Today’s Spending Review saw Chancellor Rachel Reeves deliver what she called a “rejection of austerity” - and for those of us in the world of property development, one line stood out loud and clear: £39 billion earmarked for social and affordable housing.
That’s a headline figure that should make every developer, promoter and housing association sit up and take notice.
A new era for housing investment?
Let’s be honest; we’ve all heard bold promises before. But £39 billion isn’t just political noise. It’s a significant, tangible commitment to solving the housing crisis, and it means one thing: more sites, more funding, and more urgency to get building.
With planning reforms also on the horizon and a Labour government keen to demonstrate real delivery, we expect to see more land brought forward for development, especially for schemes with strong social and affordable components. And that’s where things get interesting.
Social housing: good for communities AND good for developers
For years, affordable housing quotas have been a requirement. Now, they could become an opportunity. Whether it’s unlocking Grey Belt land, repurposing brownfield sites, or fast-tracking public-private partnerships, developers who can move quickly and demonstrate viability are going to be in a strong position.
But the window may not stay open for long.
This boost in funding could trigger increased competition for the best plots, particularly in urban and suburban areas with existing infrastructure. The faster you can find, assess and appraise potential sites, the more likely you are to win funding and planning approval.
How LandTech can help
At LandTech, we’ve been preparing for this shift.
Our platform helps you:
- Source opportunities faster, with smart filters for planning policy, constraints, ownership, and more.
- Assess viability in minutes, with tools for planning history, comparables, and financial appraisal.
- Collaborate across teams and stakeholders - from land promoters to HA partners.
In short, we help you make the most of market moments like this.
Final thought
This Spending Review is more than a spreadsheet exercise; it’s a signpost. £39 billion says housing is back on the agenda in a big way, and developers who are ready to act stand to benefit.
So if you're thinking about the next move for your pipeline, now might be the time to shift into gear.
