Labour’s housebuilding targets are ambitious, but is the industry ready to meet them? Neil Bills, Director of Landscaping Products at Bradstone explores what must change to turn ambition into reality.
The ambition from the Labour government to drive a new era of housebuilding is clear, with bold targets aiming to tackle the UK’s housing shortage head-on. During this parliament, they have devised a plan to build 1.5m homes across England. However, from the perspective of suppliers, manufacturers, and installers – who are, arguably, the very backbone of the supply chain – the question remains: is this goal actually achievable?
Bridging the gap: targets vs. reality
Labour’s housebuilding targets are ambitious, particularly against the backdrop of current industry performance. Between September 2023 and September 2024, gov.uk stats indicated that England saw only 98,560 new build dwelling starts — a 41% drop compared to the previous year. This stark decline underscores the enormous gap between present construction rates and future aspirations, whilst presenting a huge question mark on whether the targets can be met.
For the supply chain, this disparity is telling. A rapid acceleration in housebuilding would require not only increased materials and resources, but also a robust workforce and streamlined processes. Yet, the reality suggests the sector is not yet primed for such a sharp uplift.
Skilled labour shortages and quality concerns
One of the most pressing constraints is the shortage of skilled labour. Across the construction industry, the scarcity of trained professionals is already impacting project timelines and output. Scaling up to meet Labour’s targets without addressing this shortage risks overburdening the existing workforce and could lead to compromised quality – a concern echoed by industry experts.
A rushed approach to meet volume targets would result in a significant rise of subpar outcomes, undermining the long-term sustainability of new developments, typically resulting in a never-ending snag list and an unimpressed homeowner. At Bradstone, we are committed to maintaining quality in every product and installation.
Hard landscaping and sustainable drainage: essential components
Beyond bricks and mortar, housebuilding success relies on the integration of outdoor environments that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing. Hard landscaping, such as driveways, patios, and pathways, are vital to creating liveable spaces. These elements are more than just a finishing touch, as they provide essential functionality and contribute to long-term value and success of a development.
What’s more, they help to create good first impressions and boost kerb appeal with potential buyers. A YouGov survey revealed that a staggering 68% of homebuyers prioritise kerb appeal when searching for their dream home, whilst research by Evolution Money revealed that 30% of buyers are willing to pay an extra £5,000 or more for a property that looks good on the outside.
Furthermore, the need for effective Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) has never been more urgent. According to the Institution of Civil Engineers, planning applications in England are twice as likely to be delayed or blocked due to SuDS design compared to Wales (60% vs. 30%), underlining the importance of early and integrated planning. Nowadays, products are designed with sustainability in mind, supporting the delivery of SuDS-compliant solutions that can ease planning hurdles and futureproof developments.
Economic headwinds and material costs
Economic uncertainty also casts a shadow over the sector. The ONS shows that construction output fell by 0.2% in January 2025, following a similar dip in December 2024. Although output grew by 0.4% over the quarter, it was driven by a modest 1.4% increase in new work, indicating fragile momentum.
Price volatility adds to the strain. As of January 2025, The Department for Business & Trade suggested that materials costs were expected to rise between 3% and 8%, putting further pressure on margins across the supply chain. For merchants, installers, and manufacturers, this means careful cost management and planning are essential, especially if housing demand increases rapidly this year.
Planning system bottlenecks
The planning system is another critical factor. Recent government stats indicate that less than one-third of local authorities have adopted a local plan in the past five years, creating a bottleneck that hinders development. Even with political will, meaningful reform takes a considerable amount of time, whilst Labour’s targets hinge on accelerating these processes swiftly and effectively.
Local authorities themselves are sceptical, with some describing the targets as “absolutely impossible”. Without consensus and collaboration across all levels of governance, the plan risks stalling before it starts.
A call for pragmatism and partnership
At Bradstone, we support the drive for more homes, but we recognise that ambition must be balanced with pragmatism. Achieving Labour’s housebuilding targets requires more than political resolve, as it demands a coordinated effort across the supply chain, investment in skills, streamlined planning, and a commitment to quality and sustainability.
As suppliers, we are ready to play our part. But for these targets to become a reality, the groundwork must be laid today. Only then can we build not just more houses, but better communities with lasting value for homeowners, developers, and society alike.