Business : Finance & Investment News
The Crown Estate acquires 100 Regent Street headlease

The Crown Estate acquires 100 Regent Street headlease

The Crown Estate has continued to enhance its West End portfolio with the acquisition of the headlease of 100 Regent Street from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate, for a purchase price of £95 million. The vehicle is jointly owned by a client of Federated Hermes Real Estate

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£100m pledge for Derby low-carbon energy network

£100m pledge for Derby low-carbon energy network

1Energy to bolster energy security and cut air pollution from buildings by 86%, project receives local support. The country’s leading low-carbon city heat network developer, 1Energy, has pledged £100m of private capital for a city-wide heat network for Derby at a high-profile event for the city’s leaders. This move follows the

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BCIS reveals five-year construction industry forecast

BCIS reveals five-year construction industry forecast

Building costs will increase by a predicted 14% over the next five years to 2Q2030, while tender prices will rise by 15% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work output is expected to grow by 18% between

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Funding secured for Digbeth Stone Yard development

Funding secured for Digbeth Stone Yard development

A major investment deal has been finalised to deliver nearly 1,000 high-quality rental homes at Digbeth development in Birmingham. Aviva Capital Partners and Moda Group have partnered with NatWest, Homes England, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to fund the £200m+ Stone Yard development—set to transform a prominent four-acre

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Bellrock Acquires Summers-Inman to Strengthen National Property Consultancy Presence

Bellrock Acquires Summers-Inman to Strengthen National Property Consultancy Presence

Facilities management specialist Bellrock has acquired Summers-Inman Construction and Property Consultants LLP, marking a strategic move to bolster its position within the UK’s property consultancy sector. The acquisition supports Bellrock’s ambition to become one of the UK’s top 15 building consultancy firms. Summers-Inman brings considerable expertise to the table, offering

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The Hill Group reports record financial results

The Hill Group reports record financial results

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has announced record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, marking its second consecutive year of historic growth. The company reported a turnover of £1.15 billion and a pre-tax profit of £90.5 million, completing more than 2,800 new homes across its operations. The

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Developers dip into £200bn land bank to bring more homes to market

Developers dip into £200bn land bank to bring more homes to market

The latest analysis by West One Loans, a leading provider of property finance and specialist mortgages, has revealed that the nation’s biggest housebuilders have been utilising their £200bn landbank to deliver more homes to market in the face of growing buyer demand spurred by improving market confidence and greater mortgage affordability.

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Latest Issue
Issue 331 : Aug 2025

Business : Finance & Investment News

The Crown Estate acquires 100 Regent Street headlease

The Crown Estate acquires 100 Regent Street headlease

The Crown Estate has continued to enhance its West End portfolio with the acquisition of the headlease of 100 Regent Street from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate, for a purchase price of £95 million. The vehicle is jointly owned by a client of Federated Hermes Real Estate and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments). Situated in the heart of Regent Street, the Grade II-listed building comprises over 53,000 sq ft of prime retail and office space. The Crown Estate already owns the freehold as part of The Regent Street Partnership; its longstanding joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). The acquisition enables the partnership to take direct control of the entire building, supporting a long-term strategy to invest in and evolve Regent Street. Plans will include enhancing the office accommodation, curating the retail offer, and improving the building’s environmental performance. This long-term strategy also includes The Crown Estate’s ambitious development pipeline, which it continues to progress across the West End. Dominic Packwood, Investment Manager at The Crown Estate, said: “This important acquisition marks a key step in delivering our long-term vision for Regent Street and the wider West End. Direct ownership of 100 Regent Street will help us to realise our ambitious plans across our portfolio, including the delivery of our development pipeline and public realm investment, alongside our wider goal to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable West End.” Today’s announcement follows the recent news that The Crown Estate, alongside its partners at Westminster City Council, has launched its latest proposals for the future of the public space across Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus. It acts as another example of how the business is taking a holistic approach to how it best strengthens its London portfolio, which grew in value over the last financial year, as reported in its 2024/25 Annual Report. Savills acted for The Crown Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£100m pledge for Derby low-carbon energy network

