Access to funds for small house builders is improving, according to a recent survey.

The latest survey by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) shows access to finance for SME house builders is increasing.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said the house builders' survey showed "increased levels of participation" in house building by SME's.

"The FMB's 2015 House Builders' Survey shows increased levels of participation in house building by small builders, boosted by a buoyant housing market and Government moves to improve access to finance," he said.

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Mr Berry added: "However, it is still disappointing that nearly two thirds of builders cite difficulty in accessing finance as inhibiting their ability to deliver new housing. Too many small developers are being held back by banks' reluctance to lend for small scale development, which is stopping new building. Government initiatives, such as the Builders Finance Fund and Housing Growth Partnership, have helped ease the situation but it needs to continue to seek ways of encouraging the flow of finance into the SME sector.

"Some form of loan guarantees, or further well-judged interventions along the lines of the Housing Growth Partnership, would be helpful."

(LM)