HBF/HfS publish guidance on competition law compliance
The Home Builders Federation and Homes for Scotland have published guidance on complying with competition law. Following voluntary commitments that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) accepted from seven housebuilders who it had investigated for suspected exchanges of competitively sensitive information, HBF and HfS have issued the guidance which covers UK competition law principles on information exchange and guidance specific to the housebuilding industry
Section 106 affordable housing measures announced
The government has announced emergency measures to address challenges in the section 106 affordable housing market as well as publishing longer term intentions. Under a time-limited offering, local planning authorities can now allow for the tenure of uncontracted section 106 units to be varied, with the government instructing them to use existing planning flexibilities to renegotiate s106 agreements.
New Homes Accelerator enters second phase
The New Homes Accelerator will now cover smaller sites and expand support in London in a second phase of the initiative, the government has announced today (January 29). Housing secretary Steve Reed is calling on developers, landowners and local authorities to come forward with sites, including those of fewer than 500 homes, that need support to develop in an extension of the programme.
Crest slashes jobs as it “makes progress”
Crest Nicholson has made around 50 redundancies, closing its Chiltern office in December as it shifts towards the “mid-premium” market while confirming profit below previous guidance for its full year. Announcing its preliminary results for the year ending October 31 2025, the housebuilder said it had performed in line with its November update. Adjusted pre-tax profit for the year was £26.5 million, 30.5% up on the equivalent period of 2024 but below the original guidance range of between £28 million and £38 million.
NHBC appoints chief financial officer
NHBC has appointed Sarah Maillet as its new chief financial officer. Maillet has more than 20 years’ experience as an executive leader in the global finance services sector. She trained with KPMG and qualified as Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Santander chief economist to speak at HBF Conference
Santander chief economist Frances Haque is the latest speaker to join a strong line up at the Home Builders Federation’s Policy Conference in March. Haque will focus on the economic outlook and its impact on the industry. She joins housing secretary Steve Reed who is set to give delegates a flavour of how the government will help the industry to "Build, baby, build" to meet the 1.5 million new homes target in this parliament.
Hill seals £300 million refinancing
The Hill Group has completed the full refinancing of its revolving credit facility, increasing total committed funding to £300 million as the firm seeks to double its size to £2.3 billion by 2030.
NHBC unveils 2025 Pride in the Job winners
NHBC has revealed the Supreme Winners of its 2025 Pride in the Job Awards, celebrating the UK’s top site managers for their dedication to raising standards in home building and delivering homes of outstanding quality.
Govt launches consultation on national design guidance
The government has launched a consultation on updated national design guidance, encouraging new build homes to be climate resilient and feature “calmer streets”.
Affordability challenge locks out 1.5 million potential homeowners – HBF
The affordability gap is locking out 1.5 million potential homeowners from the housing market, according to the latest research from the Home Builders Federation.
