AS the UK prepares for major energy efficiency works under the government’s Warm Homes Plan, refurbishment and retrofit housing specialist Lovell Renew has joined forces with Sustainable Housing Action Partnership (SHAP) to launch the Retrofit Success Guides.  Alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Equans, and with the input of nearly 100 experts and 70 organisations, this invaluable expertise has been distilled into a practical blueprint for housing providers, local authorities and the supply chain.   Moving away from high-level policy, this new eight-part suite of resources has been designed to be a manual for delivery and support the drive towards net zero. This includes community and resident engagement, data use, workforce development, area-based planning, financing, governance and procurement.  Having spent decades on the frontline of retrofit design and delivery, as well as working within long term partnerships in the public sector, the involvement from Lovell was crucial to understanding how to navigate the sector. This includes acknowledging the challenges that often stall retrofit projects and how to overcome them – from resident trust and data integrity to the chronic skills gap and complex financing.   Carl Yale, regional managing director for Lovell Renew Central, said: “After many years, numerous partnerships and thousands of homes made better, safer, warmer, and healthier, we have built up a deep understanding for what this work entails and how critical it is in boosting resident comfort, health and wellbeing. With the Warm Homes Plan on the horizon, the sector is facing an important moment when retrofit needs be front and centre – but it also needs support in understanding best practice and how to ensure successful delivery.   “This will require collaboration and commitment to ensure that projects are done with insight, integrity and always with the residents at heart. We are proud to have been involved in the development of these guides and hope it will help to shape the future of this crucial specialist sector.”  Ellie Horwitch-Smith, chair of SHAP board and assistant director, Route to Net Zero, Birmingham City Council, said: “The Retrofit Success Guides show what’s possible when expertise from across the sector is brought together with a shared ambition to do things better. The guides are founded on the realities of delivery and offer a practical foundation for anyone serious about scaling retrofit with quality, integrity, and real impact for people and place.”  Rob Johnson, head of delivery for Building Retrofit at West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “The West Midlands Combined Authority is proud to be at the forefront of driving change in retrofit delivery through devolved funding and local leadership. The Retrofit Success Guides are an essential resource born from collaboration across the sector and grounded in the first-hand experience of those delivering retrofit or experiencing its impact. They represent a shared commitment to innovation, high standards, and putting residents at the heart of every programme.”  Unlike traditional technical papers, the guides are designed for action. They arrive at a time when fuel poverty and energy security are at the top of the national agenda. By making these resources free to access, it removes the barriers to entry for smaller housing providers and local councils who are often left to navigate this alone.   To find out more and download the guides, visit: https://shap.uk.com/retrofit-success/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Buying their first home together was always going to be a milestone moment for Amy Bassi and Ben Thompson – but after nearly two years of saving, planning and living back at home, moving into their new Davidsons property in Little Bowden felt even more special. Amy, 29, and Ben, 28, moved into their Stanbrook at Davidsons at Little Bowden in June last year, marking the end of a long journey to get onto the property ladder. The couple, who met at university, were balancing busy careers in different directions. Amy, originally from Dudley, works in marketing for a babywear company called My 1st Years in Northampton, while Ben, who grew up in Ireland, is a project manager for a web design agency in London. Finding somewhere that worked for both of them was key. Amy said: “We looked at lots of different areas because it had to work for both of us – I needed to be able to drive easily to Northampton, and Ben needed a straightforward train into London. As soon as we came to Market Harborough, it just felt right. It’s such a lovely town, and the station makes it so easy for Ben to get into London in under an hour.” As first-time buyers, the couple were determined to make a smart decision, even if that meant making sacrifices in the short term. They moved in with Amy’s parents for almost two years to build up their deposit. Amy said: “Living back at home in your twenties isn’t for everyone, but we’re so proud of ourselves for doing it. It took us a while to save, but it was completely worth it to be able to buy relatively young and get the house we really wanted.” After viewing a number of new build developments, they felt that Davidsons Homes stood out. Amy said: “We looked at other new builds, but some felt a bit crammed in. With Davidsons, the homes have so much character and space around them. They don’t feel squeezed together, and that was really important to us.” Visiting the show homes proved invaluable in helping them picture their future life there. Amy said: “Seeing the show homes was such a great way to understand how you’d actually live in the space. It made everything feel more real. We knew quite quickly that the Stanbrook 4th Edition was the one for us.” The couple were particularly drawn to the home’s open-plan layout downstairs – and one feature in particular. Amy said: “We really wanted a kitchen island. We love hosting and having people to stay, and the open-plan kitchen and living area is perfect for that. Choosing our kitchen was probably the most exciting day of the whole process.” Reserving their home in October 2024, long before it was actually built, meant a longer wait than some buyers experience – but Amy and Ben said the support from the sales team made all the difference. Amy said: “Because we were living with my parents, we couldn’t pop by regularly to check on progress, but Kelly and Michelle kept us informed every step of the way. We always felt updated and reassured, which made the whole process really smooth.” They were able to personalise their home by selecting fittings and finishes, making it feel like theirs from day one. Eight months on, the couple have fully embraced life in Little Bowden. Their spacious main bedroom and the large, open-plan living area remain firm favourites, along with their south-facing garden. Amy said: “Downstairs is definitely our favourite space. It’s light, open and perfect for having everyone round. We had a huge Halloween party and decorated everywhere, which was so much fun. Our parents come to stay as well, and there’s plenty of room.” Beyond the walls of their new home, they’ve quickly felt part of the local community. Amy said: “Everyone’s so friendly. Neighbours help each other out, even something as simple as taking your bins out if you’re away. There’s a lovely pub within walking distance, and I’ve already found a great nail technician, which is important!” For Amy and Ben, buying their first home wasn’t just about bricks and mortar – it was about creating a base that works for their careers, their social life and their future. Amy said: “It was a big commitment, and saving took time, but we couldn’t be happier. The whole process was smooth, we felt really supported throughout, and now we’ve got a home we absolutely love.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

PUBLIC SERVANTS on the front line of housing delivery have spoken out on the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2029, with less than 1% thinking that the goal is achievable with current policy measures. This is according to the latest nationwide survey report and analysis from public sector procurement specialist Pagabo, which reveals insights from respondents representing a broad cross-section of job functions across local government and housing associations. Building 1.5 Million Homes – Is It Achievable? reveals a deep-seated pessimism across the housing sector and a sobering reality for government. Even with significant policy reform, less than one-third believe the target is achievable. When asked if they are satisfied with their organisation’s progress in relation to the delivery of affordable homes compared with the local target since the Labour party entered government last year, only a fraction over one-third of respondents said yes. The report reveals that the most critical factor holding back housing delivery is the lack of sufficient, flexible, and long-term funding. Meanwhile a trio of interconnected issues surrounding land cost, site availability and developer profit expectations present widespread barriers to delivering more homes – with planning restrictions, community opposition and infrastructure constraints also cited as obstacles to overcome. Jonathan Parker, development director at public sector procurement specialist Pagabo, said: “Our new report includes findings that suggest the government’s housebuilding target is more optimistic than realistic, but this is tinged with a clear appetite to be able to deliver more homes. Without a greater understanding of the views and challenges being faced around the country by those tasked with delivery, no changes can be made. Having these insights means that the government and wider delivery collaborators can now come together to find the solutions that breed confidence and progress against local targets – not see them dwindle further. “The structure of traditional contracts involving land sales followed by developer delivery is widely seen as misaligned with public objectives – which is likely feeding that barrier cited around community opposition. This reinforces the need for a more collaborative delivery model in which the public sector and developers share responsibility from the outset to accelerate delivery and maximise public value – but also ensuring that communities are taken on that journey as well in order to truly be involved in shaping their own futures.” Digging deeper into the issue of site availability, the survey revealed a pragmatic stance adopted by housing professionals despite an ideological preference for building on brownfield sites. Faced with the high costs of remediation, the main constraint in bringing forward brownfield land cited by respondents, 54% of those surveyed prioritise a balanced mix of both brownfield and greenbelt sites, while only 3% leant towards prioritising green belt land. The new report also draws attention to the nation’s existing housing stock, identifying a critical and growing tension beyond the headlines dominated by new homes. Results show that for housing associations, which often manage the