Think small, build big: Lessons from SME housebuilding in Germany
Article
There has been a catastrophic decline in the size of England’s SME housebuilding sector. This is not the case in Germany, where the SME sector dominates the housebuilding market.
We diagnose a ‘toxic triangle’ of problems facing English SME builders, with mutually reinforcing problems stemming from the planning system, the land market, and insufficient access to finance.
Drawing on experience from Germany, we recommend to government a seven-point plan to give England the greatest prospect of revitalising its SME building sector, thus making a substantially greater contribution to housing output.
Related items

Breaking the cycle: A blueprint for special educational needs and disability (SEND) reform
The education system is not working well enough for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families, or the professionals delivering support.
Making space: Meeting the needs of young women and girls through Young Futures
This is a critical moment for the government’s delivery of Young Futures Hubs, which can transform outcomes for young women and girls.
Building the foundations for transformation in the NHS
The government has published a bold 10-year plan to transform England’s health system which, if fully delivered, will make the NHS of tomorrow look radically different from today’s service.