Small housebuilders cannot play their pivotal part in solving the UK’s housing crisis unless they’re given better access to flexible development finance, Andrew Smith from Phoenix Funding says.

He says that SME developers are often overlooked in the national housing debate, despite being the best people to deliver smaller, regional and more complex sites that larger housebuilders and businesses won’t prioritise.

Andrew’s warning comes as the UK faces major pressure on housing delivery, with Savills estimating that we’re going to be 42% short of the Government’s target of 1.5m new homes in the next five years.

Smaller housebuilders now deliver just 9% of new homes, down from 40% in the 1980s, according to the Federation of Master Builders’ Small House Builders’ Survey 2025. The same research found that 47% of small builders see planning as their biggest constraint, while one third cite a lack of suitable sites, according to Federation of Master Builds.

Andrew says that if policymakers and the property industry are serious about increasing housing supply, they need to look beyond planning reform and land availability, and address the finance barriers that prevent smaller developers from getting viable schemes moving.

Andrew Smith, founder of Phoenix Funding, said:

“SME developers have a huge role to play when it comes to helping the UK Government hit its target. However, they currently can’t do that under the current terms, with many finance options remaining slow, over rigid and extremely inconsistent.

These are often the developers that’ll take on smaller sites that may be more complex, and local schemes that larger housebuilders won’t want to know, and may not prioritise.

The issue we currently face is not the lack of ambition, or viable projects. In many of these cases, the barrier is finding funding that’s able to accurately reflect the timeline, the risk, and the overall practical realities of the scheme.”

Andrew discusses a potential solution for the current problem, and how housebuilders can help the Government meet its 1.5m housing target by the year of 2028/29.

Andrew says many SME developers operate with tighter cashflow, smaller teams and less margin for delays than national housebuilders, making the speed and structure of finance critical.

He says delays in funding decisions, unclear lending criteria, rigid drawdown structures and a lack of appetite for complex projects can all hold back otherwise viable developments.

“If we’re serious about meeting the target that the Government has set, then we need a funding environment that gives smaller developers the confidence to, not only move quickly, but plan properly and bring projects to completion without any delays.

Small developers are often working on the sites that can make a huge difference to communities locally, whether this is a small residential scheme, a heavy refurbishment or infill plots, things that typically won’t suit the model of a major housebuilder.

However, these types of projects still need funding that understands the reality of the development. A lender needs to not only look at their setting-stone checklist, but also look at the quality of the scheme, the borrower’s previous history, the full exit plan and the timescales.

When funding takes too long, developers can lose sites, lose contracts, miss deadlines or even see massive increased costs before the work has even started. It doesn’t just hurt the developer, it’s killing the potential to help resolve the housing crisis here in the UK.”

Andrew suggests that better support is needed for SME developers, and this would help decrease the reliance on smaller groups of major housebuilders.

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Ariston, the UK’s market leader in thermal comfort, has expanded its range of air conditioners with the launch of its new monoblock split range, Prios Net.

The Prios Net range is Ariston’s first series of mountable air conditioning units, offering easy installation and a range of features that make it suitable for both residential and light commercial applications. Comprising an outdoor and indoor unit, the Prios Net uses R32 refrigerant to offer superb levels of efficiency and performance, contributing to a significant reduction in energy consumption and costs for the end user, without compromising on comfort.

Air conditioning units in the Prios Net range have an energy rating of up to A+++ and offer a COP of up to 4, giving them an outstanding sustainability rating. To help users save even further on energy bills, the units offer an ECO Mode feature to automatically set conditions, target temperature and fan speed when in cooling mode.

The units are equipped with a WiFi key to allow for easy smart control through the Ariston Clima app and come with a remote control for an elevated level of control. For added convenience, the air conditioning system has a unique Follow Me feature, using the remote control’s location to deliver precise temperature exactly where the user needs it.

