Docklands News

Former Conservative mayoral candidate Lord Bailey has criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s housing policies, claiming they have made private housebuilding "stone dead" by rendering projects unviable through strict affordable housing requirements. Under the London Plan, private developments must include at least 35% affordable homes, with a broader target of 50% across the city. This, critics say, has hindered private sector development and left London far behind its goal of 88,000 homes per year, with just 6% of planned homes expected in the next two years. The Mayor’s office defended progress on council and social housing and ongoing collaboration with the government to boost development. In a separate article in City AM, Lord Bailey argues that abolishing affordable housing targets and stamp duty could increase home construction. He suggests using state-owned land to fast-track 75,000 homes and modernising the mortgage market to assist first-time buyers.

The Daily Telegraph   City A.M.  

London's high net worth individuals (HNWIs) are increasingly opting for smaller properties, according to Alex Michelin, co-founder of Valouran. Many are reducing their property investments as they plan to spend more time abroad. Michelin noted: "While they may no longer move here on a full-time basis... London's appeal as a global city remains strong." The trend follows the removal of non-dom tax status and potential new taxes, including a proposed mansion tax on properties over £2m. Lucian Cook from Savills highlighted growing caution in the market due to these changes.

City A.M.  

After a decade of renting in London, India Block reflects on her experiences with various landlords and letting agents. In an article for the Standard, she describes numerous challenges, including poor maintenance, deposit disputes, and eviction threats. Despite being a property journalist, she faced significant difficulties in the rental market. The author highlights the need for systemic change, advocating for a rent freeze and increased social housing to prevent further displacement of families and young people. Block concludes: "The private rental system is a failed project."

London Evening Standard  

Southall is set to welcome a new neighbourhood, Quarter Yards, featuring 1,273 new homes and over 105,000 sq ft of commercial space. Marcus Blake, managing director at St George, noted strong demand for housing in the area, driven by excellent transport links and amenities. The development is part of an 88-acre regeneration project called The Green Quarter, overseen by Berkeley. The Elizabeth line has significantly boosted construction and rental prices in well-connected areas, with some locations seeing price increases of over 70%, according to Goodlord's managing director, Oli Sherlock.

City A.M.  

New rules in London will reduce the required bike storage in housing developments, allowing developers to provide fewer secure bike spaces. Housing Secretary Steve Reed and Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced the changes, which also lower the affordable housing requirement from 35% to 20%. Critics, including Tom Fyans, chief executive of the London Cycling Campaign, argue the change undermines the goal of increasing cycling in the city.

London Evening Standard  

Areli Developments has submitted a planning application to Tower Hamlets Council for an 820-home, 54-storey development at 77 Marsh Wall in Canary Wharf, which includes 238 flexible living units, 195 Build to Rent units and 266 apart-hotel units. The scheme, designed by architecture practice Patel Taylor, also proposes 7,000 sq ft of commercial and community space and is intended to address significant local housing needs, with a focus on affordability. A decision is expected in the first half of 2026.

City AM (23/10/2025)   Estates Gazette (23/10/2025)   Housing Today (23/10/2025)   Property Week (23/10/2025)