Laura Sharman 20 October 2021

Shortage of land holding back new homes, small builders warn

Shortage of land holding back new homes, small builders warn image

A lack of land is the main barrier preventing more homes from being built, small builders have warned in a new survey.

The annual research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) shows 63% of small builders say a lack of available and viable land is limiting their ability to build homes.

More than six in ten (62%) also said they are struggling with material shortages.

The 2021 House Builders’ Survey of small and medium-sized house builders in England also revealed 61% feel held back by the planning system.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: ‘Builders can’t build if they don’t have the land, and the FMB House Builders’ Survey 2021 sends a clear message. With 71% of small builders reporting the number of small site opportunities is decreasing, and only 19% feeling a high level of certainty over the outcome of planning applications, these constraints are proving stubborn to shift.

‘It is not all gloom, however. Improvements in access to finance are welcome, and recent Government commitments to expand access to the self and custom build market will give small builders a boost.’

The FMB is calling for nationwide compliance with planning guidance to ensure 10% of housing need should be on sites no larger than one hectare, and greater resource to local planning departments to improve engagement with SMEs.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner