UKREiiF continues to prove itself as more than a conference, it’s where various sectors across the public and private space come together to sense-check thinking, take a measure of the industry, hear from experts, and reconnect with industry collaborators. For the Anthony Collins team on the ground this year, the focus hasn’t been on ticking off panels, but on reconnecting with longstanding partners, building new relationships and pressure-testing where the market is heading.

Across day one, one thing has been clear, there is a growing urgency to move from ambition to delivery in many areas, but to do so without repeating the mistakes of the past. Strong conference remarks include avoiding a position where we’re retrofitting the homes we’re building now, in ten years time. 

A consistent theme emerging from conversations and sessions alike is the role of mayoral development corporations (MDCs) and combined authorities in unlocking place-based growth. These aren’t just about housing numbers, but about shaping places through infrastructure, jobs and long-term regeneration. The Birmingham East MDC, for example, signals how investment is being used to anchor wider economic outcomes, not just residential-led schemes. With up to £11m investment in the Sports Quarter to deliver new jobs, transport links and homes, it shows that the investment opportunity in the region goes far beyond housing. 

Alongside this sits a renewed focus on partnership. Informal conversations with local authority leaders, combined authority teams and private sector partners have reinforced the importance of alignment, particularly as funding becomes tighter and expectations increase. The success stories on partnership working across the public, private and RP sector have highlighted some key success factors - get the foundations right, ensure full alignment on outcomes, and play to each other’s strengths. 

As always, relationships remain the critical enabler of delivery, and UKREiiF continues to provide the space to build and strengthen them.

Policy direction is also coming into sharper focus. Discussions around the next Social Affordable Homes Programme (2026–2036) highlight a clear shift that quality, design and resilience are no longer nice to haves, they are central to funding and delivery decisions. The message from Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants at Homes England was strong and direct:

“the sector can’t afford to deliver homes today that require retrofitting tomorrow.”

That has implications not just for developers but all contributing organisations, and the legal frameworks and governance models need to be robustly put in place to support this sentiment. 

In other areas of the conference, stewardship has been gaining real traction. There is increasing recognition that how places are managed over the long term - socially, environmentally and financially - is just as important as how they are built. From investment structures to social value leadership, the conversation is evolving beyond delivery into community advocacy and ownership. 

The funding landscape was a hotly debated topic. With larger strategic partners navigating complex delivery environments, it was clear that complexity is driving delivery model choices, with Competitive Market Engagement (CME) becoming a pragmatic route. This reflects a perhaps more sophisticated approach to funding - crucial to unlocking challenging sites. Homes England emphasised early engagement and alignment to local priorities will be key to demonstrating value and regional relevance. 

Whether in formal sessions, fringe discussions or over coffee at the docks, there’s a willingness to share challenges as much as successes. Conversations around viability, governance, funding and the complexity of delivery, demonstrate the scale of the opportunities across our sectors. 

For Anthony Collins, UKREiiF has been about staying close to those conversations, listening, connecting and bringing insight back to clients navigating an increasingly complex landscape. In order to take advantage of the opportunities, it is clear that collaboration is no longer going to be optional, but fundamental to long-term successful delivery.