Air conditioners in the Prios Net range have an AIRFLOW Comfort feature, automatically directing airflow upwards for cooling and downwards for heating and working with the natural circulation of air to maintain consistent temperatures. The units have 12 pre-set air flow speeds including TURBO, HIGH, MED, LOW and SILENCE so the user can easily select their desired temperature. For enhanced comfort, the air conditioning units are ultra silent for minimum noise disruption, operating at a level of 21dBa, and can be set to SLEEP Mode, automatically adjusting the operation of the indoor unit to make the room more comfortable at night and the mornings gentler. The DISPLAY OFF feature shuts the indoor unit’s display off to eliminate any light source, especially at night.

Both indoor and outdoor components on the Prios Net air conditioners are self-cleaning and offer advanced air purification to remove harmful gases and fine particles for cleaner air. This function also keeps the unit prepared for the next run and maintains a long-lasting high performance. The outdoor component is also rustproofed to ensure longevity and overall durability of the unit.

To cut down further on maintenance, Prios Net air conditioners also run self-diagnostics and continuous monitoring, shutting down the unit automatically in the event of a malfunction. After a power interruption, it resumes operation using the previous settings including mode, temperature, fan speed and flap position.

Edoardo Pauletta, Country Manager at Ariston commented: “We’re delighted to launch our new Prios Net range, offering our customers a better choice when it comes to heating and cooling their homes using renewable technology.

“Air conditioning units in this range offer an outstanding level of efficiency without compromising on quality, helping users save energy costs while contributing to a greener future. The range of features make it extremely user-friendly and easy installation allows us to continue our commitment to supporting installers.”

For more information on Ariston’s range of solutions, including the Prios Net range, visit: www.ariston.com/en-uk/ Or explore our profile on NBS source: Ariston Group UK Ltd | Overview | NBS Source.

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Regional homebuilder Allison Homes is celebrating the success of its apprenticeship scheme, as it prepares to welcome a new intake to its East and Central regions.

Allison Homes launched its apprenticeship scheme in 2021 and has since trained over 30 apprentices in various trades. As part of the scheme, the developer has formed close partnerships with several colleges, including University Academy Holbeach, Grantham College, Norwich College and colleges within Inspire Education Group, such as Peterborough College and Stamford College, where the housebuilder is also a sponsor of the innovative Modern Methods of Construction Centre.

Last year, a group of six bricklaying and carpentry apprentices joined the company, reinforcing its commitment to developing young talent and tackling the skills shortages within the industry. Earlier this year, apprentice Leoni McDougall won the regional heat of the Guild of Bricklayers Championship, and has now progressed to the national finals in Leeds, taking place this June.

Former apprentice Leland Moore has also recently returned to the company as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager, demonstrating how impactful the scheme can be.

To select the next intake of apprentices, Allison Homes hosted an apprentice selection day for the second consecutive year, after seeing great success in 2025.

On the day, a group of 13 students were welcomed to the company’s Peterborough head office, where they were given a tour and received talks from construction managers, allowing them to learn all about Allison Homes, the wider construction industry and the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship.

Following the event, five new students have been selected to start an apprenticeship this September, including Kian Bassett from Norwich College. The apprentices will be working on developments across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, enabling them to learn on the job and see first-hand how homes are built from the ground up.

Zoe Evans, HR Director at Allison Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our apprenticeship scheme and always strive to find new, exciting ways to encourage young people to consider construction as a viable industry. Across the business, we’re incredibly committed to investing in young talent and teaching them the essential skills they need to build fulfilling careers.

“Our first apprentice selection day in 2025 was a huge success, so we’re delighted to have hosted the event again this year for new students to tour our office and see what we’re all about. We’re now looking forward to welcoming the next cohort of apprentices, helping to inspire and support the next generation as much as possible.”

Learning at Work Week highlights the importance and benefits of continual learning and development. To find out more, visit https://www.learningatworkweek.com/.

To find out more about Allison Homes, visit https://allison-homes.co.uk/.

For information on starting a career with Allison Homes, visit https://allison-homes.co.uk/careers/.

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JCB has launched a brand‑new backhoe loader designed to boost the market and give the next generation of business owners an affordable way to get started – and all for £55,000.

