Richard Jones
CommentWe must rethink our affordable housing model to make it fit for purpose
The realisation appears to be dawning in government that planning reform alone cannot deliver 1.5m homes. We must thoroughly review our delivery model, writes Richard Jones
CommentHow do we halt the decline in housing association development?
Keir Starmer’s government is targeting 1.5m new homes, but we need intervention to help ensure the HA sector can be a powerful contributor to delivery, argues Richard Jones
CommentWill the new government really have the political will to increase housebuilding?
Increasing delivery to 300,000 homes a year and beyond will mean overcoming serious political and financial challenges, warns Richard Jones
CommentWill 2024 bring transformational change for the housing sector?
A general election amid a rise in off-balance sheet funding models, joint ventures and a more nuanced role for MMC – Richard Jones looks at what 2024 may hold for housing
CommentIntegrating capex and opex is crucial in this era of asset-retaining housing developers
Richard Jones explains how asset-owning developers are transforming the housing development market
CommentHousing may look like a basket case but there are reasons to be optimistic
Richard Jones summarises the current housing development market and explains why it could emerge stronger despite the gloom
CommentWhy JV partnerships can be key in mitigating contractor failure risk
The recent collapse of a number of contractors has highlighted the importance of housing developers understanding contingent risk, writes Richard Jones
CommentWhy affordable housing delivery is facing significant structural change
The emergence of for-profit providers and cost pressures is leading to a drastic change in business drivers. But this offers opportunities as well as challenges, argues Richard Jones
CommentWe need a more effective procurement model based on trust
Basing procurement on matching skillsets and objectives - with less emphasis on cost - can drive more housing development, argues Richard Jones
CommentHow will housebuilding fare in the economic slowdown?
Richard Jones explains the findings of Arcadis’ recent market report and what they may indicate for residential development in 2023
CommentA house price slowdown amid rampant cost inflation will throw viability up in the air
An impending reversal of the usual ‘high price growth-low inflation’ environment will lead to housing developers having to rethink their approach. Richard Jones gives some tips on how the industry should react
CommentHow to assess social value in the housing development sector
Richard Jones looks at the ways housing developers are assessing the wider impact of their operations in line with the government’s social value model guidance
CommentA higher grant rate and more flexibility – will the AHP be a game-changer?
Richard Jones scrutinises the approach of Homes England and the Greater London Authority following the announcement of Affordable Homes Programme funding allocations
CommentStrategic relationships are the way forward
Clients who are focused on more than just profit are increasing looking for long-term like-minded partners, says Arcadis’ Richard Jones
CommentInstitutions investing in affordable housing must recognise needs of the sector
New money for the sector is urgently needed but to have real impact partnership deals have to be on the right terms, says Richard Jones
CommentHousebuilders will have to react quickly to a changing market
Housing companies have responded well to the crisis, but bigger shifts in buyer and renter behaviour are under way, says Arcadis’ Richard Jones
CommentAre joint ventures the answer to risk management?
In an uncertain world joining forces with another stakeholder has its rewards, but there are some key principles to keep in mind, says Arcadis’ Richard Jones
CommentHow well has the industry adapted to the new normal?
The pandemic started six months ago and has prompted radical change to the way we do business
CommentThe impact of covid-19 on viability
The pandemic is likely to disrupt land cost, build cost, development value and margin. What does that mean for supply?
CommentThe pandemic will increase pressure to adopt modern methods of construction
Project delays and labour shortages means the industry will look for new and innovative ways of making up lost time