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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.