£100m pledge for Derby low-carbon energy network

1Energy to bolster energy security and cut air pollution from buildings by 86%, project receives local support. The country’s leading low-carbon city heat network developer, 1Energy, has pledged £100m of private capital for a city-wide heat network for Derby at a high-profile event for the city’s leaders. This move follows the company securing £23m of investment into the project from the UK Government. Developed at no cost to the local community or council, the Derby Energy Network will cut city wide gas demand by around 7 per cent. It will supply the city with low-carbon heating via underground hot water pipes, using water source heat pumps to repurpose surplus heat from local businesses.1 1Energy could invest over £140m into the network as it grows.2 1Energy pledged its initial investment to the project at a high-profile event attended by Derby’s leaders, including Baggy Shanker MP, on the site of the world’s first factory late last week. The event saw the public and private sectors come together to further plans to deliver a more secure future for the city – to bolster energy security and innovation, create skilled jobs and apprenticeships, and future-proof essential infrastructure. Major organisations in the city, including Derby City Council, the Royal Derby and Florence Nightingale Hospitals, the University of Derby and Derby College, are working with 1Energy to advance the network, with plans to begin construction in 2026. The Derby Energy Network will enable the city to bolster energy security, cut costs for businesses3 and protect against sudden gas-related energy price hikes,4 with buildings being warmed by low-carbon heat rather than gas boilers. Additionally, some of Britain’s most innovative businesses, such as Rolls-Royce and SmartParc5 could soon be linked up via the project, extending the pioneering city’s leadership in the circular economy.6 Andrew Wettern, CEO of 1Energy, said: “Derby has long led the world in terms of innovation, from water networks to defence. We are delighted to bring long-term investment to the city and build on its rich industrial heritage, enabling leading businesses to play a key role in delivering a new utility model. “Home to world-renowned innovators, Derby is uniquely placed to lead the transition to a more secure energy future. Alongside transforming the city’s energy infrastructure, the Derby Energy Network will give businesses greater choice and long-term price certainty. All while unlocking economic, health and environmental benefits for the city, the region and the country. We are exciting to continue working with Derby’s trailblazers to develop the network.” As well as helping the UK achieve its energy security goals, the network will play a vital role in reducing air pollution, improving public health.7 It is projected to save around 20 tonnes of air pollutants that can cause respiratory problems8 – equivalent to taking 16,000 cars off the road for a year – by cutting pollutants from connected buildings by around 86 per cent.  The network also expects to reduce carbon emissions by 19,200 tonnes through slashing emissions from buildings by up to 77 per cent. Baggy Shanker, Member of Parliament for Derby South, said: “The Derby Energy Network represents a huge opportunity for our city to deliver another cutting-edge project, continuing our long-standing leadership on innovation. By combining private capital and public investment, it will bring hundreds of millions of pounds into Derby. I see it playing a key role in boosting economic growth. “It is great to hear the project will also create hundreds of skilled local jobs, including apprenticeships. As a former apprentice myself, I know first-hand how transformative they can be.” Project fit for a ‘city of firsts’ Home to Britain’s first publicly owned water network, water-powered silk mill and planned public park, Derby has led the way in terms of devising innovative solutions to societal issues. However, heat remains one of our biggest challenges. Accounting for half the UK’s natural gas use, it is one of the main reasons our country remains reliant on imported fossil fuels and, as a result, vulnerable to sudden changes in international prices. It is also responsible for over a fifth (21 per cent) of air pollution, and 37 per cent of Britain’s total carbon emissions. Heat networks offer the lowest-cost, simplest, fastest route to addressing all these challenges at once, requiring the fewest retrofit measures.9 The Derby Energy Network provides the extra benefit of adding another element to the city’s leadership on engineering innovation. The project will also create and support hundreds of jobs, apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities locally – a key topic of discussion at last week’s event. Councilor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “This is brilliant news for our city. 1Energy’s £100m investment in low-carbon heating will mark a transformative step forward for Derby – not only in our mission to tackle climate change by cutting carbon emissions, but also in fostering healthier, more resilient communities. This initiative will help to keep homes and buildings across Derby warm in a more sustainable way whilst delivering wider benefits, from improving air quality and reducing fuel poverty, to enhancing public health and wellbeing. This initiative will be a game changer for communities across Derby, and I look forward to working closely with 1Energy to deliver lasting benefits for Derby.” Aligned with the City’s pioneering spirit, 1Energy is the first company in the UK to use funding from institutional investors to build city-scale low-carbon heat networks. The company has ambitions to deploy £1bn in the next eight years into new projects across the country, leveraging best practices gleaned from delivering the Derby Energy Network alongside Britain’s most innovative businesses. Through reducing the use of gas, these networks will help bolster energy security, protect against energy price hikes and cut costs, and reduce public health costs.10 Phil Lovell, COO at SmartParc, said: “At SmartParc, we are pleased to be working with 1Energy Group, to jointly explore opportunities to provide low carbon heat to the Derby Energy Network. Collaboration opportunities offer greater scope to harness the work we’re already doing at SmartParc for the benefit of the wider city. “By harnessing innovative technologies and shared values, we’re contributing to a cleaner, greener Derby while supporting

