Two-thirds of SME housebuilders are struggling to find land for development, according to research from the Federation of Master Builders.
For the second year, its House Builders’ Survey has shown a lack of available and viable land as the biggest barrier to SMEs delivering more new homes.
Two-thirds of SME housebuilders cite a “lack of available and viable land” as the biggest barrier to increasing numbers, while half of see the planning system and difficulties accessing finance as other serious challenges.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “The biggest challenge facing SME housebuilders is the planning process. Councils need to find a way of allocating and granting planning permission for more small sites.
“The current focus on large sites is squeezing out smaller developers, which is reducing competition in the housing market at a time when we need more, not less, choice.”
See also:
Housing Growth Partnership: pros and cons
£100m Housing Growth Partnership launched
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