Close Brothers Property Finance, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Travis Perkins have launched the latest ‘State of Play’ survey to assess the impact of Labour’s early policy moves on SME developers.
The survey invites SME housebuilders to share on-the-ground perspectives and experiences of the government’s housing policies, including recent planning reform. The findings will culminate in a report highlighting ongoing challenges faced by the sector and opportunities for the government to better support SMEs so they can play a bigger part in the delivery of its target of 1.5 million new homes.
Survey respondents are invited to share insight on key areas such as the impact of new regulations and tax burdens on the financial viability of schemes; delays in the planning process; the absence of affordable housing providers in the market for the S106 units they deliver; and a lack of affordable mortgage availability that is suppressing demand. Individuals will also be asked whether they feel more optimistic about the industry’s outlook now than they did in the run-up to last year’s general election.
Phil Hooper, chief executive officer of Close Brothers Property Finance, said: “The State of Play survey shines a light on the systemic roadblocks facing SME housebuilders. It provides invaluable data to advocate for smarter policy, faster delivery and a bigger role for SMEs in meeting the 1.5 million homes target. Close Brothers Property Finance is proud to support this initiative once again.”
Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the HBF, commented: “Over recent decades, the increasingly complex and challenging operating environment within which home builders have had to operate has resulted in a dramatic fall in the number of SME developers. Smaller builders play a crucial role within our industry and, if the policy environment allows, can make a major contribution towards the ambitious housing targets set by ministers. With the government approaching the end of its first full year in office, this will be a crucial litmus test of how effectively its policies are facilitating SMEs delivering new homes.”
Ben Todd, managing director of Travis Perkins Managed Services, said: “SMEs continue to face mounting obstacles – from planning gridlocks to rising materials and labour costs. This survey is a vital opportunity to capture their voice at scale, helping policymakers understand the real barriers on the ground. By identifying these obstacles we can do our part for bringing about meaningful change for the sector.”
Officially launched at an event at UKREiiF hosted by Close Brothers Property Finance in association with Birketts LLP on Wednesday 21 May, the anonymous survey will close for responses at midnight on 10 June.
