Market conditions are reducing most SMEs’ appetite to start new sites, according to a new survey by the Home Builders Federation (HBF). According to the HBF’s SME Sentiment Survey, 70% of respondents say current conditions are hampering their ability to begin schemes, “reflecting ongoing concerns about scheme viability, affordability and effective demand from homebuyers”. HBF said that while market pressures were impacting the entire industry, SMEs were particularly challenged with their smaller size making them less able to absorb market volatility, prolonged delays and rising costs.