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Why Don't We Build More Houses?

For decades now the UK hasn’t built enough homes to meet demand. Why is it so difficult?


Latest episode

  • 7. Cracking the Code of Land Acquisition

    36:15||Season 1, Ep. 7
    This month host Parul Scampion sat down with guests Manu Dinamani from investment management firm, Downing LLP and Jon Smart, Land Director at Fruition Properties to take a comprehensive look at land acquisition and the current challenges in this complex market. They explore key issues including barriers to entry and emerging opportunities in sectors like Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Build-to-Rent (BTR) and delve into the impact of evolving planning regulations and their effects on land development, alongside ideas for unlocking growth and boosting market participation for SMEs.

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  • 6. Talking Interiors

    37:32||Season 1, Ep. 6
    In this episode of our series "Why Don't We Build More Houses?", Parul talks to Helen Fewster from Suna Interior Design and Monica Khiroya, Fruition Properties' Product and Marketing Director about all things interiors and the intricate balance of designing homes with both the end customer and developer needs in mind. We discuss how to create unique, high-quality interiors that appeal to specific markets, incorporating practical elements like flow and functionality from the early planning stages and touch on how design practices have evolved, particularly in response to the pandemic, with the need for flexible work-from-home spaces.The episode also highlights the role of sustainability in design, including the use of energy-efficient appliances and materials, and the importance of reusing and recycling furnishings in show homes across developments through Suna's Circular Design Service.
  • 5. Selling Houses in a Perma-Crisis

    40:29||Season 1, Ep. 5
    In this episode we examine the all-important sales process. How do you sell in what seems to be a perma- crisis? What’s the current state of the market? How do we communicate the benefits of a new-build over second-hand stock and what’s the most effective sales and marketing strategy for these uncertain times? With insights from our highly experienced guests, Adam Rosan from Hamptons, Keith Rigby from Rigby & Marchant, and Neil Morjaria, our Sales Director at Fruition Properties they explore all areas of the sales process including recommendations on how it could be improved!  
  • 4. Money Money Money

    27:59||Season 1, Ep. 4
    Welcome to the "Why Don't We Build More Houses" podcast, where we tackle the challenges facing SME property developers. In this month's episode, host Parul Scampion, COO at Fruition Properties, delves into one of the most critical aspects of property development – financing. Joining her are Paul De Croos and Jonathan Nail from United Trust Bank, who bring decades of experience in property development finance. Together, they explore the intricacies of funding property projects, discussing the role of senior debt, the rising need for alternative financing options like mezzanine or junior debt, and the impact of economic changes on project viability.Whether you’re an established developer or aspiring to break into the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights on navigating financial hurdles and leveraging opportunities in property development. Expect a deep dive into how projects are assessed, the implications of equity and debt in financing, and a candid discussion on the current and future landscape of property development finance.This episode was recorded November 2023.
  • 3. Why you can't find a builder

    40:03||Season 1, Ep. 3
    Welcome to the "Why Don't We Build More Houses" podcast, where we tackle the challenges facing SME property developers. In this month's episode, host Parul Scampion, COO at Fruition Properties, looks into the issues plaguing construction, particularly focusing on costs and the supply chain. Joining her are experts Frank Liguoro and Andrew Hawley from Better Delivery, a specialist consultancy renowned for guiding clients through the complexities of construction projects and Neil Fanning, Development Director at Fruition Properties, who brings a wealth of experience from both architectural practice and on-the-ground delivery.With construction inflation still high and tender returns causing anxiety, we're seeking answers. Will construction costs continue to soar, or are there glimmers of hope on the horizon? What are the solutions SME developers might implement? Our guests provide insights into the impact of recent policy changes and fiscal measures, shedding light on the dynamics driving inflation in the construction sector. From material shortages to labour scarcity exacerbated by Brexit, the challenges are multifaceted and daunting. Join us as we unravel the complexities of construction and explore strategies to navigate the turbulent waters of the industry.
  • 2. The Perils of Planning

    41:31||Season 1, Ep. 2
    Welcome to "Why Don't We Build More Houses," a podcast where we dissect the challenges facing SME property developers. In this episode, host Parul Scampion, COO at Fruition Properties, delves into the intricate world of planning with experts Kieran Rushe from Rapleys and Rishin Kotecha from Fruition Properties. As the demand for housing continues to rise, navigating the planning process has become increasingly arduous. With decades of combined experience, Kieran and Rishin shed light on the complexities, frustrations, and potential solutions in this critical aspect of property development. Join us as we explore why planning has become a formidable obstacle and uncover insights to address this pressing issue.
  • 1. A View From The Property Developer Trenches

    28:23||Season 1, Ep. 1
    Everyone knows we need to build more homes but why is it so difficult and has it got worse? I’m Parul Scampion, Chief Operating Officer at Fruition Properties, and your host for Why Don’t We Build More Houses?, a podcast that examines what it’s like on the ground as an SME property developer. In our first episode of this new series, I’ll be talking to our CEO, Mani Khiroya. Mani has worked in the London property market since 2000 and has a multi-disciplined background across finance, planning, development, construction and sales. We'll discuss what it’s like in the property developer trenches and explore some of the challenges the industry faces, specifically from the perspective of an SME.