The April release has seen the Sentiment Index drop by three points from the previous release in September 2010, down to an index score of 60.
Key findings from this quarter’s Sentiment Monitor include:
- workload expectations dip into negative
- access to finance remains greatest obstacle
- tightening of competition
- Health and Civil & Resource sectors most likely to grow industrial relations concerns on the horizon
Davis Langdon concludes that there is greater uncertainty than optimism in the market about what the remainder of 2011 bodes for the property and construction industry. This uncertainty is increasing competition and pushing margins to possibly unsustainable levels. At the same time, the industry continues to struggle with a lack of skilled labour, aversion to risk and the possible redirection of public sector funding.