The UK property sector is undergoing a transformative shift in the second half of the year (H2 2025). With the government backing SME builders through streamlined planning reforms and bridging finance demand surging, there’s a powerful convergence of policy and funding that small developers can’t afford to overlook.

For those ready to act, this moment offers unprecedented access to land, faster approvals, and highly tailored finance solutions.

What’s New in Planning Policy

Recent reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local plan guidance are creating a more agile, transparent, and developer-friendly environment. These changes particularly benefit smaller developments — typically under 10 homes — with simplified routes through planning and greater certainty for applicants.

Key updates include:

Fast-track decision-making for developments of 9 units or fewer
A new "medium-site" category (10–49 homes) with reduced red tape and levy burdens
Planning officers, not committees, deciding minor developments
Streamlined Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements for small schemes
Increased support for brownfield and infill development
Broader use of the National Planning Data Platform (NPDP) to digitise policy and site data

Together, these reforms are designed to empower SME and self-build developers to deliver more housing with less friction.

For a broader look at how government reform is shaping opportunities for SME housebuilders, read our earlier article: Government Reforms Empower SME Housebuilders.

Planning Data, Now Digitised

The National Planning Data Platform (NPDP), launched in beta in September 2022, is now central to this digital-first reform. It offers real-time access to planning constraints, land use policies, and historic approvals. For developers, this means quicker due diligence, smarter site selection, and fewer surprises during planning.

By putting powerful data in the hands of SME developers, NPDP makes planning faster, fairer, and more predictable.

Finance Market in Focus: Bridging & Development Finance in 2025

As planning reforms unlock new opportunities, developers need funding that moves just as quickly. Bridging finance is rising to meet that demand. In Q1 2025, bridging completions reached £2.8bn, holding steady from Q4 2024. Loan applications surged 55%, reflecting a growing appetite among developers and investors.

Surveys show that 36% of UK developers now use bridging loans, making it the single most-used financing tool for acquisition, planning gain, and project transitions. It’s especially crucial in this new planning environment where speed is essential.

How Onyx Money Supports Your 2025 Strategy

At Onyx Money, we understand the new landscape and the pressure to act fast.

We offer:

Bridging loans for site acquisition, auction purchases, and planning gain
Development finance for small-to-medium schemes aligned with current planning reforms
Pre-planning funding to support land deals and upfront feasibility

We don’t just lend; we partner. Our team collaborates with you to structure funding that complements your planning timeline, cash flow needs, and project scale.

Quick Case Example
A developer identifies a brownfield site ideal for a 9-unit infill project. Using NPDP, they validate constraints and planning precedent within hours. Onyx Money provides bridging finance to secure the site, followed by development finance once fast-tracked planning approval is granted. Construction starts in record time.

Act Now – H2 2025 is a Unique Window

With planning reform, digital innovation, and accessible finance converging, this is a pivotal moment for SME developers.

Opportunities that once took months of risk and red tape are now achievable in weeks — but only for those who move quickly. Let Onyx Money help you capitalise on this momentum with funding that matches your ambition.

Explore your options today...