental properties have increased. The prices of second-hand homes have increased by 5-6 per cent this winter.

– The price of new homes will stand still until the market turns. It might be a good idea to buy a new one now, says Haugen.

Marks a completely different atmosphere

There is also optimism at Obos Block Watne:

– There is a change in the market. We notice a big difference compared to last year. Especially in autumn last year it was very quiet, says Brenden.

also read

Two crises – believe they can save each other

He notices changes in far more inquiries on the projects at Vold in Hamar, Lund in Ringsaker and Sandviksløkka in Ottestad.

– We have sold very well, he says.

– Are you an optimist?

– I am. We notice it in the atmosphere. It has been a tough time, he says.

Felt a little unsafe

In Lund, HA meets several carpenters who are happy that the tide is about to turn in the construction industry.

– I felt insecurity. It never went so far that I started looking around for something else to do, says Anders Lindberg from Flisa.

Alvdølen Roar Enget lives in Ottestad. He was hired out for a period when the market was at its quietest.

– It was never the case that I felt it was time to look around for something else. I was a bit unsure at times, and I’m glad that has changed, says Enget.