Homes England has partnered with United Trust Bank (UTB) to launch a £250m fund intended to support small- and medium-sized builders with development finance at up to 70% Loan to Gross Development Value.
The Housing Accelerator Fund will provide construction loans of between £1m and £10m, and it is hoped that the partnership will improve access to finance for smaller builders and drive diversification within the housing market.
Gordon More, chief investment officer at Homes England, said: “The Housing Accelerator Fund is open for business from today.
“In line with Homes England’s commitment to support SMEs, it will help smaller builders get on and build now, as well as improve the lending landscape for SMEs by driving competition in the market, improving choice and encouraging innovation.
“United Trust Bank have consistently supported housebuilders of all sizes and are an experienced and capable lender.
“We’re pleased to be collaborating with them on this long-term partnership and look forward to seeing the fund support the delivery of new homes across the country.”
Noel Meredith, executive director, United Trust Bank, said: “SME housebuilders have a vital role to play in delivering the UK’s new housing needs and UTB has amassed considerable experience helping such businesses to complete thousands of successful developments.
“This is an exciting new partnership with Homes England which will make a real difference to both long established and newly formed development companies requiring competitive funding and the long-term support of a knowledgeable and experienced specialist lender.
“This alliance will help to reinvigorate and increase diversity in the SME housebuilding sector, and boost housing supply in areas under the greatest affordability pressures.”
‘Win-win’
Housing minister Christopher Pincher said: “It is a top priority for this government to build the homes this country needs, and it is vital for our economic recovery that we support as many as possible within the house-building industry to deliver these homes.
“I welcome the announcement of the alliance between Homes England and United Trust Bank – this is win-win.
“It will not only support our commitment to build more homes, but also give smaller developers easier access to finance.”
Image: TFoxFoto/Shutterstock
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