Close Brothers Property Finance, the Home Builders Federation and Travis Perkins have launched their latest nationwide survey into the challenges facing SME housebuilders. The results will provide the next government with a clear roadmap to help boost housing supply and increase the number of SMEs operating in the sector.
The State of Play survey, the largest and most comprehensive survey amongst UK SME housebuilders invites respondents to share their views on the barriers to growing their businesses. The results will inform the fifth iteration of the State of Play report, the findings of which have previously been cited by MPs and peers in parliament.
In the run-up to the July General Election, the survey also asks respondents to highlight which housing policies they would like to see introduced by the next government, as well as their opinion on whether it is harder to be an SME developer now than it was five years ago.
Phil Hooper, chief executive officer of Close Brothers Property Finance, said: “Increasing housing supply will remain a key battleground for the General Election, and removing obstacles to delivery must be a priority for the next government. In the past year, housebuilders have had to contend with changes to the National Planning Policy Framework removing mandatory housing targets, a considerable uplift in planning fees as well as new biodiversity requirements, whilst at the same time navigating difficult economic conditions and high interest rates. By giving SMEs a larger and collective voice we are highlighting the plight they face and also providing a clear roadmap to solve these issues.”
Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: “As the General Election looms, the housebuilding industry faces major barriers to delivery and all indicators show sharp falls in supply, presenting both a challenge and opportunity for parties of all colours.”
“SME businesses play a key industry role but the increasingly onerous policy and regulatory environment has seen the number of smaller builders plummet in recent years. If we are to deliver the homes all parties say they are committed to building, the next government needs to create conditions where SME businesses can thrive. The results of the survey will provide informed insight on which they must act.”
