A new industry survey has been launched to assess the impact of the Labour government’s housing policies on small and medium-sized (SME) home builders as it nears the end of its first year in office.
Close Brothers Property Finance, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Travis Perkins have unveiled the latest edition of their State of Play survey, inviting SME developers to share their views on planning reform, regulation, tax, and the wider operating environment for housing delivery.
Launched at this week’s UKREiiF conference in Leeds, the survey aims to gather data that will shape a report outlining the sector’s current challenges and recommending steps the government can take to support the role of SME builders in delivering its stated target of 1.5 million new homes.
Respondents are being asked to comment on how changes in regulation and taxation are affecting scheme viability, the pace and predictability of the planning system, and the availability of providers to take on Section 106 units. It also seeks insight into whether the availability of affordable mortgages is restricting demand, and whether industry sentiment has improved since the lead-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, said the survey came at a critical moment. “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 house builders,” he said. “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, added: “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.”
The anonymous survey is open until midnight on 10 June. It was officially launched at a UKREiiF fringe event hosted by Close Brothers Property Finance in partnership with Birketts LLP. SME builders wishing to participate can access the survey via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M6MS7X5.