Key features of the machine include:

• JCB 3.0 Litre Stage V, 55kW (74hp) engine, no requirement for DEF (Adblue)
• 0 cu.m. 6-in-1 shovel with integrated forks
• Sideshift with extending dipper
• Seat mounted servo excavator controls
• Single servo loader controls with de-bog functionality
• Return to Dig loader functionality
• Air conditioning and LED work lights
• Livelink for maximum security and maintenance monitoring

When JCB launched the world’s first backhoe loader in 1953, it heralded the beginning of thousands of one-man firms around the world, mechanising tasks previously done by hand.

Now a brand new 3CX Sitemaster with a price tag of £55,000 – or from £271 per week through JCB Finance  – is being launched to give today’s start-up owners a new solution to set up in business, as well as offering hire companies an attractive, cost-effective addition to their fleets.

The 55kW/74hp machine will come in one fixed high specification, with a comfortable cab and servo controls. With no requirement DEF (Adblue) it provides a highly fuel-efficient machine positioned alongside JCB’s popular 3CX Plus and 3CX Pro models, which come with an 81kW/109hp engine, six speed auto shift transmission and Torquelock. Dual Drive is also standard on the PRO models saving machine repositioning time and operator effort.

For increased flexibility of the excavator, the new 3CX  has single and double acting auxiliary hydraulic circuits fitted as standard, to operate attachment such as breakers and tilting grading buckets.

JCB Sales Managing Director Tim Burnhope said: “JCB’s backhoe loader range is already very well accepted around the world, which is the reason why we have remained the global market leader for this product for more than 30 years.

“The launch of the new 3CX Sitemaster is another milestone in the development of the JCB backhoe range because it offers a cost-effective alternative that will deliver an exceptional return on investment and open up new market opportunities in the UK and Europe.

“The new JCB 3CX Sitemaster will be particularly appealing to customers who currently operate an eight-tonne excavator and a dumper, because the new 3CX Sitemaster can replace multiple machines with one highly versatile solution. Its comfort, ease of maintenance and fantastic return on investment also make the new JCB 3CX Sitemaster a perfect solution for rental companies.

“One of the other exciting prospects for this machine is the opportunity it offers people to start their own business by investing in a backhoe loader.”

New 3CX Sitemaster

The new machine boasts a single, high specification, providing customers with a comfortable air-conditioned cab, a six-in-one shovel with forks, an extending dipper arm, a return-to-dig function and JCB’s Smooth Ride System (SRS), delivering loader arm suspension for improved ride and load retention when driving at higher speeds. The 3CX Sitemasater has servo controls as standard, with the transmission control in the front loader lever for ease of use, making it familiar to operators using wheeled loaders.

The machine is powered by JCB’s proven 3.0-litre 55kW/74hp diesel engine, delivering 440Nm of torque and meeting the EU Stage V emissions standards with no requirement for DEF (Adblue). This drives through a four-speed manual gearbox, offering a maximum travel speed of up to 40kph. The combination offers reduced service and maintenance costs, with easy access for daily checks and to all filters and fill points, cutting downtime and total cost of ownership for customers.

The new 3CX delivers the ideal specification for new entrants to the market, keen to maximise the potential of this multi-purpose excavator, loader and tool carrier. It also provides a cost-effective replacement machine for existing fleets and for smaller businesses operating older backhoe loader models.

The 3CX Plus

Those companies looking for additional performance, productivity and operator comfort will turn to the popular 3CX Plus. Powered by an 81kW/109hp, 4.8-litre JCB DieselMax engine, the machine directs 516Nm of torque through a six-speed Autoshift transmission with a Torque Lock facility, delivering a maximum travel speed of 40kph.

The 3CX Plus is available with a choice of manual or servo controls and customers can tailor the machine to their individual requirements. A premium cab incorporates various automated functions, to reduce operator effort and improve productivity. The backhoe loader is offered with a choice of tyres and can be specified with optional hose reel, EasyForks and hydraulic quick hitches.

