Future Homes Standard launched
The government has launched the long awaited Future Homes Standard today (March 24). The majority of new homes will now be expected to be fitted with solar panels on roofs as standard, covering an area equivalent to 40% of the home's ground floor space. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said they had "created a new functional requirement for the provision of renewable electricity generation".
Housebuilding one of most “AI-proof” industries – HBF/Pluto Finance
Artificial intelligence is set to increase the need for skilled labour across housebuilding according to the Home Builders Federation (HBF), with its latest research showing that 70% of home building entrants are attracted to the sector as a “protected” industry. A new report from the HBF and Pluto Finance, Artificial Intelligence and Skills in the Home Building Industry, demonstrates the scale of the workforce challenge within the industry and that, “far from replacing jobs, artificial intelligence is set to increase the need for skilled labour across home building and its supply chain”, HBF said.
Govt consults on seven new towns
The government has reduced the number of proposed new towns from 12 to seven, while announcing that Homes England’s National Housing Bank will launch on April 1. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is consulting on the remaining proposed locations as part of its New Towns programme, which will see each proposed town delivering at least 10,000 homes “with several delivering 40,000 or more in the decades to come”.
Market conditions curb SMEs – HBF
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.
Reeves announces £2.3bn fund for city-centre projects
The chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a £2.3 billion fund for city-centre projects and large-scale regeneration schemes, including housing. Up to £1.7 billion of the City Investment Funds, comprising new grant, loan and patient capital funding, will go to mayors in Northern city regions.
NHBC launches first multi-skill training hub
NHBC has launched its first multi-skill construction training hub, part of its £100 million UK-wide programme to address the skills shortage and support the government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes in this parliament. The training hub in Lichfield, Staffordshire, is the first of 12 being rolled out nationwide by the new home warranties and insurance provider. Collectively, the hubs will train up to 3,000 apprentices a year in real site conditions, tackling the growing demand for skilled trades across the housebuilding sector.
HBF calls on govt support at parliamentary skills event
The industry has made notable strides to address the skills issue but it needs government support to “fully close” the skills gap and meet housing ambitions, according to the Home Builders Federation, holding a parliamentary reception on skills yesterday (March 11). HBF’s reception demonstrated the diverse range of career pathways and entry routes that the housebuilding sector offers. It also stressed the importance of industry and government collaboration “to ensure long-term resilience in the future workforce”.
Govt consults on grid demand
The government is consulting on ways to tackle speculative demand grid connection requests, with priority over projects that “deliver growth and jobs”. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said today (March 11) that the queue for demand connections to the transmission network had leapt 460% in the six months to June 2025, with the system “swamped with applications”
Persimmon hails “strong performance” but warns on Iran conflict
Persimmon’s completions and profit rose in 2025 with the business reporting a “strong performance”. But the housebuilder also noted the possible effect of the Iran conflict on customer sentiment this year. During the year ending December 31 2025, Persimmon’s revenue grew 17% to £3.75 billion against 2024, with completions lifting 12% to 11,905 new homes.
