Docklands News

Newham councillors have approved the Silvertown Quays project, a 7,172-home development in east London including shops, restaurants, a school and leisure facilities. The scheme will deliver at least 26.38% affordable housing, below the borough’s 50% target, due to viability constraints. A revised agreement also secures £6.3m in developer funding for a new bridge to the ExCel Centre by reducing contributions to the council’s employment team. "This is an exciting moment for Silvertown", said Jess Wallis, development director for Lendlease. "The first homes are ready; new residents are moving in; and the new cycle bridge will make it easier for everyone, new and long-standing residents alike, to connect with the wider city. From the beginning, we’ve focused on delivering affordable homes early and making sure local people feel the benefits right away. Silvertown’s future is being built with and for the local community".

Architects' Journal (16/12/2025)   The Standard (13/12/2025)  

Transport for London (TfL) has announced an £18bn regeneration programme aimed at creating 25,000 new homes and 10,000 jobs in east and south-east London. Central to the initiative is a £1.7bn Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension from Beckton Riverside to Thamesmead. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan described the project as a "massive vote of confidence" in the area. The plans include residential developments, shops, and green spaces, with the first phase already underway. A £23m government grant will also support a new bus route linking key areas. 

Daily Express (17/12/2025)   The Sun (17/12/2025)  

UK house prices are forecast to rise by 2%–4% next year, according to Nationwide, with the average home potentially increasing from £272,998 to nearly £284,000. While growth is expected to continue, rising wages and falling mortgage rates are improving affordability, easing pressure on buyers. Interest rate cuts and looser mortgage stress tests have already supported demand, despite annual price growth slowing to 1.8% in November. Rightmove also predicts a 2% rise in 2026. Regional price gaps are narrowing, with weaker growth in London. Nationwide said gradual affordability improvements should support steady price rises rather than a sharp surge. 

The Guardian (16/12/2025)   The Independent (16/12/2025)   The Standard (16/12/2025)   The Times (16/12/2025)  

UK Finance forecasts a significant slowdown in mortgage lending growth, predicting only a 2% increase to £180bn in 2026. This marks a stark decline from the 22% growth seen this year. Property transactions are expected to fall to just over 1.2m, with repossessions rising by 9% to 9,400. James Tatch, head of analytics at UK Finance, said: "Affordability is now very tight and this is likely to limit borrowing options for potential buyers in 2026." 

Daily Mail (15/12/2025)  

A major multi-billion pound regeneration project at Canada Water has drawn sharp criticism after developer British Land proposed cutting affordable housing from 35% to just 3%, citing rising construction costs and new building regulations. The controversial move, submitted via a Section 73 planning amendment, sparked over 1,100 public objections and accusations of broken promises. With Southwark Council missing deadlines to respond, Mayor Sadiq Khan has now called in the application and will make the final decision. While British Land argues the development is no longer financially viable without cutting affordable units, critics, including local Liberal Democrat councillors, call the revised plan “insulting” and a betrayal of residents. The Greater London Authority has acknowledged the scheme’s financial challenges but has yet to decide on a way forward. The original 2020 Masterplan had committed to nearly 3,000 homes, with over a third designated as affordable.

My London (06/12/2025)  

Ballymore and Penta Real Estate are moving ahead with building 681 new homes in London, despite a wider slowdown in the capital’s residential development. The joint venture will deliver flats across Canary Wharf and Nine Elms, with construction already under way and first residents expected in 2028. Ballymore, led by managing director John Mulryan, says accelerating projects is vital amid constrained supply. For Penta, known for nearly 50 central European schemes, this marks its UK market debut with ambitions to expand across housing, offices and hotels. The Times says their commitment contrasts with other developers pausing schemes due to planning barriers and rising costs, with only 2,158 homes starting construction in London in early 2025. Both firms say London’s long-term demand still makes it a strong investment opportunity. 

The Times (10/12/2025)