The 3CX Pro

The ultimate 3CX experience can be found in the 3CX Pro Dual Drive. Designed for users that demand maximum productivity and those operators looking for the highest level of comfort and controllability, the 3CX Pro is also powered by the 81kW/109hp diesel engine, driving through a six-speed Autoshift transmission with Torque Lock. Maximum speed is raised to 50kph, for ultimate roading capability, reducing time between job sites.

Servo controls are standard and the 3CX Pro is the only model to be offered with JCB’s innovative Dual Drive system. Dual Drive allows the operator to rotate the seat and to drive the machine while facing to the rear, simplifying repositioning when trenching and earthmoving like using a wheeled excavator, reducing fatigue for the operator.

The 3CX Pro has JCB’s Premium cab, that can be personalised further, with the option of premium tyres and a range of additional equipment, such as Hose Reels, EasyForks and hydraulic quick hitches.

Quick Specifications:

 For more information on the JCB 3CX Sitemaster visit JCB Home | JCB Machines & Equipment | JCB

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Kudos has introduced an alternative glass option to its showering panel collection. Ultimate Reeded, available from mid-April 2026, adds vintage charm to the bathroom setting, perfectly balancing privacy and light. The new panels obscure views with their ribbed styling while allowing soft, diffused light to filter through.

Ultimate Reeded glass panels make a bold statement in bathroom design. Whilst these new 8mm panels create a reeded illusion, they are manufactured with a flat surface to ensure easy cleaning and offer a stylish alternative to the ultimate coloured and clear glass options. Available in 5 flat panel sizes, all 1950mm in height, with a foldaway deflector panel option to prevent spray outside the enclosure. They are available in eight colour profiles (Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Brass, Brushed Nickel, Polished Gold, White, Brushed Gun Metal, and Brushed Copper), Lifeshield easy-clean glass coating, and a lifetime guarantee.

Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK. Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk.

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Window and door sealant tape specialist ISO Chemie is investing further in supporting the house building sector with a new exhibition at a showroom dedicated to Passivhaus principles, sustainable innovation, and smart eco-living. 

The move will see a permanent showroom at Home by Milestone – The Passivhaus Centre of Excellence in Matlock, Derbyshire, enabling the company to showcase its thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system WINFRAMER Type 1 and Hybratec multi-functional joint sealing tapes and the easy-to-use and energy efficiency saving benefits these systems provide.

Also showing will be BLOCO One high performance window sealing tape and the ISO-TOP construction sheets, which are a beneficial addition to WINFRAMER, offering a rapid and effective solution for boarding out the inside of the fenestration reveal section following installation of the window.

Home by Milestone is a display space that’s been created as a fully realised experience designed to feel like home. Visitors can meander through curated living spaces that showcase sustainable materials, renewable technologies, and intelligent systems designed for future homes with every detail reflecting a commitment to quality, comfort, and conscious living.

A key feature of ISO Chemie’s investment will be to provide advice on effective fenestration installation techniques – displaying sustainable energy sealing solutions shows how advanced tape technologies allow windows to be installed in the insulation areas, overcoming thermal bridges.

A large amount of heat is lost from a building through the gap between the windows and the surrounding wall, as thermal imagery clearly shows. This gap is necessary to allow for the natural expansion of the window frame throughout the year, what isn’t necessary, however, is the loss of heat.

Both doors and windows account for almost a quarter (21%) of the total air loss of the average house, and adding the joints between walls, floors and ceilings brings the figure up to 50%. Many argue that airflow is desirable, however Andy Swift explained that you can eliminate 50% of heat loss while still retaining some natural air flow.

The statistics illustrate that in most residential properties, heat losses are overwhelmingly replaced by artificial heating rather than through solar energy or internal warmth. This means that reducing heat losses in the home is paramount in the battle to lower energy consumption.

Visitors to ISO Chemie at Home by Milestone will be able to advance their understanding of airtightness and related issues, said Andy Swift, ISO Chemie’s UK sales and operations manager, enabling Passivhaus specifiers to improve the design of their buildings and technical expertise.

