PRD

#MapofTheMonth – London’s affordability crisis As the UK’s housing crisis has intensified, people are spending a greater proportion of their income on housing costs. Last year, research from Nationwide showed that first-time buyers are now spending 37% of their take-home pay on mortgage payments – far exceeding the long-term average of 30%. August’s map of the month reinforces the challenge facing prospective homeowners in London by defining an income-based budget. The income-based budget is calculated based on two people earning the median gross salary within each borough. It assesses the amount they can afford with a standard mortgage 4.5x their income and with a 10% deposit. Comparing this against local sales data shows that 3-bedroom homes are largely out of reach for middle-earning Londoners. The colour gradient – dark red for the most unaffordable areas like Westminster and Camden, and deep green for more affordable neighbourhoods like Bromley and Bexley – highlights stark sub-regional disparities and explains why the average first-time buyer deposit in London now exceeds £150,000. PRD works with local authorities to pinpoint specific challenges in local areas, and provide thoughtful and data-driven solutions to help address real-world issues that impact residents and local communities. James R Will Temple

Great to see Newham's Growth Plan launched this week 👇   PRD supported London Borough of Newham to develop its response to the London Growth Plan. The Plan aims to harness the borough's economic opportunity to tackle inequalities and make residents the primary beneficiaries of growth.   Going beyond just headline measures of economic success, Newham's approach will be guided by UCL Institute for Global Prosperity's secure livelihood framework - ensuring investment and development drives improvements in resident prosperity.

It is great to see the launch of the Huntingdonshire Economic Growth Strategy! 🥳   We are really proud to have helped develop this important work alongside our collaborators at Volterra Partners LLP. The strategy sets the ambitions for a sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in Huntingdonshire, and includes practical actions to ensure the district continues to thrive during economic and political change.   It was brilliant working alongside a Huntingdonshire team who prioritised having a direct impact on businesses and residents, and we are looking forward to seeing what comes next! Rose Jump James R Zach Cole Charlie Crosbie

Fantastic to hear Cllr Grace Williams talking about the innovative approach Waltham Forest is taking to tackle the housing crisis. PRD are proud of our part in supporting the borough’s independent Affordable Housing Commission and developing a progressive new housing strategy focused on resident health and wellbeing. As Waltham Forest has shown, the housing crisis is about much more than delivering 1.5 million homes. A safe, secure, and genuinely affordable home is the foundation of a happy and healthy life. In an era of constrained resources and rising demand, the council’s bold mission-based approach is tackling both the root causes and secondary impacts of the housing crisis. #LGAConf25

I'm really looking forward to attending the Local Government Association Conference up in Liverpool early next month. Local authorities are critical to the work we do at PRD and the values we stand for. We've been working with and for local authorities on ground-breaking projects that we want to talk more about and we recognise the importance of this moment of change and opportunity for the country that the devolution agenda represents. Please get in touch if you will be at the conference too and want to catch up! #LGAConf25

PRD are proud to mark one year of being formally accredited as a London Living Wage Employer, ensuring that every team member receives a wage that truly reflects the cost of living in our great city.   This commitment requires ongoing compliance with living wage requirements, including implementing any new rates as they are introduced.    It’s not just about meeting a standard—it’s about valuing our people, supporting their well-being, and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.   #LondonLivingWage #livingWageUK #FairPay #InclusiveWorkplaces #PRD

Less than a week to apply to work with us! Check out the roles below 👇

Developing London’s small sites is important to delivering the housing Londoners need. PRD and Airey Miller were delighted to join the Greater London Authority, Council landlords, developers, builders, architects and expert practitioners to take on this challenge today. PRD and Airey Miller originally evaluated the GLA’s ground breaking  Small Sites Small Builders Programme back in 2020 and 2021 and this time around it was great to be able to be together in person -  to talk about the innovations the programme has supported and the important role it will continue to play in helping to unlock delivery, as well as to hear about the brilliant projects and initiatives happening across the capital. #smallsitesLondon

Did you know that PRD has just celebrated one year of being an accredited Disability Confident Level 1 employer! Today we got the fantastic news that we have achieved Level 2🎉   As a business, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace—one where talent thrives, diversity is celebrated, and every individual feels valued. This accreditation marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to accessibility, equality of opportunity, and empowering individuals with disabilities.   Being a Disability Confident employer means:  ✅ Challenging attitudes towards disability ✅ Removing barriers for disabled employees and candidates ✅ Ensuring equal access to opportunities and career growth   We believe that an inclusive workforce is a stronger workforce, and we’re excited to continue learning, growing, and making meaningful changes that create opportunities for everyone.   To all businesses considering the Disability Confident journey—let’s build a more inclusive business environment together! #Disabilityconfident

Great to contribute to this report from London Property Alliance (CPA & WPA) and Future Places Studio on social value in the built environment. Some very timely recommendations on more consistent and purposeful approaches to social value delivery in development and regeneration 👇