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How the ENABLE Build Programme works

In this section:

The ENABLE Build programme aims to increase the availability of finance to UK SME house builders.

How it works

British Business Bank provide a guarantee to bank and non-bank lenders.

The British Business Bank operate the ENABLE Build programme on behalf of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The guarantee covers a proportion of losses on a portfolio of primarily development finance facilities. Delivery partners pay a fee for using the programme.

Banks

For banks, the guarantee frees up regulatory capital that can be used to increase lending.

Non-banks

For non-banks, the guarantee improves access to more efficient senior funding. 

Bank and non-bank lenders provide additional finance to SME house builders

Delivery Partners use the benefit of the guarantee to increase lending to SME house builders.

This additional lending capacity can be put towards doing more of the same or allow lenders to expand into new products and markets.

It may also be used to reduce the cost of borrowing for house builders or finance more sustainable developments.

More of the same

New products or markets

Reduced rates for borrowers

Sustainable developments

If you are a prospective Delivery Partner, you can apply for the scheme by following the Request for Proposals.

SME house builders use the finance to deliver more houses

The increased availability of finance for house builders results in developments being financed that may not otherwise have happened, ultimately leading to more houses being built.

SME house builders should apply to lenders as usual.

They cannot apply for the programme.

Current delivery partners

Impact to date

Over £900m

finance provided since 2020 (as at September 2024)

Over 4,500

units supported since 2020 (as at September 2024)

Total units financed

Housing is a devolved matter and so the ENABLE Build programme focusses on developments in England.

  • 801+

  • 701-800

  • 601-700

  • 501-600

  • 401-500

  • 301-400

  • 201-300

  • 0-200

Disclaimer: British Business Financial Services Ltd (BBFSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of British Business Bank plc. This ENABLE Build programme is funded and delivered by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) acting through its agent which is BBFSL. BBFSL carries out administrative and operational assistance to HM Government and, for the avoidance of doubt, does not provide any investment services or perform any investment activities on a professional basis.

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