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BCIS reveals five-year construction industry forecast

BCIS reveals five-year construction industry forecast

Building costs will increase by a predicted 14% over the next five years to 2Q2030, while tender prices will rise by 15% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work output is expected to grow by 18% between 2025 and 2030. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “At the mid-point of the year, the construction sector is still stagnating, with output growth subdued. Confidence continues to be weighed down by a combination of domestic uncertainty and wider global pressures. “That said, the 27% quarterly rise in new orders we saw in the first quarter, particularly in infrastructure and industrial sectors, offered a welcome indication that demand could be starting to recover. “How far that optimism carries through will depend heavily on the translation of the government’s Spending Review and 10-year strategies into actual activity. For all the announcements made by the government in the last few weeks, we still don’t have sight of the long-promised updated project pipeline. A greater degree of certainty around funding and delivery timelines remains key to lifting the sector out of its current malaise.” The BCIS All-in Tender Price Index, which measures the trend of contractors’ pricing levels in accepted tenders, i.e. the cost to client at commit to build, saw annual growth of 2.3% in 2Q2025, the same as was recorded in the first quarter of the year. On the input costs side, labour remains the main driver of project costs, with increases to employers’ National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage feeding into an expected 7.1% annual increase in the BCIS Labour Cost Index in 2Q2025. The index is forecast to increase overall by 16% through to 2Q2030. Dr Crosthwaite added: “The risks to this forecast remain on the upside, as skills shortages remain prevalent in the market and continue to impact projects. Similarly with our materials costs forecast, the expected uptick in market activity could put inflationary pressure on the cost of construction materials.” Materials cost inflation has been moderating since peaking in 2022 and annual growth in the BCIS Materials Cost Index was in negative territory from the third quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024. BCIS expects the index to grow by 13% over the forecast period. Total new work output fell by 5.1% between 2023 and 2024 and BCIS is predicting subdued growth in new work output throughout 2025. ONS data showed a 0.9% increase in new work output in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 4Q2024, and a quarterly increase of 1.7%. The greatest annual increases in 1Q2025 were in public non-housing, which includes education, health and justice projects, and in private industrial. Dr Crosthwaite said: “We are expecting more robust output growth from next year and over the rest of the forecast period, much of which will be fuelled by a recovery in housing. Private funding for infrastructure projects will be crucial, especially with the state of public finances putting much public spending at risk.” For more information about BCIS, please visit www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Aviva and Moda secure deal with Homes England, NatWest and WMCA for major £200m+ community in Birmingham

Aviva and Moda secure deal with Homes England, NatWest and WMCA for major £200m+ community in Birmingham

