This year’s UKREiiF in Leeds brought together more than 16,000 delegates from across the built environment sector for three days of panels, presentations, networking and debate. From co-living to green leases, and early careers to place repositioning, the event highlighted both the industry's progress and persistent challenges.
Public–private alignment and alternative housing models
The exhibition hall was dominated by regional and corporate pavilions, reflecting the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors. One standout session explored cooperative housing – a tenure that accounts for just 1% of UK homes, compared with as much as 40% in parts of Europe. The panel discussed the need for greater awareness, better access to funding, and the opportunity to align cooperative models with ESG and social value goals. A coordinated approach could help attract institutional investment.
Co-living finds its feet
Elsewhere, the evolution of co-living was discussed, with the consensus being that the sector is still a decade behind multi-family/BTR in terms of maturity. However, unit sizes are increasing and earlier, more restrictive formats are being rethought. While the lack of large-scale portfolio transactions continues to limit capital inflows, new funding structures may help the sector take its next steps.
Supporting new entrants into the industry
Discussions also turned to attracting the next generation into the property sector. The importance of work experience and school engagement was widely acknowledged, but speakers also highlighted the barriers, including the difficulty of engaging parents and the need to demystify workplace expectations. Peer-to-peer outreach, mentoring and practical guidance can all play a role in building confidence and widening access.
Place, placemaking and the time it takes
A recurring theme across several sessions was the need to reimagine underused spaces and the long timelines often required to reposition them. While capital typically works to a two to three-year cycle, reshaping public perception can take much longer. Creative amenities, from dog valets to rewilded green space, were cited as examples of how landlords are trying to shift the narrative around place.
Green leases come of age
The final day saw a focus on green leases and the shift in how sustainability clauses are handled. No longer a late-stage consideration, green lease terms are now appearing at the Heads of Terms stage. Tenants and their legal teams are more informed, and tracking real performance, from energy source to embodied carbon, is beginning to take precedence over formal certifications. With service charges unable to cover improvement works, some landlords are looking to rent uplifts to support net-zero targets. A case study from LandSec highlighted the challenges: while switching to air source heat pumps can lower emissions, the cost of electricity limits financial savings.
Beyond the conference
Away from the official agenda, the fringe programme of events across Leeds proved just as important for relationship-building and deal-making. With hotel rooms in short supply, many delegates based themselves in neighbouring towns and cities, leading to longer commutes, but also quieter evenings.
UKREiiF provided a useful pulse-check for the industry. While many of the sector’s challenges are well-known, the conversations this year reflected a growing realism about timelines, a maturing approach to ESG, and a recognition that supporting people, whether through housing, careers or placemaking, is central to delivering change.
We’ll be back in 2026!
To discuss any of the above issues and topics, please contact Steph Yates.