Small Sites for Small Builders
We are working to unlock the housing potential of small sites in London, boosting the city's housing supply and reviving the crucial role of small and medium-sized developers in delivering new homes.
The programme
We are working to unlock the housing potential of small sites in London, boosting the city's housing supply and reviving the crucial role of small and medium-sized developers in delivering new homes.
The program's main objectives are to:
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Bring small, publicly owned sites forward for residential-led development.
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Support new and emerging contributors in the market, including small builders, developers, small housing associations, and community-led housing groups.
Why we are focusing on small sites
The UK has seen a 38 per cent decline in homes built by small builders since the 1980s. To increase the speed and diversity of housing delivery, we need to reverse this trend.
Increasing the number of homes built on small sites is crucial for addressing housing shortages, and this approach is particularly beneficial because:
- Small sites move at roughly twice the speed through planning to construction when compared with large sites.
- Small Sites could provide up to 38 per cent of overall housing capacity by 2029.
- Small Sites promote diversity with a greater variety of homes in terms of type, size, and location, meeting a broader range of market demands.
What we have achieved so far
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70
sites released to the market since 2018.
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800
homes proposed on sites unlocked by the programme.
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16
acres of land released for housing.
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14
public landowners supported to bring sites to market.
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500
bids received from small builders on sites released.
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167
new homes completed.
Our support offer for public landowners and small builders
We provide a tailored, comprehensive service to help public landowners prepare their sites for development and to empower small and medium-sized builders to deliver much-needed homes.
London small sites portal and mailing list
Find out more about how you can use the online portal, template legal agreements and mailing list to either dispose of or acquire a small site.
Best practice in small sites delivery
Explore practical resources designed to support successful small site development. These best practices are tailored to help developers, planners, and local authorities streamline delivery, reduce risks, and maximize value on small site projects.
Knowledge sharing and market engagement events
Join our events to share your own expertise with the community, build valuable relationships, and contribute to a growing network committed to unlocking the potential of small sites.
Targeted funding
Our funding opportunities focus on early-stage due diligence to overcome site feasibility challenges and enable small site housing development. Previous rounds are now under contract, with a new funding prospectus expected in autumn 2025.
Spotlight on: innovative schemes and projects
There are many distinctive and progressive approaches to small sites housing delivery from the sector. These case studies highlight a few approaches that support and amplify the work of small builders and developers to deliver more of the housing London needs on small sites.
Beechwood Mews
A completed mixed tenure development by London Placemaking on land bought from TfL via the Small Sites Portal providing a mixed tenure housing development 50 per cent of which is affordable centred around a mews.
Sustainable Small Sites: A Developer and Builders Guide
The Sustainable Small Sites: A Developer and Builders' Guide brings together advice and insights on the delivery of sustainable homes on London’s small sites.
Inner Circle Consulting Planning Award for increased housing delivery
In partnership, LB Camden and Inner Circle have co-developed a robust risk assessment process for determining suitable delivery routes for the Council’s small sites, thereby boosting new home delivery.
Find out more about our work
Small Sites links to a wide range of Mayoral strategies and priorities in housing, regeneration, and planning.
Learn more