A new report says London needs to rip up some of its housing rules if it wants to fix the city’s shortage of homes.
The Home Builders Federation (HBF), which represents private developers, argues that complicated planning rules, strict affordable housing targets, and new safety regulations are slowing construction. London was supposed to build 440,000 homes by 2030, but so far progress is far behind target.
The HBF wants City Hall to:
- Cut affordable housing requirements from 35% to 25%
- Streamline the London Plan, which developers say is too complex
- Reconsider rules on building design that make some projects unviable
- Scrap a new safety levy due in 2026
Developers also want green belt land released for housing.
Critics, though, say this is less about helping Londoners and more about boosting profits. Housing campaigners warn that cutting affordable homes and safety measures would hit those most in need.
The mayor’s office pushed back, saying Sadiq Khan is already working to deliver more homes and blamed wider national problems for the slow pace.
The debate leaves one thing clear: London’s housing crisis is only getting worse, and big decisions lie ahead on how to solve it.