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
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.