HBF SME Home Builders Sentiment Survey: Q1

SME Home Builders Sentiment Survey Q1 2026

This survey aims to establish the business sentiment and investment intentions of SME home builders across England and Wales. It should take less than five minutes to complete. Please note all responses will be anonymised.
Your information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Company*
Job title*
Email*
example@example.com
Where do you build? Select all that apply.*

North EastNorth WestYorkshire and the HumberEast MidlandsWest MidlandsEast of EnglandLondonSouth EastSouth WestWales
How many homes do you typically build per annum?*

1-1011-2526-5051-7576-100101-250251-500500+
Questions

Please answer as many as you can.
Compared with the previous three months, do you expect your business to purchase more land for development in the next three months?
Compared with the previous three months, do you expect your business to start the construction of more homes in the next three months?
How would you describe your overall outlook on the housing market over the next three months?
To what extent are current market conditions influencing your willingness to start new sites?
Which three demand side factors most limit your ability to deliver new homes?

First time buyer activity levelsMortgage interest ratesAffordabilityLow buyer confidenceHousing market conditionsReduced demand from buy to let/investorsCost of livingStamp Duty Land TaxOther
Which three supply side factors most limit your ability to deliver new homes?

Planning process delaysAccess to development financeCost/supply of materialsCost/availability of landCost/supply of labourSpeed of utility connections/infrastructure delaysViability pressuresRegulatory and taxation burdenBuilding Safety Regulator delaysWater issues e.g. nutrient/water neutrality, wastewaterOther
How significant is the impact of council tax liabilities levied on new build homes (including the Second Home Premium and Empty Homes Premium)on your business’s cash flow and development viability?
Do you have any comments or other issues you would like to raise?
Case Study

If you are interested in providing a case study on the challenges facing your business, please complete this form.
Topical questions: Apprenticeship Week

Ahead of this year's Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), we'd be grateful if you could answer the following two additional questions.
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: Apprenticeships will play a key role in addressing future skills shortages in the house building industry.

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
What are the three biggest barriers your business faces in hiring apprentices?

Amount of admin involvedTime it takes to mentor new startersComplexity of the systemDifficulty accessing grants/fundingLack of training providersFinding the right candidatesCurrent market conditionsQuality of training provision is inconsistentInsufficient support/funding in relation to employment costs of apprenticeshipsNot knowing where to start or who to approach for guidanceDifficulty getting subcontractors to take apprentices into their gangs and train them until they are productiveOther
Thank you

For taking the time to participate in this survey. Please contact emma.ramell@hbf.co.uk if you have any questions.
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SME Home Builders Sentiment Survey Q1 2026

Your information

Questions

Topical questions: Apprenticeship Week

Thank you