Many regional building contractors are unable to fit in new jobs before Christmas and there has been a noted shortage of labourers throughout NSW.

John Perfrement of Tamworth's Perfrement Homes said the earliest his company would be able to tackle a new job was February/March next year.

He said while builders were able to complete jobs mid-way through 2004 many couldn't arrange quotes until January.

"With booming land and house prices, material companies have jacked up their prices. For instance roofing tiles are to increase by 4 per cent in January."

"We as builders can't give the public accurate quotes for work that is to occur four months down the track because of rising supply costs," Mr Perfrement said.

He said many factors had contributed to building

vibrancy.

"I've read in the paper coastal builders are advertising for tradesman to try to entice them out of this region, while at the same time Sydney builders are trying to attract tradies from the coast," Mr Perfrement said

"There's an overall shortage of bricklayers, tilers, painters, carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

"Each year a building company might take on 10 new houses for the 12 months, but there's demand for more jobs. The figure that's used is that 85 to 90 per cent of builders are restricted in their work turnover."

He said with demand, land packages prices had risen simultaneously.

"I've seen blocks valued between $69,000 to $72,000 jump to $87,000 in 12-months."

Local building contractor John Taylor said his full program of work included repeat building contracts for locals, as well as increased inquiry from out-of-town investors.