Already, skilled people in Greater London such as bricklayers, plasterers, plumbers and carpenters have seen their pay shoot up. Kurt Calder of the Construction Confederation said: 'For those prepared to work hard, there is the chance to earn £50,000, £60,000 or £70,000 a year.'

Jeez, that's almost as much as a London property blogger earns. And I don't get a tanned arse-cleavage (even sitting with my back to the window... ). ThisIsMoney reports here on a brickie skills shortage that is only going to get more serious as we approach 2012. All this might go some way to explaining why British homes apparently need £48 billion in repairs if they're to be decent. According to the Halifax, one in four British homes are currently non-decent... an expression I've instantly fallen in love with, and intend to use as soon as possible.

Overall, it is estimated that it would cost £48bn to bring all properties in England up to basic standards - the equivalent of £7,200 per home.