TerraQuest’s Head of Land talks viability with Property Week

New Year, New Viability?

Viability continues to define the outlook for developers as the industry enters a pivotal period for housing delivery. In a feature for Property Week, Jack Johnson, Head of Land at TerraQuest, explores why viability has become the sector’s most entrenched challenge - and what needs to change if housing ambitions are to be realised.

Speaking to Federation of Master Builders' Brian Ferry, Jack sheds light on the complex array of issues that continue to hold sites back. While planning reforms introduced following the 2024 general election have been welcomed by developers, delivery on the ground remains uneven. TerraQuest’s Planning Application Index shows a significant increase in housing applications through 2025, yet rising construction costs, land value expectations, access to finance, and infrastructure delays continue to limit completions.

In New Year, New Viability?, Jack examines how policy changes, market realities and infrastructure constraints are colliding - and why 2026 will be a decisive year for the industry.

Read the full article here: TerraQuest's Jack Johnson on why viability is a key housing challenge

For developers of all sizes, identifying deliverable sites early and understanding viability from the outset is critical. Through its land finding services, TerraQuest supports developers by combining planning insight, data-led analysis and early viability testing to help reduce risk and unlock sites with genuine delivery potential.