Aviva Capital Partners and Moda Group have completed a landmark investment deal with NatWest, Homes England, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to unlock a 1,000-home rental community in Digbeth, Birmingham. The funding agreement for the £200m+ Stone Yard project in Digbeth showcases the strength of opportunity for regeneration through collaboration between the private and public sectors driving the delivery of high quality new homes. The funding package includes debt financing from NatWest and Homes England via the Home Building Fund. This will support the delivery of phase one of the build-to-rent (BTR) community, which will comprise 605 high-quality homes across four blocks. In addition the West Midlands Combined Authority has provided brownfield grant funding, enabling the project to increase its affordable housing provision to 20%, which will be offered at a Discounted Market Rent. This provision will be dispersed throughout the development, enabling community led regeneration whilst delivering the highest quality of place and accommodation. A future development phase will deliver a further three blocks, bringing the total number of homes at Stone Yard to 995.  Last year, Homes England signed a Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) with the WMCA,  setting out shared ambitions to advance locally-led housing growth and regeneration in key locations in the region, including the East Birmingham & North Solihull corridor which is anchored by Digbeth in the city centre. Homes England has supplied debt funding of around £40m to the Stone Yard financing package. The development will champion social and environmental sustainability, targeting top level certification from leading accreditors including Fitwel, Home Quality Mark and BREAAM. The new homes will be complemented by a range of amenity spaces for all residents, including co-working spaces, 24/7 gyms and studio spaces, lounges and private dining rooms. Alongside new homes, the scheme will include community-focused features such as commercial units, landscaped public areas, and links to local attractions will contribute to Digbeth’s emergence as a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood. The buildings and new public realm will be operated by Moda with its signature focus on service, technology and health and wellbeing, ensuring the curation of a professionally managed, diverse community in the heart of Birmingham. Caddick Construction, Moda’s sister company, will build the neighbourhood and has commenced initial work on site. Completion of phase one is expected in 2028. Located on a prominent four-acre brownfield site, Stone Yard is in a highly accessible location on Deritend Road. The site sits at the heart of the city’s creative quarter, adjacent to the Custard Factory and directly opposite the new Eastside Metro extension and the forthcoming HS2 Curzon Street Station. Sophie White, Regeneration Sector Lead at Aviva Capital Partners, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Moda to provide high quality accommodation in Birmingham, helping to support the local economy and beyond. The partnership with NatWest, Homes England and WMCA has been critical in getting the scheme underway for this key brownfield site in Digbeth. Sustainability is at the heart of this development, with community and affordability critical elements helping to ensure it supports the local area to get ready for the future.” Tony Brooks, Executive Chairman of Moda Group, said:  “This milestone is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work collaboratively to realise a shared, long-term vision for regeneration. “Aligned, we will be able to deliver much-needed new rental homes, at pace. With high quality new public realm completing the neighbourhood, Stone Yard will be a pivotal part of the wider regeneration of Digbeth, transforming a brownfield site into a thriving urban community.” Michael Goode, Director and BTR Lead, NatWest, said: “Stone Yard is an exciting project for Birmingham. The delivery of much needed new homes, with enviable sustainability credentials, is aligned to NatWest’s ambitions in BTR. “It was a pleasure working with Aviva Capital Partners and Moda, alongside our funding partners at Homes England and WMCA, in delivering an innovative financing solution.” Marcus Railing, Chief Investment Officer at Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, our aim is to support public and private sector partners to unlock strategic housing sites, and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions. “Stone Yard is a prime example of how the Agency works collaboratively with both public and private partners to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home. “This funding agreement also represents how Homes England works with Mayoral Strategic Authorities by aligning investment, unlocking opportunity and delivering at scale through Strategic Place Partnerships.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Funding secured for Digbeth Stone Yard development

Funding secured for Digbeth Stone Yard development

A major investment deal has been finalised to deliver nearly 1,000 high-quality rental homes at Digbeth development in Birmingham. Aviva Capital Partners and Moda Group have partnered with NatWest, Homes England, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to fund the £200m+ Stone Yard development—set to transform a prominent four-acre brownfield site into a thriving build-to-rent (BTR) neighbourhood. The agreement signals a strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, supporting the delivery of new homes while promoting regeneration, sustainability, and community-building. Phase one of the Stone Yard project will see the delivery of 605 homes across four blocks, backed by debt financing from NatWest and Homes England via the Home Building Fund. A future phase will add another three blocks, bringing the total to 995 homes. The WMCA has contributed brownfield grant funding, enabling 20% of the homes to be offered as affordable housing at Discounted Market Rent. These homes will be spread across the site to support inclusive, community-led regeneration. Homes England’s investment includes around £40 million in debt funding, building on its Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) with the WMCA. This initiative aims to drive locally-led housing growth in key areas such as Digbeth, which anchors the East Birmingham and North Solihull corridor. The development is designed with a strong focus on sustainability, aiming for top-tier accreditation from organisations such as Fitwel, Home Quality Mark, and BREEAM. In addition to high-specification apartments, residents will benefit from a suite of amenities, including co-working spaces, 24/7 gyms, lounges, studio spaces and private dining rooms. Stone Yard will also feature landscaped public areas, commercial units, and improved connections to local attractions, contributing to Digbeth’s growing reputation as a vibrant and inclusive neighbourhood. Moda will operate the buildings and public realm, delivering its signature approach to health, wellbeing, technology, and resident experience, ensuring a professionally managed and diverse community at the heart of the city. Construction is being led by Caddick Construction, Moda’s sister company, with initial works now underway. Completion of the first phase is anticipated in 2028. Located on Deritend Road, the Stone Yard site sits adjacent to the Custard Factory and directly opposite the new Eastside Metro extension and the upcoming HS2 Curzon Street Station, placing future residents at the heart of Birmingham’s cultural and transport networks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bellrock Acquires Summers-Inman to Strengthen National Property Consultancy Presence

