The North West of England is undergoing a significant transformation in its housing landscape. With a growing demand for social and affordable housing, increasing focus on sustainable development, and various challenges unique to the region, understanding these elements is crucial for anyone involved in the property market or considering a move to a culturally and historically rich area. Sutcliffe offers insight into the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping housing in the North West.
Trend: Rising demand for social and affordable housing
The need for social and affordable housing in the North West is on a steep incline, driven by both new regulations and broader environmental goals. The recent policy shift from the Labour government mandates that all rented accommodation must achieve at least a C rating on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scale by 2030, being pushed back from the previous goal of 2028. This regulation is a crucial step in the UK’s journey towards its ambitious net zero target by 2050 alongside the aim of reducing all direct emissions from public sector building by 50% and 20% by 2032 and 2037 respectively.
The growing emphasis on energy efficiency and carbon reduction means that housing providers will need to invest in improving the energy performance of existing properties and ensure new builds meet higher standards. As the North West grapples with a housing crisis exacerbated by rising rents and a shortage of affordable options, the push towards better energy ratings is expected to further drive up demand for social housing. This trend underscores the importance of creating housing solutions that are not only affordable but also environmentally responsible.
Sutcliffe CEO, Sean Keyes, shares his thoughts on our prediction noting:
“Social housing developers are considerably ethical in their developments, considering the likes of flooding and wastage throughout their build, meaning they take a much more considered view when building and demand for these properties will stay high in the upcoming years”.
Opportunity: Brownfield site construction
Amidst the pressing need for more housing, brownfield site construction emerges as a promising opportunity for the North West. Brownfield sites – previously developed land that is now vacant or underused – offer a sustainable alternative to developing greenbelt land. By repurposing these sites, developers can contribute to the rejuvenation of urban areas, providing new homes while preserving the natural environment. It also offers very few drawbacks compared to its benefits.
The benefits of brownfield development are numerous. These sites are often located in or near existing urban areas, which can reduce the strain on transport networks and public services. To add to the lengthy list of pros – building on brownfield land is typically more sustainable, helping to mitigate urban sprawl and protect green spaces. For the North West, which has numerous underutilised industrial sites, this approach presents a significant opportunity to create affordable, green, and vibrant communities alongside significant social value to add to portfolios.
Challenges: Navigating regional obstacles
Despite the opportunities, the North West faces several unique challenges when it comes to housing development. One of the most pressing issues is flood risk. The region is prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, which can pose serious risks to new developments and existing properties. Addressing these risks requires careful planning and investment in flood prevention measures such as flood risk analysis or assessment to help manage and mitigate the risks posed by all potential water sources. Sophisticated assessments will identify current concerns and their solution, as well as anticipate future threats to the site that will be taken into account and mitigations are prepared accordingly.
Another challenge is dealing with contaminated land. Many brownfield sites in the North West have been used for industrial purposes in the past, leaving behind contamination that must be remediated before development can proceed. This process can take time but is essential for ensuring that new housing is safe and sustainable. To identify potential risks to land Geotechnical and environmental assessments are fundamental. At Sutcliffe, we combine our understanding of geological structures, materials and processes with advanced investigative, scientific and engineering techniques to manage ground risk, optimise design and maximise development value. To fully reap the benefits of brownfield construction, ensure that every geotechnical assessment comprehensively covers all these essential components.
Some areas in the North West also suffer from outdated and poorly designed structures that are not conducive to modern, sustainable living. The legacy of previous poor structural designs means that developers must often address these deficiencies as part of their renovation or redevelopment projects. It does often however require a simple solution and the structural integrity of developments can be improved drastically whilst conserving the historical and cultural significance of the site. A great example of this is our project at the Lake House Barns where Sutcliffe was engaged to transform a dilapidated agricultural shed into three elegant lakeside homes.
The Future: North West housing
In conclusion, the North West’s housing sector is at a crossroads, by combining increased demand for social and affordable housing, opportunities in brownfield site development, and significant regional challenges. By understanding these trends and addressing the obstacles head-on, developers, businesses and stakeholders can contribute to a more sustainable and enhanced housing future for the region.