Docklands News

Proposals to tackle the housing crisis by prioritising high-density, mid-rise housing inspired by traditional mansion blocks found in areas such as Marylebone and Kensington have gained MPs' backing. A report by the Policy Exchange think tank argues that such developments can deliver high density without high-rise towers, be up to 40% cheaper to build, and significantly increase housing supply, potentially adding 1m homes in London. The paper highlights that Victorian-style mid-rise areas often achieve higher densities than modern skyscraper developments.

City AM  

The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station has transformed the area into a luxury enclave attracting multimillion-pound apartments and high-end retail. Long-term locals feared displacement, but a recent partnership between developers and Wandsworth Council will deliver 203 council homes, marking a rare victory for mixed-income communities amid gentrification pressures.

The Guardian  

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)