quality, safety and sustainability of vast property portfolios, refurbishment is a core strategic priority – particularly with the introduction of new legislation like Awaab’s Law in 2025. By contrast, local government bodies viewed refurbishment as secondary to the primary goal of planning and enabling new development. Despite this strategic difference, across the sector there is a strong view that new housing must be supported by corresponding investment in social infrastructure. Respondents see collaboration not as a ‘nice-to-have’, but as a critical component of placemaking. An overwhelming 79% of all respondents view collaboration with other public sector bodies as either essential or important – especially for ensuring new homes are supported by the right physical and social infrastructure. Jonathan continued: “Our report highlights that new housing delivery and existing housing refurbishment cannot be considered in isolation. Success is defined not by numbers alone, but by the creation of thriving places, underpinned by access to healthcare, education, transport and social infrastructure. We’re especially interested in all that the report reveals because we believe that procurement offers a powerful opportunity to make a difference, from the outset of development planning and placemaking through to the legacy that is created. “Since conducting our latest survey, the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill has become law and further changes to the National Planning Policy Framework are under consultation – seeking to move the dial as housing sector professionals desperately seek solutions. Despite what’s been said and done already, an open-minded attitude and collaboration driven approach can make 2026 a year that will be remembered for the right reasons.” Produced by Surveys in Public Sector in partnership with Pagabo, Building 1.5 Million Homes – Is It Achievable? is informed by a survey involving a total of 84 individuals from 69 unique local authorities and housing associations. To read the full report, visit www.pagabo.co.uk/white-paper-research-building-1-5-million-homes-is-it-achievable. The Developer-Led Framework – managed by Pagabo on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust – promotes early engagement between developers and public sector clients to improve viability, placemaking and delivery. It is the first framework of its kind to provide private sector funding to public sector schemes, for more information visit www.pagabo.co.uk/frameworks/developer-led-framework Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction has started on the large-scale redevelopment of The Oval in Stevenage, marking a major step forward in revitalising one of the town’s established neighbourhood centres and advancing the council’s wider housing development programme. Ground was broken on Friday 30 January 2026, with attendees including representatives from Bugler Developments; Baroness Taylor of Stevenage OBE; Richard Henry, Leader of the Council; Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing; SBC councillors, ward councillors and officers; Lloyd Briscoe, Deputy Mayor of Stevenage; Sian Carter of Homes England; and Toby Fox, founder of 1.5M New Homes. A fixture of Stevenage since the 1960s, The Oval will be reshaped into a contemporary neighbourhood featuring new homes, shops, a church, community facilities and an inviting market square designed for residents and families. The first phase, delivered with Bugler Developments, includes Brent Court—an independent living scheme led by the council, providing 91 modern, affordable homes. Phase One will also create a new church, a community building and additional play spaces, forming a vibrant and inclusive hub. Backed by £20.5 million from Homes England, the project forms a central part of Stevenage Borough Council’s long-term, council-led housing development programme, which has been delivering high-quality, affordable homes across the town since 2015. The Oval scheme sits within a strong pipeline of housing projects in Stevenage, including the forthcoming handover of Dunn Close and Brodie Court, the council’s independent living scheme completed at the end of summer 2025 and now fully occupied. These developments offer modern, supported accommodation for older residents, supporting downsizing and releasing larger council homes for families and vulnerable residents. Councillor Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The Oval has been an important part of Stevenage for decades and today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. This redevelopment will deliver high-quality, affordable homes alongside welcoming community spaces that bring people together. “Importantly, it supports our wider housing development programme – helping us meet local housing need, make better use of our housing stock, and deliver homes that work for residents at every stage of life.” Andy Bugler, CEO, Bugler Developments said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council on the regeneration of The Oval. This is a landmark project that will deliver high-quality homes and meaningful community spaces, while respecting the area’s heritage and creating a place people can be proud to call home. We’re delighted to see work getting underway on this first phase.” Image: Rock Townsend Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The latest Barclays Business Prosperity Index report1 reveals that despite affordability pressures, regulatory challenges and financial caution, four in five businesses (83 per