Earlier in the year, Lewisham Council was chosen to join a pilot partnership to focus on building new homes on smaller plots. Then, this month they celebrated the successful completion of two new blocks on plots that were formerly garages. We want to have a closer look here to see how they are leading the way with new social housing. This kind of project can be fantastic for areas, benefiting councils and locals. It could inspire more developments across the UK. Plus, it helps to show why people should look at different types of investment properties in Lewisham.
The partnership
The Small Sites Aggregator Pilot is a really interesting concept. It will look to develop small sites owned by councils, creating affordable, high quality, modern social housing. Ultimately, it will give locals better homes and reduce the need for costly, often unsuitable, temporary accommodation.
The pilot will run in 2025, showcasing what is possible when local councils, the Government (MHCLG), and businesses from the private sector work together. Crucially, it will solve issues like procuring land, funding, and how to streamline the whole development process.
Lewisham Council is the chosen representative for London. Sheffield City Council and Bristol City Council are also participating. The expectation is the programme will become national in 2026. Estimates say it could lead to the delivery of 10,000 homes per year on Brownfield sites in different parts of the UK.
Two new blocks
Smaller plots of land can offer the opportunity to create amazing investment properties in Lewisham and many other areas. They just need great designs and to consider the local areas. In fact, the right design choices can make them fit right in, even if it is a conservation area.
Two recently completed projects, part of the Building for Lewisham programme, show just how good the developments can be. In place of old garages in Sydenham and Telegraph Hill, there are now two new blocks of affordable homes. The first, Raggett House, has five homes (4 one bed flats and a wheelchair adapted two bed flat). David Jones House has nine homes (5 three bed flats as well as a mix of one and two bed homes).
There are interesting elements with both properties. Raggett House focuses on sustainability, with air source heat pumps as well as a green roof. David Jones House is notable because the design suits the conservation area in Telegraphy Hill, using traditional local yellow London stock bricks.
The Council was very positive about the developments. Councillor James-J Walsh said they were proud to lead the way with developing “small and underused sites”, showing what is possible to develop “once-overlooked corners of the borough”. Crucially, locals can see “the care and quality” that goes into designing the homes.
Talk to us about investment properties in Lewisham
Infill development is a fantastic opportunity in different areas, especially if you bring together the right resources. It can create lovely homes so people can put down roots. That is much better than underused or vacant land.
Finefair Ltd is the perfect company to work with if you have a portfolio of properties. We provide a full range of services, including guaranteed rent and different management solutions. Working with local councils, we can provide financial security for clients and more.
We can make arrangements for different investment properties in Lewisham and other parts of London. This includes family homes, HMOs, and more. So, get in touch with us and let us know more about your portfolio.
