The Prosper UK Housing Commission, chaired by Gavin Barwell, has called for a three-year pause on new regulation affecting developers, alongside a commitment to rule out rent controls. Its report argues that housing delivery is being constrained by both buyer affordability and developer viability, and proposes measures spanning planning, demand support, and build-to-rent investment.
The redevelopment of the former Greater Manchester Police headquarters in Old Trafford has been revised upward to 1,400 homes, with a planning application expected this month and completion now forecast before the end of 2034. The scheme includes a 25% affordable housing commitment, but the report highlights viability pressure and suggests public sector funding support may be needed.
The article reports concerns that the government may reduce funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a subsidy supporting heat pump and biomass boiler installations. Industry figures warn that any cut could weaken consumer demand, disrupt contractor investment, and slow wider retrofit activity linked to heating upgrades.
The Prosper UK Housing Commission has published a blueprint aimed at improving housing supply and affordability by addressing declining demand and the viability of housebuilding. It argues that rising regulatory costs, taxes and planning burdens are undermining development, and calls for reforms including a freeze on regulatory burdens, changes to section 106, and a new national planning service.
The Law Society Property Conference 2026 focused on digitalisation in conveyancing, an update to the National Conveyancing Protocol, and the government’s planned reforms to home buying and selling. Speakers also discussed the opportunities and risks of AI, alongside wider issues such as leasehold reform, HM Land Registry processes and the move away from paper-based transactions.
The article criticises a Government proposal to shorten the qualifying period for Empty Dwelling Management Orders from two years to six months, arguing that this would significantly expand state intervention in privately owned empty homes. It notes that existing powers already allow councils to address derelict or problematic properties and suggests the policy would raise concerns about property rights and proportionality.
The Prosper UK Housing Commission has published a report arguing that England’s housing crisis is being driven by both weak demand and poor scheme viability, and that both issues must be addressed together. It says rising build costs, flat prices and regulatory, policy and tax burdens are constraining delivery, while planning permissions have fallen to their lowest level since 2013 and temporary accommodation remains at record levels.
The article reports that nearly four in ten London flats resold at a nominal loss after being held for five to ten years, the highest proportion in Great Britain. It also notes that flat values remain under pressure in parts of the market, with building safety, cladding and service charges cited as factors influencing buyer, seller and lender behaviour.
The article highlights renewed scrutiny of the leasehold sector, noting that service charges are rising. It also states that there are almost 5 million leasehold properties in the UK, underscoring the scale of the tenure affected.
A report chaired by Gavin Barwell recommends that the government freeze regulatory burdens for three years in order to stimulate the housing market and support new development. The article says the group views current regulations as a significant barrier to delivery.
McLaren has received Gateway 2 approval for the next phase of the Ebury Bridge housing scheme opposite Chelsea Barracks. The phase is reported to include 330 homes as part of a wider £350m development.
Preston City Council has approved a permanent car park use for the former Odeon Cinema site on Church Street, while also supporting future redevelopment hopes for the wider Stoneygate area. The committee also approved a 60-home scheme east of Tabley Lane, subject to a Section 106 agreement, and a storage unit conversion at School Lane.
