The SME State of Play report details the findings of one of the most comprehensive surveys of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) housebuilders, conducted by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), Close Brothers Property Finance and Travis Perkins.

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Kay findings from the 2025/26 SME State of Play report, published November 2025, include:

• 97% say business taxation and the regulatory environment are barriers to the growth of their business in the next 12 months.
• Financial pressures were a big barrier, with 64% citing cumulative viability pressures and 58% citing difficulties obtaining offers for S106 Affordable Homes.
• Regulatory and political challenges remain significant barriers; 66% report local or political opposition, 55% Biodiversity Net Gain and 54% the Building Safety Levy.
• 94% of SME builders cite securing planning permission or discharging conditions as a major issue.
• 89% of SME builders view Local Authority capacity as a major constraint
• Land and infrastructure issues also continue to limit delivery, with 54% citing land prices, 39% citing land availability, and 49% the costs/timescales for utilities provision.
• Construction and supply challenges are notable but viewed to have less impact with 43% citing labour/supply costs and 41% cost of materials as major barriers to growth. While 67% of respondents said the supply chain and materials availability were a barrier to growth, only 10% said it was a major barrier.