Boost for housebuilder SMEs as government launches £250m accelerator fund

Small and medium-sized residential developers are set to benefit from a new multi-million pound government fund.

Homes England, the Government’s housing delivery agency and specialist lender United Trust Bank (UTB) have today launched a £250m fund to support property SMEs with development finance at up to 70 per cent Loan to Gross Development Value.

Providing construction loans between £1m and £10m, the Housing Accelerator Fund aims to improve access to finance offered to smaller builders in a bid to drive diversification of the housing market.

Gordon More, chief investment officer at Homes England, commented: “The Housing Accelerator Fund is open for business from today.

“In line with Homes England’s commitment to supporting SMEs, it will help smaller builders get on and build now, as well as improve the lending landscape for SMEs by driving competition in the market, improving choice and encouraging innovation.

“United Trust Bank has consistently supported housebuilders of all sizes and is an experienced and capable lender, we’re pleased to be collaborating with them on this long-term partnership and look forward to seeing the fund support the delivery of new homes across the country.”

Noel Meredith, executive director at United Trust Bank, added: “SME housebuilders have a vital role to play in delivering the UK’s new housing needs and UTB has amassed considerable experience helping such businesses to complete thousands of successful developments.

“This is an exciting new partnership with Homes England which will make a real difference to both long established and newly formed development companies requiring competitive funding and the long-term support of a knowledgeable and experienced specialist lender.

“This alliance will help to reinvigorate and increase diversity in the SME housebuilding sector, and boost housing supply in areas under the greatest affordability pressures.”