What happened at Housing 2025?

What happened at Housing 2025?

Housing 2025 felt like a pivotal moment for the built environment. Held in Manchester during the final week of June, the event brought together a powerful convergence of cross-industry voices, calling for greater collaboration in the interests of both the sector and the nation.

With key stakeholders from policy, planning, development, and technology in attendance, the message was clear and urgent: we must do better, together.  

Across the three-day agenda we witnessed honest, often challenging conversations about the state of national housing - focused not only on what must change, but also on the opportunities ahead.

If you missed the event or simply want a refresher - we’ve pulled together a recap of our favourite sessions.  

Check out some of our top agenda highlights below:

Building 1.5 million new homes across tenures

This panel tackled the government’s headline development figure: 1.5 million homes. But the conversation went far beyond the target figures - it centred on how to deliver housing that’s affordable, viable, and genuinely fit for the communities it’s meant to serve.

The panel included:

• Joanne Roney, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council

• Kate Josephs, Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council

• Andrew Heyes, Director of Development and Investment, Homes England

• Richard Meier, Founding Partner, Stories

• Claire Higgins, Chief Executive, Cross Keys Homes

Key takeaways:

Section 106 reform: Unlocking delivery through smarter policy

Reform of Section 106 was a recurring theme, with panellists highlighting that current mechanisms often don’t work effectively for smaller sites. This is particularly problematic for SME developers, who are vital to achieving national housing targets but face disproportionate barriers under the current system.

Alternative approaches such as payment-in-lieu schemes and more flexible agreements were discussed as ways to unlock housing delivery, especially on sites that might otherwise stall.

Viability and developer confidence

Viability remains a consistent barrier to progress, particularly in the context of planning uncertainty and frequent policy changes. These shifting conditions can erode developer confidence, slowing down much-needed housing delivery.

Speakers stressed the need for stronger leadership from the public sector to help de-risk development and create a more stable environment for investment.

The role of local authorities

Local authorities were identified as central to driving forward place-based strategies that reflect the unique needs of their communities. Councils like Manchester and Sheffield shared how their success stems from a deep understanding of local housing demand, enabling them to shape more responsive and effective planning policies.

Crucially, partnerships - with organisations like Homes England and other stakeholders - were cited as essential to turning these local visions into delivered projects.

Responding to intergenerational demand

New research from Trowers & Hamlins added an important layer to the conversation, showing that people are now becoming economically active in their early 20s but delaying homeownership until around age 32. This shift, combined with a rise in multi-generational living, highlights the growing need for housing types that better reflect the realities of modern family life.

Designing with flexibility, diversity, and longevity in mind will be key to meeting the demands of future generations.

Incorporating biodiversity and green infrastructure into housing developments

This session reframed the housing crisis as a wellbeing, environmental, and design challenge, not just a numbers game. As regulatory changes around Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) take effect, this panel urged developers to embed nature at the heart of their place-making, not just tape it on as an afterthought.

Panel speakers included:

• Olivier Harmer, Chief Officer, Strategy  

• Kunle Barker, Property Expert, Founder of Barker-Walsh

• Alan Stenson, Chief Executive, Neutral Carbon Zone

• Dr Delia Garratt. Chief Executive, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust

• James Glass, Director of NHG places, Notting Hill Genesis

Key takeaways:

Rethinking green development
It’s time to move beyond the outdated ‘garden city’ concept and embrace a more integrated, forward-thinking approach to green infrastructure. Well-designed natural spaces do more than beautify developments - they improve mental health, boost climate resilience, and increase property value.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is here to stay
Since the introduction of mandatory BNG in April last year, developers are now required to demonstrate measurable improvements to biodiversity once a project is completed. While we await final decisions and metrics from the government regarding BNG requirements for small sites, panellists were adamant that a cultural shift in development practices is already well underway. This shift is being refined in real time and is expected to continue shaping the sector, regardless of any updates to small site metrics. Tools like the Nature Restoration Fund could support this transition, particularly by helping streamline offsetting requirements.

Support for smaller developers
While large developers may have the resources to adapt, smaller firms need clearer guidance and support to meet new biodiversity regulations. Without it, they risk falling behind or relying too heavily on offsetting as a workaround.

Offsetting is not a silver bullet
Biodiversity offsetting can play a role in meeting environmental targets, but it should never replace good design. It must not become a loophole that allows nature to be treated as an afterthought.

Urban nature matters  too
Biodiversity isn’t just a rural concern - urban environments have a crucial role to play too. Greening our cities improves air quality, reduces flood risk, and creates healthier, more resilient communities.

Nature has tangible economic value
Investing in green infrastructure pays dividends. A single outlay can deliver multiple returns, from enhanced wellbeing to lower public health and climate adaptation costs, it’s also sought out by those buying a new home. In short, nature is not just a moral imperative, it's also a smart economic choice.

Final thoughts

We left Housing 2025 feeling both invigorated and inspired. The biggest takeaway from the sessions we attended? No single party or organisation can solve the housing crisis alone. What’s needed is a sector-wide cultural and mindset shift - collaborative, innovative, and future-focused - to deliver the homes we need, in the way we need them, now and in the years to come.

To get there, we need:

• Smarter planning and tech, underpinned by reliable data and inclusive engagement

• Policy reform to support SME developers and speed up delivery

• Place-first development, rooted in nature, local identity and long-term liveability

• Public-private partnerships that share risk, knowledge and accountability

Housing 2025 made it clear: if we want to meet housing demand, achieve climate goals, and build thriving communities, we must rewire how we plan, build, and collaborate.