Small and medium (SME) home builders are invited to share their perspectives as the Home Builders Federation, Close Brothers Property Finance and Travis Perkins launch their annual SME insight survey.Now in its sixth year, the State of Play survey provides a platform for SME home builders to share on-the-ground perspectives and experiences of the Government’s housing policies. The findings will inform the forthcoming SME State of Play report, assessing the impact of Labour’s early policy moves, including recent reforms a year on from the General Election.This year's survey covers topics such as the impact of regulation and tax burdens on the financial viability of schemes, delays in the planning process, and the absence of affordable housing providers in the market for Section 106 units. Additionally, it calls for opinions on policy areas Government should prioritise to support its ambitious housing targets and levels of optimism within the industry.Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation, says: “Over recent decades, the increasingly complex and challenging operating environment within which home builders have had to work 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 in delivering new homes.”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 house builders. 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.”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 to bring about meaningful change for the sector.”Published in December 2024, the 2024 State of Play report revealed:Over half (51%) of SME home builders waited over a year to obtain planning permission56% of SME home builders reported a 30% uplift in the cost of obtaining planning permissionLand availability also remained a concern, with 47% of respondents citing it as a major barrier80% of respondents identified obtaining suitable offers for Section 106 Affordable Homes as a barrier to growth94% of SME home builders would like the Government to do more to support themOur latest survey will take no more than eight minutes to complete and is open until the close of business on Tuesday 10 June.Complete the 2025 State of Play survey.