He added: “Unfortunately, thermal sealing around windows is not specified by law in the UK. That is why ISO-Chemie, whose gap-sealing tapes and solutions provide effective resistance against heat loss, is highlighting the issue through support for initiatives like this exhibition.

“It’s part of our strategy to educate all involved in window and door specification about energy efficient improvement solutions in the UK – up to 70% cost savings can be achieved when using these tapes for high performance window sealing, rather than the current three component systems.”

More at https://www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/

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Daikin, the global leader in heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutions, has significantly expanded its portfolio of Quiet Mark certified products, with a series of key solutions now recognised for their industry-leading acoustic performance.

The latest additions include the Daikin Multi+ system, Perfera and Stylish wall-mounted indoor units, and a selection of advanced air purifiers. These join the already certified Daikin Altherma 3 High Temperature (HHT) heat pump, further strengthening Daikin’s position as a leader in quiet, high-performance climate solutions.

The newly certified range, as of 31 March 2026, includes:

Daikin Multi+
Daikin Perfera wall-mounted unit
Daikin Stylish wall-mounted unit
Daikin Air Purifier (MC30YB)
Daikin Air Purifier (MC55VB)
Daikin Air Purifier with humidification (MCK55W)
Daikin Altherma 3 High Temperature (HHT)

Testing for Sound 

Each product has undergone rigorous independent testing by Quiet Mark experts and has been recognised for delivering exceptional acoustic performance, helping to create calm and comfortable indoor environments.

With growing awareness around the impact of noise pollution on health and wellbeing, low sound operation is becoming an increasingly important factor in building design and product specification. Excessive noise has been linked to disrupted sleep, reduced productivity and increased stress levels, reinforcing the need for quieter indoor technologies.

The expansion of Quiet Mark certification across Daikin’s range reflects a continued commitment to designing solutions that balance performance, efficiency and user comfort.

Powerful and Quiet Performance

The Daikin Multi+ system represents a major milestone within this latest certification, combining heating, cooling and hot water from a single outdoor unit. Designed for residential applications where space, efficiency and comfort are critical, the system delivers powerful performance while maintaining exceptionally low noise levels.

Similarly, the Perfera and Stylish wall-mounted units have been recognised for their ability to provide efficient climate control with minimal sound output, making them ideal for living spaces, bedrooms and home offices where acoustic comfort is essential.

The Quiet Mark certification builds on the established credentials of the Daikin Altherma 3 HHT heat pump, which has already been recognised for its whisper-quiet operation alongside its ability to deliver low-carbon heating and hot water.

Hamid Salimi, Residential Product Manager at Daikin said: “We recognise that creating comfortable indoor environments is about more than just temperature, it’s also about sound. Achieving Quiet Mark certification across such a broad range of products demonstrates our commitment to delivering solutions that support both physical comfort and overall wellbeing.

“The addition of Multi+ and our indoor units is particularly significant, as it allows homeowners and specifiers to choose integrated systems that perform efficiently while maintaining an unobtrusive presence within the home.”

Poppy Szkiler, CEO Founder at Quiet Mark said: “Noise is a key factor in how we experience products in our homes. Quiet Mark’s latest YouGov national noise survey released this month shows that more than half of consumers (57%) say independent noise certification would increase their trust when considering a heat pump purchase. This highlights a growing demand for clearer, more reliable guidance when investing in new home technologies; 61% surveyed are concerned about a heat pump’s potential noise output.

Daikin’s Quiet Mark Certification achievement across its current and new heat pump ranges provides trusted third-party expert assurance to consumers and specifiers regarding leading lowest-noise performance.”

For more information, visit: http://www.daikin.co.uk

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Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, and Prosperity Group have teamed up to deliver the world’s largest Zero Bills site to date, where residents won’t pay a penny for their home energy for at least 10 years.

The first of the 300 Zero Bills homes at the record-breaking site in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, are due to be completed in 2028, with tenants expected to move in later that year.

