Council tax on unoccupied and unsold homes adds to SME pressures
A new report published today (May 28) reveals that almost half (45%) of local authorities are charging developers full council tax on newly built homes awaiting sale or occupation, adding to viability problems for new home sites.
HBF discusses viability and affordability at UKREiiF
Some proposals in the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are concerning in the current challenging environment, according to Jennie Daly, chief executive of Taylor Wimpey. Speaking at the Home Builders Federation’s conference session at UKREiiF in Leeds, Daly said she was pleased with the government’s first revisions of the NPPF in 2024, including the reintroduction of five-year housing land supply. “The [introduction of] of greybelt was like a hallelujah moment.” But Daly added that she was “more concerned about things in the recent [NPPF] consultation”, which closed in March. “I wouldn’t be so concerned if the environment wasn’t challenging. Viability is a genuine challenge.”
Crest delays half year results
Crest Nicholson has delayed its half year results as it continues discussions with lenders to seek a temporary covenant relaxation. In its trading update of April 21, the housebuilder said it was in early talks with lenders on relaxing its covenant due to “lower expected profitability” driven by the Middle East conflict. Crest also said in its update of last month that volumes were expected to be lower for its financial year ending in October, set to total 1,400 to 1,500 units instead of the originally anticipated 1,550 to 1,700.
CEC/HBF report shows skills challenge and opportunities
Young people are becoming increasingly interested in construction careers, but the sector faces a growing challenge in converting that interest into sustained employment, according to a new report. The report, published today (May 14) by The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC), in collaboration with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and industry partners across England, reveals that, based on responses from more than 330,000 young people, construction sits among the top five career interests. It is also, according to the report, one of the few sectors where interest increases through secondary school.
King’s Speech introduces Remediation Bill
The government will introduce a Remediation Bill to accelerate the fixing of high-risk buildings “for people living in homes with unsafe cladding”, according to the King’s Speech, delivered today (May 13). The King outlined the legislative programme for the next year, including the Remediation Bill. This will, according to the document accompanying the King’s Speech, introduce a legal obligation for those responsible for the safety of buildings to “identify, assess, and fix their buildings without delay” with those failing to do so possibly facing criminal prosecution “in the most egregious and severe cases”.
Private sector registrations down 7% in Q1 2026 – NHBC
Private sector new home registrations fell 7% in the first quarter of 2026 against the same quarter of last year, as housebuilders face the “’perfect storm’ of rising costs and falling demand”, NHBC said today (May 12). It warned that the wider impact of the Middle East conflict would affect registrations. NHBC’s new home statistics for Q1 2026 show that 18,072 new private homes were registered to be built against 19,439 in Q1 2025. The rental and affordable sector also saw a year-on-year decrease in registrations for the same period, down 4% to 8,887.
Future Homes Hub’s Technical Conferences to tackle FHS
The Future Homes Hub will host two technical conferences in June, bringing the industry together to “explore the real-world implications” of the Future Homes Standard. Taking place at Leeds Beckett University on June 9 and Central Hall Westminster on June 17, the Future Homes Standard Technical Conferences will be practical forums focused on delivery, compliance and implementation, “helping technical and delivery teams sense-check emerging approaches, identify risks and learn from peers across the sector,” the Future Homes Hub said.
Stamp duty “most economically damaging tax” – shadow chancellor
Stamp duty is “the most economically damaging tax” which is “bunging up the housing market”, according to the shadow chancellor Mel Stride. Speaking on the latest episode of national estate agent Winkworth’s Property Exchange podcast, the shadow chancellor commented that the tax was preventing people from buying their first home, blocking those needing to move for work and hindering older people who wished to move.
Four days left to enter the Housebuilder Awards 2026
There are just four days left to enter the Housebuilder Awards 2026, the industry’s own awards, supported by the Home Builders Federation and NHBC. The Housebuilder Awards are free to enter, with an entry deadline of this Friday, May 15 2026. There are 12 categories to enter including Best Design, Best Marketing, Best staff development and Best sustainability initiative.
