Living UK Conference 2025: Sector Insights in a Challenging Market

A consistent theme throughout the conference was the challenging environment facing the sector. Across all asset classes, speakers highlighted familiar pressures: planning delays, regulatory complexity, and economic uncertainty, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming Autumn Budget. The Building Safety Act was frequently referenced, with many noting its impact on development timelines, compliance costs, and investor confidence and the continuing issue difficulty with Gateway 2.

In the PBSA sessions, there was cautious optimism. Student demand remains strong, and the sector continues to attract institutional interest. However, delivery is increasingly constrained by planning bottlenecks, rising costs and uncertainty over the Government’s policy direction with respect to Higher Education. Several speakers emphasised the importance of operational scale and the need for clearer policy frameworks to support future growth.

Co-Living was discussed as a sector with significant growth potential, particularly in urban areas where demand for flexible, community-oriented living is fast growing as the ability to buy your home in such areas becomes a distant dream for most people. However, planning frameworks have not kept pace with the evolution of the product and misconceptions about the residents and market remain. There was a general consensus that the sector is ready to mature but requires more consistent support from local authorities and policymakers. It was encouraging to see a number of local authorities in the room seeking to learn more which is a positive sign.

The Single Family and Multi-Family Housing panels focused on the investment case and delivery challenges. Rising debt costs, fragmented data, and inconsistent planning decisions were cited as major barriers.  Despite this, there was optimism around the potential for institutional capital to drive growth, provided the sector can improve coordination and streamline delivery.  Demand in the rental sector remains strong and will continue to rise, driven by the continued disposal of rental properties which reduces available stock. Around 50% of existing rental homes fall below an EPC rating of C and the impact of expected future regulation on energy efficiency, together with the Renters Rights Bill (which is likely to receive Royal Asset next month), may lead to a further tightening of supply.

In the Affordable Housing stream, recent government commitments (such as the £39bn Affordable Homes Programme and a ten-year rent settlement) were welcomed. However, many speakers stressed that funding alone is not enough. Delivery mechanisms, land availability, and public-private collaboration must improve to meet the scale of demand.

Senior Living was framed as both a social and economic priority. With the UK’s ageing population growing rapidly, the need for suitable housing is urgent. Planning and funding remain significant hurdles, but there is increasing momentum behind integrated care models and age-appropriate design. Several speakers called for political support, clearer policy direction and planning support to unlock progress and the customer perceptions of the sector.

Despite the challenges, the conference was constructive and forward-looking. There was a strong sense of shared purpose and a willingness to collaborate across sectors. Innovation, policy reform, and new delivery models were all seen as key to navigating the current climate.

As we await further clarity from the Autumn Budget, the Living UK Conference served as a timely reminder: the pressures and challenges may be mounting, but so too are the opportunities — especially if we can work together to unlock them.