Housing

Both the UK and Ireland face profound housing crises, necessitating an ambitious and accelerated pace of development. This urgency, however, is met by significant hurdles: land availability (especially brownfield sites and the 'grey belt' in the UK), skilled labour shortages, escalating material costs, complex planning and regulatory frameworks, and the critical need to deliver sustainable and affordable homes. In Ireland, the "Housing for All" plan aims for 33,000 new homes annually, yet demand projections suggest more than 50,000 may be needed. The UK struggles to meet its 300,000 annual target, with delivery averaging only 230,000. These challenges mean housing projects, from large-scale estates to urban regeneration, demand expert navigation of commercial, contractual, and planning complexities.

Kiltoom Advisory provides comprehensive support to developers, contractors, and investors in the housing sector. Our Construction Claims Management expertise is frequently called upon to manage claims arising from unforeseen site conditions, protracted planning delays (exacerbated by complex net zero and nutrient requirements), or supply chain disruptions – issues common in multi-unit residential projects. We are adept at supporting payment processes under the Construction Contracts Act 2013 (Ireland) and The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (UK), ensuring vital cash flow is maintained in projects with tight margins.

Should disputes arise, our Construction Dispute Resolution services offer efficient pathways to resolution. Whether through strategic negotiation, conciliation (particularly relevant for RIAI contracts in Ireland), or statutory adjudication, we facilitate commercially sound outcomes, preventing costly stagnation and ensuring projects can progress to meet housing targets. Navigating community objections ("NIMBYism") and legal challenges also requires a robust dispute strategy.

Proactive Risk Mitigation & Project Assurance is paramount in housing development. Our comprehensive contract reviews help identify and control risks related to planning permissions, procurement, and project delivery, safeguarding investments against delays and cost overruns. Independent health checks provide an objective assessment of project status, vital for maintaining momentum on large schemes. We also offer expert insights into the viability of affordable housing components and the implementation of green energy solutions.

For investors and developers, our Construction & Infrastructure Due Diligence is essential. We provide thorough commercial, contractual, and project status assessments, particularly crucial when evaluating brownfield sites or large-scale regeneration schemes, ensuring informed decision-making on significant capital commitments.

When housing projects encounter significant challenges or go off track, our Expert Guidance and Project Recovery/Turnaround services are critical. We provide the strategic interventions needed to steer projects back towards successful completion, mitigating losses and accelerating delivery. Furthermore, our Training and Contract Management Expertise ensures that client teams are proficient in managing the diverse contractual arrangements prevalent in this sector, including JCT, RIAI, and PWC forms, enhancing project control and fostering collaboration to tackle the UK and Ireland's housing deficit.