cent) operating in housebuilding and its supply chains remain confident about their outlook for the year ahead. Barclays’ anonymised client data from around 70,000 UK businesses, combined with research from 500 industry leaders1 and 2000 consumers2, also shows strengthening activity at the start of the development pipeline, sustained buyer demand for new-build homes and a major uplift in planned investment. Key findings from the Barclays Business Prosperity Index include: Sector investment and innovation gathers pace Talent, skills and AI are all becoming major investment focus areas. Four in 10 (40 per cent) businesses with skills shortages are investing in new construction methods to reduce manual labour, alongside developing early career schemes (39 per cent), and focusing on training and upskilling (36 per cent). Meanwhile the average intended AI investment of £441,281 reflects growing demand for AI assisted design and planning (37 per cent), renewable and energy efficient materials (36 per cent), business management automation software (35 per cent) and building information modelling (29 per cent). Momentum is particularly strong in Electronics, where intended AI spend exceeds £500,000, while trades such as Plumbing (£380,000), Carpentry (£347,320) and Painting & Decorating (£328,371) signal smaller, though material allocations. Future Homes Standard: A top priority but confidence in readiness lags Nearly all firms (98 per cent) say aligning with the Government’s Future Homes Standard is a priority for the next 12 months, yet 82 per cent express concern about their readiness. Key areas where support is most needed include installing low carbon heating systems (21 per cent), applying the new Home Energy Model (20 per cent) and meeting updated ventilation standards (18 per cent).  Despite this, businesses are taking proactive steps, with 30 per cent investing in specialist equipment, training and technology to boost compliance. Strong Gen Z new-build appetite despite affordability pressures A quarter of homeowners (25 per cent) report they live in a new-build property. This rises amongst first-time buyers, with nearly half (47 per cent) of those who bought their first home in the past year opting for a new‑build property. New properties are most popular amongst Gen Z (61 per cent of homeowners) with desirable location named as the top driver of purchases (28 per cent). A fifth (20 per cent) cited favourable mortgage terms, such as higher loan-to-value ratio, and 17 per cent also reported energy efficiency as a major reason for buying new. This comes as young people report improving, but significant affordability challenges, as 61 per cent of Gen Z hoping to buy a home in the next 12 months said that mortgage rates have a bigger impact on affordability than house prices themselves. Despite strong buyer demand, there are still barriers to building. A quarter (25 per cent) of housebuilders report high construction costs as a major barrier, followed by rising inflation, cost of raw materials and meeting the requirements of the Future Homes Standard (all 19 per cent). Location, location, location Over the next 12 months, new-build property developers expect that consumers’ desire for customisation options, such as layout and finishes, to have the greatest impact on their approach (31 per cent), followed by expectations for upgraded digital infrastructure including high speed broadband (27 per cent). However, consumers report slightly different priorities. When surveyed about which features most influence their choice of property, the top factor was access to gardens or communal green spaces (42 per cent), followed by proximity to transport hubs (31 per cent) and proximity to parks or countryside (30 per cent). Just 17 per cent named digital infrastructure as a key influence, and just 11 per cent cited customisation. Jason Constable, Head of Real Estate, Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “The level of innovation we’re seeing across the industry from larger developers to specialist trades is encouraging, with businesses investing in technology, skills and modern construction methods to boost productivity. “These innovations, combined with stronger consumer demand for new-builds, present a significant opportunity for housebuilders. While affordability and planning delays still pose challenges, the underlying strength of demand points to clear potential for growth as market conditions stabilise.” John Ainsworth, Head of Real Estate, Barclays Business Banking, added: “Activity is generally subdued among SME housebuilders, with nearly three in 10 expecting no increase in output in the year ahead. Yet SMEs are working hard to overcome skills shortages and regulatory alignment, with their resilience coming through strongly as they show confidence in their future success. “If the industry is to hit the Government’s target and build the much-needed homes of the future, it’s vital we continue to support the scaleup of smaller regional players. At Barclays we are committed to providing the external finance needed to scale via our Business Prosperity Fund.” The Barclays Business Prosperity Fund is available to new and existing Business Banking and Corporate Banking clients across the UK to apply for lending and refinancing on existing projects. Terms and conditions apply. Businesses can read the full Barclays Business Prosperity Index Housebuilding report and find out more about the Business Prosperity Fund at home.barclays/businessprosperity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals