Real Estate|Construction|Policy — London Housing Construction Grinds To Halt Amid Regulatory Gridlock

Home construction in London is approaching a standstill, with only 4,170 housing units started in 2024-25 against an annual target of 88,000. A combination of Byzantine planning regulations, soaring building costs, and political opposition has stifled development, contributing to a severe housing affordability crisis. The gridlock is exemplified by projects like Shoreditch Works, where developers have spent four years seeking approval for just 80 new homes, highlighting systemic issues strangling the city's growth.