Bellrock Acquires Summers-Inman to Strengthen National Property Consultancy Presence

Facilities management specialist Bellrock has acquired Summers-Inman Construction and Property Consultants LLP, marking a strategic move to bolster its position within the UK’s property consultancy sector. The acquisition supports Bellrock’s ambition to become one of the UK’s top 15 building consultancy firms. Summers-Inman brings considerable expertise to the table, offering cost management, quantity surveying, project management, and building surveying services across both the public and private sectors. Notable clients include global brands such as Pepsi and McDonald’s. Summers-Inman employs 130 staff across eight regional offices, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Newcastle (head office), and Teesside. Commenting on the acquisition, Carlo Alloni, Chief Executive Officer of Bellrock, said:“Acquiring Summers-Inman marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand Bellrock’s capabilities and accelerate our growth. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service as we strive to be one of the leading property consulting businesses in the industry. I’m delighted to welcome the Summers-Inman team to Bellrock. Together, we will continue to drive success and create unique value for both our clients and teams.” David Cronje, Managing Director of Summers-Inman, added:“This acquisition represents a transformative step for Summers-Inman. By combining our expertise and resources with Bellrock, we are enhancing our capabilities and broadening our service offering nationwide. This partnership opens new avenues for growth, allowing us to better support our clients and strengthen our presence in the market. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and look forward to continued innovation and success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Hill Group reports record financial results

The Hill Group reports record financial results

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has announced record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, marking its second consecutive year of historic growth. The company reported a turnover of £1.15 billion and a pre-tax profit of £90.5 million, completing more than 2,800 new homes across its operations. The figures cement Hill’s position among the UK’s top 10 housebuilders by revenue and represent the successful culmination of its five-year business plan launched in 2020. Hill’s strong performance was underpinned by its diversified business model. The Group’s private housing arm, Hill Residential, maintained steady demand despite ongoing market uncertainty, with sales accelerating in the final quarter. The division achieved an average selling price of £613,000 and entered the new financial year with 40% forward sales. Meanwhile, Hill Partnerships, responsible for delivering affordable homes for Registered Providers and Local Authorities, surpassed expectations. Particularly strong activity was reported in London and special projects, with growth also recorded in the northern and southern Home Counties. The Group also made strategic progress in the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector, securing two major forward-funded deals: 264 homes at Nexus in Stevenage and 365 homes at Dagenham Green in partnership with Peabody. These projects signal increasing institutional confidence in Hill’s delivery model and bolster the resilience of its development strategy. Over the year, Hill invested £77.9 million in new land, bringing total land and work-in-progress holdings to £638.9 million. Net assets rose to £431.8 million, and the Group ended the year with net cash of £118.3 million, having fully repaid its revolving credit facility. The Group’s development pipeline now includes over 32,000 homes, with 10,200 having full planning consent, 1,500 under control subject to planning, and a strategic landbank of 20,300 units. The pipeline is projected to generate more than £12.5 billion in gross development value. Hill’s contracting pipeline also grew substantially, reaching £4.8 billion—up from £3.7 billion the previous year. This year’s results build on a previous milestone, when Hill surpassed £1 billion in revenue for the first time during the 15-month reporting period ending March 2024, achieving profits of £70 million. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive, praised the team’s resilience: “These results reflect the outstanding work of our people and partners in what remains a challenging market. To surpass our previous record in a twelve-month period is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to the strength of our business model, the quality of our homes, and the determination of everyone across the Group. As we report on our 25th year of business, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.” In addition to strong financials, Hill expanded its footprint with major regeneration projects in London, Bristol, and Coventry. It also reinforced joint venture partnerships with several housing associations and invested internally by doubling its graduate trainee intake to 40 and appointing new senior leaders. Sustainability and social responsibility remained a core focus. Hill earned its first Gold award in the NextGeneration ESG benchmark, rising from fifth to third place and retaining its status as the UK’s top-ranked privately owned housebuilder for a fourth consecutive year. The Group also advanced its Foundation 200 initiative, which delivers modular homes for people experiencing homelessness, and extended its involvement in the Government’s Released on Temporary Licence scheme, which supports prisoner rehabilitation through construction employment. Looking ahead, The Hill Group is launching a new five-year business plan (2025–2030), targeting continued growth in Build-to-Rent, estate regeneration, and the creation of new towns, while maintaining its emphasis on partnership-led and mixed-tenure developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Developers dip into £200bn land bank to bring more homes to market

