Home Builders Federation

Council tax should not be charged on new homes before they are completed. Our report calls on Government to introduce a fairer and more consistent national approach to council tax on newly built homes. 👇

Home building is becoming increasingly unviable across many parts of England and Wales. Rising policy, taxation & regulatory pressures mean build costs have risen by on average £76,000 per home since 2020. At the same time, demand-side constraints and ongoing barriers are compounding the challenge

For years, policymakers have relied on the assumption that rising housing delivery costs could be offset by falling land values. That assumption has now reached its limit. The continued decline in sites securing planning permission shows how difficult it is to push this any further.

How would you describe your overall outlook on the housing market over the next three months in each region you operate in? Take 5 minutes to complete our survey and help us build a clearer picture of current conditions 👉 buff.ly/bOvbXlH

Gareth Bacon MP cited our recent research into unspent developer contributions and Section 106 delays at the Westminster Hall Debate on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) earlier this week. Read our most recent report on unspent developer contributions 👇 buff.ly/J4d58jD

“Building and development are some of the best levers we've got to grow the economy and open up jobs and opportunities.” 🗣️ Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government at the 2026 HBF Policy Conference. Stay in the loop for our upcoming events👉 buff.ly/RhTYk31

Yesterday, our Executive Director, Steve Turner, gave evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee. He said that the industry’s ability to deliver new homes is increasingly being constrained by viability pressures, and called for a moratorium on new taxes impacting the sector

We asked early talent how much impact they felt AI would have on careers in home building. Here’s what they told us 👇 🔶 80% said AI will change how people work in home building over the next 10 years 🔶 70% said protection from rising automation was a motivation for joining the industry

In just one month, the Welsh public will head to the polls to choose their next Government. With private housing delivery in Wales approaching an all-time low, urgent action is needed to create a policy environment that supports home building. Read the full blueprint 👉 buff.ly/0HLcemz

There are diverse range of career pathways and entry routes available in the home building industry. Government support will be crucial to fully close the skills gap and meet housing ambitions.

A career in home building is full of potential and the opportunity to progress. The #homebuilding industry is a major source of training and employment, supporting around 750,000 jobs last year – including around 9,000 trainees and apprentices – across a broad range of roles.

Tickets for HBF Wales Conference and Dinner 2026 are available now🎫 📍 Leonardo Hotel, Cardiff 📅 9 July 2026 Make sure your organisation is in the room 👉 buff.ly/x4GtS5j

Last chance to save: Early booking for the HBF AGM and Annual Lunch ends tomorrow 📢 Exclusive to HBF members, secure your individual ticket - or book a table today 👉 buff.ly/9gZ3ZZ0 buff.ly/UpBvRW6

This time last month, we were bringing together emerging talent and industry leaders at the HBF Future Talent Conference for a day of insight, discussion and networking. It was inspiring to see energy and ambition from the apprentices, graduates, and trainees shaping the future of home building.

A summary of quotes from our SME sentiment survey 👇

New Research: What role does AI play in strengthening the home building workforce? AI is transforming many sectors, but our analysis shows that home building remains a proudly people-powered industry. Discover the full insights in our report buff.ly/TXmqOSZ

📢 Final call for applications to the spring intake of our Women into Home Building Programme. Applications close this Sunday, 22 March. The 3-week programme will take place from May. 📍 Placements are available on home building sites across England, Wales and Scotland. Apply at buff.ly/XSsXdFd

Concerns over infrastructure pressures are often used to block new planning applications… yet an estimated £9 billion in payments made by home builders to support infrastructure remains unspent by councils in England and Wales. It doesn’t add up.

There's less than one week left to apply for the latest intake of the Women into Home Building programme. Hear first-hand how a placement with one of our participating home builders can transform your career 👇

Earlier this morning, our Executive Director David O'Leary spoke at the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee. A move from leasehold to commonhold needs to be supported by mortgage lenders, insurers and conveyancers. This must be a priority for Government

Building the homes of the future starts with building the workforce behind them. At yesterday's HBF Skills Reception, MPs met apprentices, trainees, graduates and new entrants from across the home building industry to see first-hand the breadth of careers and entry routes our sector offers.

No experience on site? You don't need to have worked in construction to become a Women into Home Building candidate. Career returners, career changers, women already working in the industry, and those looking for a fresh challenge are all encouraged to apply for the latest cohort. #WICWeek2026

It’s Women in Construction Week, so let's celebrate the women in our industry. 💬👇If you’re a woman in home building, introduce yourself 💬👇Shine a light on your colleagues and women you work with #WomenInConstructionWeek

Two years of Biodiversity Net Gain… is it delivering? Take 5 minutes to have your say. As we approach the second anniversary of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), HBF is gathering feedback on how the 10% requirement, introduced in 2024, is working in practice across the home building sector.

Our latest Broken Ladder report highlights the stark affordability gap many potential homeowners are facing across the country. HBF is calling on Government to introduce a new targeted equity loan scheme for first-time buyers... 👉 5% buyer deposit 👉 15% equity loan 👉 80% Loan-to-Value

Our Parliamentary Skills Reception showcases the variety of career paths and opportunities available in the home building industry 🏡 Here's a reminder of last year's event 👇 Why not join us this year? See details 👉 buff.ly/IH57CxI #NAW #NAW26 #SkilsForLife

Lauren Edwards MP will once again be sponsoring our Parliamentary Skills this year. Taking place on 11 March, it's a valuable opportunity for members and their apprentices, graduates, trainees and other new industry entrants to meet with MPs and Peers🙌 Secure your attendance👉 buff.ly/IH57CxI #NAW

Last year, home building supported around 9,000 trainees and apprentices Each year we're pleased to bring early talent together for our parliamentary skills reception. This year's event takes place on 11 March - and you're invited👇️ Find out more and express an interest 👉 buff.ly/IH57CxI #NAW

There's still time to secure a discounted ticket to #HBFPolicyConference 2026 🐥 You can save up to £££ on your ticket by securing your place today 👇 Exclusive discount for #HBF members - save £174 when booking before 13 Feb buff.ly/b8omQzn

Two years of Biodiversity Net Gain… what’s working, and what isn’t? As we approach two years since the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), HBF is seeking views on how the policy is working in practice across the home building sector.

HBF has been actively engaging with the Welsh Government on the support the home building industry needs to succeed, as noted by Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, this week.

Important reminders of the positive social & economic footprint of home building👇 In 2024/25, new homes in England & Wales delivered... 🔸£47 billion worth of economic activity 🔸£1.3bn for community infrastructure 🔸 £600m of funding for schools 🔸 £10 billion in Affordable Housing #NewHomesWeek

“Without Government intervention, home ownership will continue to fall and become the preserve of a smaller, older and wealthier group. Help to Buy showed that well-designed equity loan schemes can deliver strong returns for taxpayers and support and supply.” Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive at HBF

Last year, home builders provided around £1.3 billion to support community infrastructure… From national developers to regional builders, the industry plays a valuable role in the places people live and work. #NewHomesWeek #HomeBuilding

Government has announced an ‘emergency’ approach to tackle #Section106 Affordable Housing market challenges... … following sustained efforts by our team to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges within the S106 AH market, and the need for intervention.

Home ownership in England has been in steady decline for over two decades. Despite demand remaining extremely high, fewer households are able to turn that demand into a purchase.

“As a family business, we very much feel like we build homes, not just houses.” #HomeBuilding #NewHomesWeek