Breaking Property News 12/11/25
November 12, 2025
Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.
Labour’s housing progress is more tumbleweed than spades in the ground
Housing Secretary Steve Reed gets easy ride by panel at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee meeting
Tuesday afternoon was the first time since Red Ange departed that the government had to give an account of where it was regarding the delivery and provision of housing. This meeting, which was like an episode of ‘Yes Minister’ and brought together MPs, the Secretary of State Steve Reed MP, and the department’s Permanent Secretary, Dame Sarah Healey, to examine how the ministry is performing across its main areas of responsibility. Much of the discussion focused on accountability, and how the department is managing its policies, spending and delivery. The committee used the session to scrutinise the government’s overall performance and priorities in housing and local government.
Andrew Stanton Executive Editor – moving property and proptech forward. PropTech-X
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An early great soundbite was that the RRA according to the Housing Secretary, ensured that tenants were no longer ‘thrown out with no notice or good reason.’ (Really).
One of the central topics was housing delivery. The government’s target of building 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament was examined closely. Committee members questioned whether the goal is achievable and what measures are being put in place to make it happen.
Planning reform and land supply were also major points of debate. MPs discussed how changes to the planning system could unlock more land for development and speed up approvals. The conversation highlighted the importance of local authorities having the resources and support to handle planning efficiently.
Much was made of the £39Bn earmarked over the next decade for social housing – dreamed up by the Hove flat buyer, before she departed having evaded paying the correct amount of SDLT (I think she still owes the interest and is yet to pay a fine – you could not make it up).
Leasehold and commonhold reform featured as another key area. The committee raised concerns about the rights of homeowners, unfair leasehold practices, and the government’s efforts to modernise these systems. Broader issues around the private rental sector, housing affordability, and standards of accommodation were also discussed.
Homelessness and rough sleeping formed a significant part of the session. The committee explored what the government is doing to reduce homelessness, the pressures facing local councils, and the reliance on temporary accommodation.
The financial health of local government was another recurring theme. Questions were raised about whether councils have the funding and capacity to deliver housing, regeneration and other key services. The link between local authority finances and the government’s broader housing ambitions was made clear.
Finally, the committee examined how the department is supporting community cohesion, devolution, and local governance. There was a strong emphasis on empowering local areas, encouraging regeneration, and strengthening community resilience — particularly in regions struggling with housing shortages.
For those in property, planning or development — including those involved in estate agency or proptech, several messages stood out. The government’s renewed focus on housing targets suggests both opportunities and pressures for developers and agents. Planning reform could change how permissions are handled, potentially shortening timelines but also reshaping risk.
Upcoming leasehold and commonhold changes may alter how property ownership is structured and marketed. Meanwhile, financial challenges within local government could cause regional variations in how quickly development projects progress.
Given Labour are likely to be a one-term government and new housing provision will be 890,000 over their 5 years in power, not 1.5M as promised, one wonders why the government spends so much time giving evidence in these meetings as nothing changes, apart from the faces.