"London's homebuilding crisis: why planning isn't the problem"

A significant milestone as the Housing Bill passes its final stage in the Scottish Parliament. Importantly, mid-market and build-to-rent properties will be exempt from rent controls after investors said this would hinder new development. This graph, from the BBC, really demonstrates why we must urgently prioritise building new homes in Scotland 👇 Link: https://lnkd.in/e6pYsZCM

The wicked problem of housebuilding needs bold solutions. Emma Duncan in the The Times hits the nail on the head. For just over 30 years (since the 1993 version of PPG3) we have asked the house builders (a privately financed profit based industry) to finance and deliver public good - in the form of affordable housing and public and social infrastructure. That’s not to say that the private sector shouldn’t pay its way and make its contribution - but to ask it to meet the entirety of public infrastructure delivery is unrealistic. The forthcoming adjustments in what will be required by the GLA in London are a necessary rebasing and rebalancing and will hopefully act as a stimulus to restarting development and investment activity in stalled sites that is needed if we are to achieve the economic and multiplier effects required by the UK economy. As Emma Duncan says: “Developers are not building because costs have increased by 17 per cent over the past three years, while prices have increased by 1 per cent. Viability varies around the country: according to a recent report by Zoopla, in half of England they can’t make money building houses.” https://lnkd.in/eUijemxr

Oregon’s new housing bills could shape Portland’s housing market 🏡 in exciting new ways. Check out what Windermere Real Estate economist, Jeff Tucker, had to say about it in the Portland Business Journal with his article: Portland’s housing reforms are a step forward, but are they enough? If you don’t have a PBJ subscription…here’s the quick take on Jeff Tucker’s piece: - Oregon passed housing reforms to speed permitting, expand middle housing, and support condo/modular builds. - This brings real progress, but financing, local delays, and slower economic growth limit immediate impact. - Long term, these changes set the stage for stronger housing supply when the market rebounds. Let us know your thoughts! And while you’re at it, consider subscribing to the PBJ for valuable insights that connect policy changes to the broader economic realities of Portland’s future.

UK Housing Market Reality; Why Future-Proofing Matters More Than Ever... New ONS data reveals the UK housing reality families are facing in 2025: 📈 Average monthly rent: £1,348 (+5.7% annually) 🏠 Average house price: £270,000 (+2.8% annually) 💷 Regional variations: London rents at £2,253 vs North East at £745 With housing costs continuing to rise, families are making long-term decisions about where and how they live. This economic pressure is driving two key trends: 1. Staying Put Longer. - Families are choosing to adapt their current homes rather than move, making renovations and accessibility improvements worthwhile investments. 2. Multigenerational Solutions. -With average house prices at £292,000 in England, families are increasingly choosing to live together, sharing costs whilst maintaining independence. For architects and developers, this means designing homes that can evolve with changing family needs - from young families to ageing in place. The opportunity? Every home modification project is now seen through the lens of long-term value and functionality! How are housing costs affecting your design decisions? #UKHousing #FutureProofing #AccessibleDesign #HousingMarket #HomeAdaptation Source: ONS Private Rent and House Prices Bulletin, September 2025

Can UK housing deliver on profit, policy and purpose - all at once? At UKREiiF, we heard the reality: developers must deliver value to shareholders, not government goals. But what if the two aren't mutually exclusive? With renters staying 3–5 years and making more emotionally driven choices, quality design isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s essential. It reduces turnover, increases asset value, and builds homes that last. At LRG New Homes, we help developers find that sweet spot where conscious design meets commercial return. Because when homes are well designed, they don’t just sell - they stay lived in. 🔗Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/eNJKRtVx #UKHousing #NewHomes #DevelopmentStrategy #ConsciousDesign #LRGNewHomes

Scottish property industry welcomes passing of more 'collaborative' Housing Bill. Industry federation Director says Government's shift in approach has ended investment uncertainty and calls for it to continue working in partnership with the property industry #housingbill #scottishproperty #propertynews https://lnkd.in/eZVSiRg5

Rethinking how affordable housing is delivered in this country must be top of the list. The current system isn't delivering, here's why below. 👇📉🏗️🏢

The North East is changing — and investors are taking notice. For years, many dismissed the region due to “low growth” or tenant demand concerns. But the numbers now tell a very different story: ✅ 28.2% house price growth forecast by 2029 – outpacing much of the UK. ✅ 7 applicants per rental property – proving demand is fierce. ✅ Rental yields as high as 9.5% in Middlesbrough – outperforming London & the South East. ✅ Billions in regeneration – from Teesworks to Blyth, Hartlepool & Bishop Auckland. At KLAP Property Group, we believe these so-called “pain points” are really opportunities. Affordable entry prices, strong yields, and a future-proofed economy make the North East one of the UK’s most compelling investment markets today. 📖 I’ve broken it all down in our latest blog: The North East: Turning Perceived Pain Points into Profitable Opportunities. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eFsKgXYb If you’d like to dig deeper, join us at our bi-weekly webinar where we discuss strategies to leverage these opportunities. #PropertyInvestment #NorthEast #BuyToLet #RentalYields #Regeneration #KLAPPropertyGroup

An emergency package of measures is coming to London and we as a development sector should welcome the bravery of the Government and City Hall in getting on the front. Already some are breaking cover to raise concerns. Let's attempt some myth busting but also have a genuine debate as developers about the facts on the ground: 1) "These measures are designed to protect developer profits": Nope: developers and investors across the London market are taking significant losses on the majority of live schemes. The result of significant cost inflation, poorly timed regulatory interventions, time elongation and weak demand. Losses effect us all, it scares off fresh capital. It's not about profit, it's about giving the sector a chance to recover. Plus profit gets taxed and profit = growth. 2) "land is finite and we should maximise affordable housing on it". Yes land is finite but across the City there is a huge amount of brownfield land and much has been opened up by the brilliant Crossrail upgrade. There are over 200,000 homes consented but stuck. High density development can yield multiples more if we allow it the chance. Let us not let the perfect get in the way of the practical. 3) "developers will bank these less onerous consents and then sit on them until the market recovers." Nope - the measures are time limited and will encourage developers and builders to get shovels in the ground. 4) "the homes built won't be affordable". If we can get the incentives right many of these homes will be for rent. The GLA's own research shows that boosting supply will soften prices. Developments will still need to offer some affordable housing, but everyone recognises that the current thresholds create negative land value. Moreover, the UK state does not have the cash to build homes, it must encourage others to invest and take the risk. Surely something is better than nothing. Will these measures be a silver bullet? Say's law: supply creates its own demand. 📉🏢🏗️👀 Let's see, we all hope it will help.