HTB comments on ONS construction data

15 May 2025

Neil Leitch, Managing Director - Development Finance, at Hampshire Trust Bank.

“The increase in private housing is welcome after last month’s drop, and shows that developers are finding ways to navigate the many hurdles they face in producing the homes the nation so badly needs. The planning system remains a concern, acting as a bottleneck where SME developers in particular face unacceptably long waits for decisions. These delays can be disastrous for such projects, before you even consider the cost pressures and labour shortages the developers have to account for.

“Alongside improving the planning process, as an industry we need to ensure developers enjoy access to funding that reflects their actual needs. That means flexibility and a bespoke structure, allowing the developer to push ahead with confidence. Without that, it will be an uphill battle to improve the rate of housing output.”