From Concrete to Community - The Case for New Social Living

When new developments are built at scale in areas of regeneration, a typical reaction is to speak of gentrification as questions of local community value are often raised. However – it is generally easy to overlook the social and economic impact of building young and freshly housed communities around these areas.

In the market today, you might notice that social value schemes are becoming a quite a big deal. These schemes make sure that new developments do more than just earn money—they also help the local community. In simple terms, they mean adding things like affordable housing, community spaces, eco-friendly designs, and local job opportunities into new projects.

For investors, this approach is changing the game. It’s no longer just about quick profits. Instead, the focus is on long-term value that benefits both your bottom line and the neighbourhood. When a project brings real benefits to the community, it’s more likely to win over local councils. These councils are eager to support developments that improve life for residents. In fact, projects with strong social value can sometimes get faster planning approvals and even financial help, such as grants or incentives.

Of course, there are some extra costs involved. Adding community facilities or green features might mean spending more upfront. This can cut into your short-term profits. However, the long-term benefits are usually worth the extra cost. Developments that help a community tend to attract better tenants and keep them for longer. They often have lower vacancy rates, and as the area improves, property values can go up. In the end, you could see better returns on your investment.

There’s also a growing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in the world of investing. Many large investors now prefer projects that can show a real commitment to these principles. A development that meets social value standards not only helps the community but also becomes more attractive to these investors. This can lead to new funding opportunities and even boost the overall value of the project.

The big picture is that social value schemes offer a fresh way to look at property investment. Instead of focusing only on immediate gains, these schemes encourage you to think about the long-term health of both your investment and the community. In an increasingly competitive market, being able to show that your project has a positive impact can give you an edge. It builds goodwill with local authorities, attracts quality tenants, and even makes your project more appealing to future buyers or investors.

In short, while adding social value measures might cost a bit more at the start, they can pay off big time in the long run. For property investors looking to secure steady growth and build a lasting legacy, considering social value isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming a must. By investing in projects that support communities and the environment, you can help create a more sustainable future while also enjoying the financial rewards of a thriving property market.

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