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 small and medium (SME) home builders.

Released at UKREiiF, the survey invites SME home builders 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 Government to better support SMEs such that 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 Section 106 units they deliver; and a lack of affordable mortgage availability that is supressing 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, says:

“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 says:

“ 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.  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 says:

“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^st May, the anonymous survey will close for responses at midnight on 10^th June.

Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M6MS7X5

For further information on the State of Play report and survey, email property.finance@closebrothers-group.com or call 0203 857 6250.