The Home Builders Federation’s 2024 State of Play survey, conducted in partnership with Close Brothers Property Finance and Travis Perkins, is open for responses.

Now in its fifth year, this survey is one of the UK's most comprehensive studies of SME home builders. The findings inform the 'SME State of Play report', which examines the opportunities and challenges facing small and medium home builders.

This year's survey covers topics such as planning, sustainability, development finance, the Government’s approach to housebuilding, and skills and training. Additionally, with a General Election approaching, it seeks opinions on which policy areas the next Government should prioritize regarding housing delivery.

The survey results will shape the next SME State of Play report, in partnership with Travis Perkins and Close Brothers Property Finance.

The 2023/24 State of Play report, published in January, revealed:

• 93% of SMEs cite delays in securing planning permission as a major growth barrier.
• 91% say under-resourced planning departments in local authorities hinder SME home builders' growth.
• 46% report that the cost of obtaining planning permission has increased by over 30% in the past three years, even before December’s planning fee rises.
• 72% claim interest rate rises have been a significant obstacle in the past year.
• Only 13% believe the Government’s current approach to housing and planning is positive for first-time buyers, down from 39% in 2022.

Our latest survey will take no more than 8 minutes to complete and is open until the close of business on Monday, 17 June.

Complete the 2024 State of Play survey.