Slow build out
Slow build out is described by the government as 'where sites have full planning permission, are being built, but the pace of building is slower than it could be under different development models and incentives. Multiple market studies have found that most large housing sites are built at the pace the homes can be sold at current second-hand market prices, rather than the pace at which they could be constructed if pre-sold (i.e. to an institutional landlord). The rate of building consistent with selling at local second-hand market prices is known within the industry as the ‘absorption rate’. The Letwin Review concluded that local absorption rates were a “binding constraint” on build out rates. The CMA observed, that “the private market will not, on its own initiative, produce sufficient housing to meet overall housing need, even if it is highly competitive”.' From the government policy paper "Planning Reform Working Paper: Speeding Up Build Out" published 25 May 2025.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Brownfield Passport.
- Consultation on proposed reforms to NPPF and other changes to the planning system.
- Delayed Homes Penalty.
- Design Council Homes Taskforce launched to support 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
- Detailed planning permission.
- Get on and Build, Deputy Prime Minister urges housebuilders.
- Golden rules for the release of land.
- Grey belt.
- How long does it take to get planning permission.
- How long does planning permission last.
- IHBC response to revised NPPF.
- Killian Pretty Review.
- Local plan.
- Localism Act.
- National Planning Framework.
- National Planning Practice Guidance.
- Neighbourhood development order.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- New Homes Accelerator programme.
- New Towns Taskforce.
- NPPF consultation briefing notes on terms.
- NPPF inquiry.
- Outline planning permission.
- Planning approvals increased by 20% in June ahead of Labour’s new drive for housebuilding.
- Planning legislation.
- Planning overhaul to reach 1.5 million new homes.
- Planning permission.
- Planning policy replaced by the NPPF.
- The grey, the brown and the golden rules of housing.
- What do the political party manifestos say on housebuilding and building safety.
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.