SME developers: the challenges they face, and how we can help
In the ever-evolving landscape of UK housing delivery, small and medium-sized housebuilders (SMEs) are increasingly recognised as a vital part of the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over the course of this Parliament. Their agility, local knowledge and design-led approach bring much-needed diversity to the market.
However, despite their potential, SMEs continue to face disproportionate challenges when bringing housing developments forward.
At Brookbanks, we work closely with SME developers across the country. We see first-hand the barriers they face, and the opportunities that exist when those barriers are removed.
The planning paradox
In May 2025 the Government announced a range of reforms designed to speed up delivery of homes on smaller sites across the country, with eased Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements, more land and financing options for SMEs, and a new ‘medium site’ category which will face simpler rules and fewer costs[1].
This is welcome news: for many SMEs the planning system remains complex, inconsistent and under-resourced. The most recent State of Play survey by the Home Builders Federation found that over half of SMEs waited over a year to obtain planning permission, and 56% reported a 30% uplift in the cost of obtaining planning permission[2].
At Brookbanks, our Land, Development and Communities team work with SMEs to identify opportunities, shape planning strategies, and manage applications. We help navigate local policy, engage with stakeholders, and secure permissions which are deliverable and commercially viable.
[1] Government backs SME builders to get Britain building – GOV.UK
[2] HBF Report – State of Play: Challenges and opportunities facing SME home builders
Unlocking land
Access to land remains a fundamental challenge for SMEs, with the same State of Play survey revealing that 47% of respondents cite land availability as a major barrier to development. SMEs frequently find themselves priced out of the market by larger developers, or unable to compete for sites that require significant remediation or infrastructure investment.
Similarly, even when land is secured, viability remains a concern. Rising build costs, onerous planning obligations and regulatory requirements can quickly erode margins. And whilst funding options have improved, many SMEs still struggle to access the finance they need to get schemes off the ground.
At Brookbanks we provide early-stage technical assessments, from flood risk to drainage, to utilities and ground conditions, so SMEs can make informed decisions before committing to land deals. Our environmental specialists help manage ecological constraints, BNG, and sustainability requirements in a proportionate and cost-effective way.
Skills and capacity constraints
Many SME housebuilders operate with lean teams, often juggling multiple roles across development, finance, and delivery. This can limit their ability to respond quickly to planning queries, manage technical consultants, or keep pace with evolving regulations. The industry-wide skills shortage – particularly in planning, engineering, and environmental disciplines – only compounds the issue.
We provide a wide range of clients with programme and project management, balancing consultants, contractors and planning conditions to help keep projects moving and reduce risk.
How else can we help?
The services we provide to SMEs cover all of these challenges, and more. We can support with feasibility assessments, cost planning, procurement, and contract management. We help ensure that schemes are viable, fundable, and delivered on budget; providing the financial rigour that lenders and investors expect.
For small sites with infrastructure challenges, our engineering team offers pragmatic solutions. Whether it’s unlocking access, managing utilities, or designing cost-efficient drainage strategies, we help SMEs overcome technical barriers that might otherwise stall development.
Get in touch today to discover how we can support you, and unlock your housing delivery.
Who To Contact...
Head of Cost and Commercial
Ben Wakeling
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Group Director for Structural Engineering
Chris Vivian
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Group Director for Land, Development and Communities
Lee Witts
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Director, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Group
Lucy Wildesmith
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Group Technical Director
Richard Moorcroft
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Group Director for Development Management / Head of Yorkshire and North East Office
Tori Hall
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