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HBF report calls for action to reverse decline in SME

A new report from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) is calling for action to reverse the decline in SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) housebuilders, arguing that they could deliver 25,000 new homes a year if ‘red tape’ was slashed.

The report sets out to highlight the challenges faced by SME house builders looking to increase output, and it sets out a range of proposals to address the finance, planning, and red tape barriers that are said to be preventing smaller firms from playing a bigger part in tackling the housing crisis.

Over the past 25 years the number of SME builders has reduced by around 80%, it says, but just getting back to the number operating in 2007 could produce an additional 25,000 homes a year.

“Whilst housing output has increased significantly in recent years, the vast majority of the increases have come from larger companies,” said Stewart Baseley, the HBF’s executive chairman. “The number of smaller builders has collapsed over recent decades with few new entrants to the market able to grow to any size.

“If Government wants to see continued increases in supply it is imperative it enables SME builders to play their part. Removing the barriers for SME builders could result in tens of thousands of desperately needed additional homes being built and boost economies up and down the country.”

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