Launched in 2022, Octopus’ Zero Bills is a world-first energy tariff that allows customers to move into homes packed with cutting-edge green tech – including a heat pump, battery and solar panels – with no home energy bills for at least 5-10 years, guaranteed.*

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the Future Homes Standard, which requires new homes to include technologies like heat pumps and solar panels – accelerating the shift towards homes that are cleaner, smarter and cheaper to run.

Demand for these technologies is climbing fast. New data from Octopus Energy shows heat pump sales up 103%, solar panel sales up 78%, and EV charger enquiries up 42%, as more Brits try to boost their energy independence.**

So far, Octopus has approved over 6,000 Zero Bills homes through partnerships with leading developers, covering affordable and private rent, plus private and shared ownership properties.

Octopus Energy aims to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany, France, New Zealand, and the UK.

Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director, Octopus Energy, said: “We’re finding ourselves in yet another energy crisis, and households are looking for ways to protect themselves from unpredictable energy prices. Living without a home energy bill is no longer a distant ambition – it’s a reality thanks to our Zero Bills tariff.

“This partnership with Prosperity Group is a big step forward – together, we’re bringing Zero Bills living to hundreds of homes and showing what’s possible when smart tech is built in from day one.”

Joe Billingham, Chairman, Prosperity Group, said: “Our focus has always been on delivering high-quality, forward-thinking developments for both our investors and customers.

“Working with Octopus Energy allows us to integrate cutting-edge technology that not only enhances the living experience but also supports long-term investment performance.

“With increasing regulatory pressure around EPC standards and tighter requirements on the horizon, schemes like this offer a clear route to future-proofing assets from day one, while meeting the growing demand for sustainable, energy-efficient homes.”

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With the Future Homes Standard now formally announced, the UK has taken a decisive step toward electrified heating in all new homes. Heat pumps will become the norm, and this is a significant milestone in decarbonising housing – but are we optimising these systems to work intelligently within the wider energy network? 

The government is getting increasingly serious about building a connected energy system, one that works better for everyone.

Recent initiatives, including the Energy Digitalisation Framework, and the Clean Power Action Plan, set a clear direction of travel, a more data-driven, interoperable and lower-carbon electricity system by 2030.

At the same time, the UK now has several important policies in place for homes: the Future Homes Standard for new builds, the Warm Homes policy for existing housing, and emerging governance around Smart Secure and Interoperable Energy Smart Appliances (SSES). Taken together, these frameworks provide the foundations for a modern, flexible energy system.

The question is no longer whether the policy exists, but whether it is aligned around the technology needed to make it work.

The UK has spent the last decade focusing on fabric-first improvements – better insulation, better glazing, better walls. That approach made sense when reducing heat loss was the primary challenge, but the system has moved on.

Electrification without optimisation is becoming the new bottleneck. As homes shift to electric heating and transport, the challenge is no longer just how much energy we use, but when and how we use it. We now need both approaches: fabric-first to reduce demand, and smart-first to manage it. At present, only one is consistently mandated.

Electricity demand is rising as households adopt electric vehicles, heat pumps and other low-carbon technologies. At the same time, more of our generation is coming from intermittent renewables such as wind and solar. This combination creates a new challenge: matching supply and demand in real time without overloading the grid. Without a more flexible and intelligent system, we risk inefficiencies, higher system costs and potential strain on infrastructure during peak periods.

Heat pumps are central to the UK’s decarbonisation pathway and, under the Future Homes Standard, will be required in new builds. But it stops short of mandating smart energy-management controls specifically for heat pump optimisation. Without optimisation, heat pumps behave as static electrical loads added to an already constrained grid. With smart controls, they become flexible assets capable of shifting demand in time without affecting comfort.

One of the most promising ways to address this gap is through Demand Side Response (DSR) and wider demand flexibility services. These allow electricity use to be adjusted temporarily to help balance the grid, while unlocking savings for consumers. Demand flexibility is not new. Grid operators have used it for decades at an industrial scale. What is changing is the opportunity to extend it into homes at scale.

Ofgem estimates that up to 60GW of flexibility from low-carbon technologies will be required by 2050. Achieving this will depend on automating high-power household assets such as heating systems.