Developers dip into £200bn land bank to bring more homes to market

The latest analysis by West One Loans, a leading provider of property finance and specialist mortgages, has revealed that the nation’s biggest housebuilders have been utilising their £200bn landbank to deliver more homes to market in the face of growing buyer demand spurred by improving market confidence and greater mortgage affordability. West One Loans analysed the latest company reports for eight of the nation’s biggest housebuilders to see which currently boasts the strongest pipeline with respect to their individual landbanks and the value of these plots in the current market. The government has been vocal in its demands for the nation’s housebuilders to ‘roll up their sleeves’ in order to help achieve the ambitious target of 1.5m new homes by 2029. So much so, it recently announced tough new rules forcing them to commit to delivery time frames to get planning permission, with those caught slacking risking losing their land to local authorities. However, the latest analysis by West One Loans shows that the majority of the nation’s major housebuilders are already rising to the task, having reduced their landbank pipelines as a result of delivering more homes. The analysis shows that across eight of the nation’s biggest housebuilders, some 488,620 land bank plots were recorded within their 2024 reports. Based on the current average UK new-build house price of £406,390, this means that the total pipeline of these eight developers alone is worth an estimated £198.6bn. It’s Bellway that currently boasts the most robust pipeline, with 95,292 land bank plots reported in its 2024 figures, holding an estimated market value of £38.7bn. Persimmon ranks second, with 82,084 plots in its pipeline worth an estimated £33.4bn, whilst Taylor Wimpey sits third at £32bn in market value across 78,626 landbank plots. However, whilst these developers have maintained a robust pipeline of plots, further analysis by West One Loans shows that there has been an increase in activity with respect to developing their land banks, no doubt driven by improving market conditions and increasing buyer demand as a result of a stabilising mortgage market. Across all eight major housebuilders, total land bank volumes have fallen by 3.6% over the last year. In fact, all but one of the developers analysed by West One Loans has reduced the size of its land bank. Vestry Group has broken the most ground in this respect, with a -7.9% year on year reduction in land bank volumes. Berkeley Group has seen a -6.8% reduction, whilst Crest Nicholson has seen an annual drop of -6%. Just Miller Homes has seen an increase in this respect, although a marginal one, with its land bank volumes up by 0.1% on an annual basis. Co-Head of Short-Term Finance at West One Loans, Thomas Cantor, commented: “It’s clear that whilst many of the nation’s developers have been sure to maintain a robust pipeline of land bank plots, they have also been pushing forward and breaking ground in order to bring more homes to market to meet growing demand. This is despite the fact that the current landscape still presents a range of challenges but, as interest rates have stabilised, we’ve seen more housebuilders turn to the specialist finance sector to help them facilitate their ambitions This has largely taken the form of a greater reliance on bridging in order to help part fund their initial project, as well as utilising development finance in order to exit existing builds in order to push forward with the next. We’ve seen numerous examples over the last 12 months whereby developers have utilised us to help them in both instances and, finding a finance specialist that can do so will ensure a far smoother process throughout.” Data tables and sources View the full data tables and sources online here.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ranger Fire and Security bolsters presence in Scotland with acquisition of Inverness-based IRN Security

Ranger Fire and Security bolsters presence in Scotland with acquisition of Inverness-based IRN Security

