Nearly all small and medium-sized home builders say viability pressures are reducing their ability to deliver new homes, according to new industry research. And the proportion of SME developers citing cumulative viability pressures as a major barrier to growth has jumped from 64% last year to 82% and is now the second biggest barrier facing the sector following planning delays (88%). Seven in 10 (70%) say these pressures are significantly reducing delivery. The new stats come from the 2026/27 State of Play report from Close Brothers Property Finance, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Velux.