Development Viability
Understanding the conditions that allow housing to be delivered.
Development viability sits at the centre of housing delivery. It influences whether land comes forward, whether investment can be secured, whether planning permissions are implemented and ultimately whether homes are built.
Start Here
Across five essays, Nick Cuff explores the economics and realities of development viability, and why they sit at the heart of the housing debate. From supply and market conditions to regulation, smaller builders and the role of government, the series provides a foundation for understanding the wider viability issues explored throughout this section of Prop Views.
Latest Thinking
The latest articles explore development viability as an evolving issue. They examine current policy, market conditions, political decisions and industry developments as they happen.
Policy, Regulation and Planning
Every planning policy and regulatory requirement influences viability in some way. These articles explore how public policy enables and sometimes disables commercial decision-making and, ultimately, housing delivery.
The Economics of Delivery
Understanding the relationship between costs, values, finance and risk is essential to understanding why some developments proceed while others never leave the drawing board.
Small Builders, Small Sites
Smaller developers have long played an important role in housing supply, yet they often operate under very different constraints from volume housebuilders. This section explores the opportunities and challenges they face.
Capital, Investment and Risk
Development depends upon confidence as much as capital. Here we examine how investment decisions, market conditions and commercial risk influence the willingness to bring new housing forward.
Alternative Land and Delivery Models
Housing can be delivered in different ways. These articles explore alternative approaches to land ownership, partnerships and delivery models that seek to improve both viability and long-term outcomes.
