Banking on the Future 10: Real estate in 2025 - Challenges, solutions & what’s coming next

The government’s ambitious goal of delivering 1.5 million homes within this parliamentary term is undeniably bold. Bob Weston, Chairman of Weston Homes, highlighted the need for significant action to meet demand, particularly given a 40% drop in housing output and a decline in first-time buyers due to limited mortgage support schemes.

Robert Mulryan, Director at Ballymore, emphasised that London, in particular, faces a steeper challenge, with construction starts down approximately 70% from the 10-year average. However, both experts expressed optimism that with the right policy changes and industry collaboration, the sector can regain momentum.

London remains a world-class city, but maintaining its appeal to high-net-worth individuals and businesses is crucial. Daniel Daggers, Founder of DDRE.Global, pointed out that London must compete more effectively for global talent and investment.

“The ultra-high-net-worth community is hypermobile,” he explained. “We need to create an environment that entices them to choose London over other global hubs.”

Daggers advocated for more supportive tax policies, streamlined entrepreneurial regulations, and enhanced AI capabilities to foster a thriving business environment.

Geeta Nanda, a leader in both affordable housing and private development, underscored the importance of making housing accessible to medium-income groups. “The demand for housing is massive, particularly in London. We need to innovate in how we fund and deliver affordable housing,” she said.

She highlighted the vital role housing associations play in affordability but noted that rising costs and financial pressures have limited their ability to build at scale. Her call to action? More efficient allocation of existing government funds rather than reliance on new funding sources.

The panel shared a range of solutions designed to boost housing supply and affordability, including:

Recapitalising Housing Associations: Redirecting funds to support building safety measures, freeing up resources for new development.

Simplifying Design Standards: Adjusting London’s design requirements to enable the construction of more affordable homes, better aligned with market demand.

Expanding Mortgage Availability: Introducing genuine 90% mortgage products to improve accessibility for first-time buyers.

Updating Shared Ownership Caps: Revising outdated income thresholds to reflect current market realities and allow more people to benefit.

Empowering Small and Medium Developers: Supporting smaller projects that can contribute to overall supply while waiting for larger developments to materialise.

Despite the challenges, the panel remained confident in London’s enduring appeal. Robert Elder, Senior Economist at the Bank of England, reassured attendees that the current government is committed to building more homes and is open to practical solutions from industry leaders.

London’s cultural and economic strengths remain a powerful draw. “60% of global music production happens in the UK. We have an incredible theatre district. The talent here is exceptional,” noted Daniel Daggers.

Robert Mulryan added a note of urgency: “London is one of the greatest cities in the world, but competition is fierce. We need to act decisively to maintain our position.”

The message from the panel was clear: the time for discussion has passed—it’s time for action. Addressing the housing crisis isn’t just about policy; it’s about people.

Geeta Nanda summed it up best: “We need to start making real, actionable changes.”

With the right strategies, collaboration, and commitment, the UK has the expertise and investment potential to create a thriving, inclusive housing market that works for everyone.