Ranger Fire and Security has expanded its presence and services in Scotland with the acquisition of leading security specialists IRN Security – the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group.   With over 14 years of experience serving businesses across and beyond the Highlands, IRN Security has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, technology-driven solutions across CCTV, fire alarms, access control, and intruder detection systems.  The acquisition will further enhance Ranger’s footprint in Scotland, while providing IRN Security with access to the Group’s wider expertise, resources, and opportunities, including opening up new cross-selling prospects and cross-delivery across all Ranger companies.  IRN Security will operate alongside Motherwell-based Secureshield – which was acquired by Ranger in November 2024. A specialist in fire, security and critical services, the geographical locations of both businesses will enable Ranger to provide a broader, more integrated set of fire and security (F&S) maintenance services across the whole of Scotland.   Founded in 2011, IRN Security has a strong history of providing high quality security and fire services within both the private and public sectors. It boasts a wide range of high-profile clients including hospitals and educational facilities through a growing loyal team of full-time engineers.  With a hugely loyal customer base, IRN Security has high levels of recurring revenue based on maintenance contracts that align closely with Ranger’s guardrails.  As part of the acquisition, the founders of IRN Security will stay in their roles and become part of the senior management team at Ranger, driving long-term strategic initiatives for the Group in Scotland. All IRN Security employees will also stay in their current roles, with the opportunity for further growth.   As part of this acquisition, and as with previous businesses that have joined the Ranger Group, IRN Security will continue to operate under its current name and will work closely alongside other Ranger businesses, in particular Secureshield, to further Ranger’s mission to deliver a one-stop shop for F&S needs in Scotland and beyond.   Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “The addition of IRN Security to the Ranger Group marks a significant step in the expansion of our services across Scotland.   “With their strong regional presence, technical excellence, and a leadership team committed to delivering a first-rate customer experience, IRN Security is a natural fit for Ranger, complementing and improving the services offered by other Group businesses.   “IRN Security’s joining the platform alongside our platform in Scotland, Secureshield, gives Ranger the unique ability to deliver high-quality, integrated fire and security solutions to customers across Scotland through our integrated cross-delivery of service model, enabling us to not only be more efficient, but to deliver an even better service for our customers.”  John Hunter, Regional Chairman and Managing Director of Secureshield, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome IRN into the Ranger Group. The business and team are well known to me and have an excellent reputation.  I see real benefit in IRN and Secureshield working closely together across Scotland to cross-deliver services and can’t wait to formally begin working with the team”.  Kenny Smith, Director of IRN Security, said: “Becoming part of the Ranger Group is a fantastic opportunity for IRN Security that will benefit both our team and our customers.   “We know John and Billy Hunter from Secureshield well and, knowing their characters and approach, that was a strong pull to join the Group too.  Mark and the team have made such great progress that it was an easy decision to join and between IRN and Secureshield we now have the geographical footprint and resources to offer a true turnkey solution for Scotland”.  Malcolm MacDonald, Director of IRN Security, said:  “IRN has a bright future and with access to an extensive network of expertise and resources, we’re well-positioned to expand our service offering while continuing to operate with the same local knowledge, trusted relationships, and high standards that have helped make us such a success to date. We look forward to collaborating with Secureshield to ensure that we are providing our combined customer bases with an even more efficient service.”  The acquisition announcement builds on Ranger Fire and Security’s previous purchases of eight leading F&S businesses throughout 2024 and 2025. Together, these acquisitions have helped Ranger to enhance its offering in all key areas of fire and security services, such as fire detection and alarms, extinguisher maintenance, passive fire and security services.       Since launching in Q1 2024, with backing from the private investment firm Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger has embarked on a mission to establish itself as the leading one-stop solution provider in the fire and safety sector, offering a comprehensive range of services through both regional and national operations, and providing a seamless customer experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Praxis Returns to Retail with Landmark Glasgow Shopping Centre Acquisition

Praxis Returns to Retail with Landmark Glasgow Shopping Centre Acquisition

Praxis Group has made a significant move back into the retail sector with the acquisition of St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow. The landmark 12-acre scheme, located at the junction of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, spans more than 800,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. Anchored by a strong tenant line-up including Tesco, WHSmith, Next, JD Sports, HMV, Boots, and Superdry, the centre also benefits from 900 car parking spaces, making it one of the city’s key shopping destinations. This purchase marks Praxis Group’s first major direct investment into the retail market in eight years. The acquisition was made from a consortium of lenders including M&G and Morgan Stanley. James Hewitt, chief operating officer at Praxis, commented: “The purchase of the St Enoch Centre is our first significant balance sheet investment into the retail sector in eight years. We are acquiring the asset against a backdrop of an improving tenant mix, footfall growth and increasing average basket spend throughout the scheme. Praxis has waited patiently to re-enter a sector where we have a market leading track record and we are now seeking to invest at scale into a number of discrete opportunities.” Property consultancy GCW acted as adviser to Praxis Group on the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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