Ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement tomorrow, Lee Williams, National Sales Manager at Saffron for Intermediaries, has outlined three areas where practical action could have a meaningful impact on housing market confidence.
“With many reports ahead of the Spring Statement suggesting it may deliver very little in the way of new policy and focus largely on economic forecasts rather than substantive reform, there is an even greater need for measures that genuinely support confidence in the housing market. In my view, there are three areas where practical action could have real impact:
- Commit to effective and reliable planning reform
“Planning reform must deliver tangible improvement. Delays and inconsistency have eroded trust, and when applicants cannot rely on timely decisions, they hesitate to commit capital. The decline in planning applications from last year reflects that uncertainty, denting the Government’s ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes in this term.
“The Spring Statement is an opportunity to reinforce accountability and introduce clearer, more predictable timeframes. Greater certainty would encourage developers and investors to proceed, supporting much-needed housing supply.
- Drive regeneration through flexible change-of-use measures
“Town centres continue to struggle with vacant and underused buildings that restrict growth. A more flexible and proactive approach to change-of-use could unlock investment and accelerate regeneration.
“Converting redundant commercial space into residential or mixed-use developments would revitalise high streets while increasing housing delivery. Practical planning support for town centre renewal would attract capital and strengthen local economies.
- Strengthen housing supply by investing in skills and apprenticeships
“Labour shortages remain a clear constraint on housebuilding, directly affecting the pace of delivery. Greater emphasis is needed on promoting trades and vocational qualifications as strong career routes, rather than university being seen as the default option. Developers require greater practical and financial support to scale operations, invest in training and manage rising costs at a time when many businesses are calling out for additional help. Without rebuilding workforce capacity and strengthening support for those delivering homes on the ground, housing supply ambitions will remain difficult to achieve.”