The solution already exists in the market. Smart controls, such as the Passiv Smart Thermostat, can automatically respond to signals from the energy system. They reduce or shift demand when the grid is under pressure, while using preheating strategies to maintain comfort in the home.  This turns flexibility into something invisible for the user, but valuable for the system.

As heating systems evolve, households are shifting from passive consumers to active participants in the energy system – often described as ‘prosumers’. This creates new opportunities for households to benefit financially from flexibility, particularly through time-of-use tariffs and carbon-aware optimisation. These smart controls can do exactly that.

The UK now has the building blocks of a low-carbon, smart and flexible energy system, but the challenge is alignment. If the Future Homes Standard, Warm Homes policy and SSES framework were more tightly aligned around smart controls and automated optimisation, the impact would be significant: heat pumps would be flexible from day one, households would save energy automatically, and the grid would be better able to absorb renewable energy.

The UK’s energy transition is no longer just about building cleaner homes or installing cleaner technologies. It is about using energy more intelligently. Smart controls and automated flexibility are not a future concept – they are the missing layer that allows today’s policies and technologies to work together effectively.

 By Ian Rose, Sales & Strategy Director at Passiv UK 

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Why building more homes isn’t enough, we need to build smarter

As Scotland continues to grapple with housing supply challenges, much of the conversation has rightly focused on increasing the number of homes being delivered. While that is clearly essential, it is only part of the solution.

With sustained pressure on housing supply, there is a growing need to consider not just how many homes we build, but how well those homes work for the people living in them. Making better use of space within each property is becoming increasingly important, particularly as buyer expectations continue to evolve and conflict with an ever-challenging financial landscape.

Affordability remains one of the defining factors shaping the market. Buyers are increasingly working within fixed budgets and, in many cases, around key LBTT thresholds, which places greater emphasis on getting maximum value from every purchase. At the same time, the absence of schemes such as Help to Buy means many first-time buyers are approaching the market with a longer-term mindset from the outset.

Rather than planning to move again in a few years, buyers are looking for homes that will continue to meet their needs over time. That shift is influencing not just what people can afford, but what they are willing to consider.

As a result, priorities are evolving. Buyers are becoming less focused on traditional layouts and more interested in how a home functions in practice. Flexibility, adaptability and long-term usability are increasingly seen as essential, rather than desirable.

This is where design has an important role to play. Multi-level living provides a clear example of how space can be used more effectively. By building across three levels rather than two, it is possible to deliver significantly more usable living space without increasing the overall footprint. In a context where land availability and planning constraints are ongoing considerations, that efficiency becomes increasingly valuable.

Importantly, the benefits are not just about maximising space, but about how that space functions. Homes are now expected to support a wide range of needs, from family life to work and everything in between. A multi-level layout allows for a more natural separation of space, helping households create distinct areas for different aspects of daily life while remaining under one roof.

The additional third floor is a key part of this. It provides extra space from the outset, without the need for future renovation or extension. That space can be used in a variety of ways, offering a greater sense of privacy for visiting family or an older child, offering a level of flexibility that is becoming more sought-after for modern multi-generational households.

It can also provide a dedicated workspace, whether to accommodate more hybrid or remote working styles, or as a base for a small business. Having that flexibility within the home can offer additional convenience and, in some cases, a potential source of income without the need to rent separate premises.

In many cases, it reflects the kind of additional space buyers might otherwise look to create themselves over time. Having it built in from day one not only reduces the need for future investment, but also supports longer-term living, something that is becoming more important as the cost and complexity of moving home continues to rise.

As the housing market continues to evolve, there is an opportunity to think more broadly about how we approach new homes. Increasing supply remains critical, but so too does ensuring that the homes we build are designed to meet real, long-term needs.

Smarter design, more efficient use of space and a greater focus on flexibility will all play a role in delivering homes that work harder for the people who live in them. Building more homes is essential, but building better, more adaptable homes is what will ultimately make a lasting difference.

By Lynsey Jackson, Sales Manager at Cruden Homes

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