PODCAST · business
Inside Property Development
by Paul Higgs
Inside Property Development is a no-nonsense show that rolls up its sleeves and digs into how the world of land, planning and property development really works in practice, providing rare access industry insiders and valuable insights into real-world development deals, as well as keeping you up to date with the latest industry news. Colourful and at times controversial, the show focuses on how to do development the right way and aims to inspire and empower developers of all levels, as well as other professionals in the both the private and public sectors, to work together to build more and better homes that we can all be proud of.Connect with us on our socials for more educational content to help you achieve success in development.Millbank Land Academy Website: www.millbanklandacademy.co.ukMillbank Group Website: www.millbankgroup.co.ukConnect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paul-higgsConnect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/paul.higgs.50Join our community on Facebook: www.faceboo
Episodes
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Will the New Design PPG Make Your Deals Easier – or Impossible? With David Birbeck
In this episode, Paul once again sits down with David Birbeck, one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to planning and development. Together, they discuss the government´s new draft Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) and how it should work in practice. David is the CEO of Design for…
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- Breaking into Property Development: Early Career Strategies for Graduates
In this episode, Paul sits down with Lucas, a recent Bristol civil engineering graduate, who is considering becoming a property developer. Together, they discuss why everything in development starts with finding and controlling land, how planning policy has evolved to make that both harder and…
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Are Small, High Quality Schemes the Smartest Play for Developers Now? – with Steve Morris
In this episode Paul is joined by Steve Morris the co-founder and Managing Director of Linfield Construction, to discuss the viability of building a property development business later in life – especially if you come from a contracting and commercial background rather than following the more...
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From Politics to Property Development
Today, Paul sits down with former Wandsworth councillor and Pocket Living land director and the Managing Director and founder of Urban Sketch Nick Cuff. Drawing on his rare mix of political and development experience, Nick explains what a genuinely pro‑development culture looks like, and why most...
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Architect/Developer Relationships with Cameron Straughan
How can architects and developers work together to deliver projects that are financially viable, genuinely regenerative – create schemes like this that actually get built as planned? In this episode, Paul is interviewed by Cameron Straughan, a master’s student in architecture at the University of...
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From NIMBYs to Co‑Creators: How Communities Are Leading Development Through CLTs?
This week, Tom Chance the Chief Executive of the National Community Land Trust Network joins Paul to discuss something most SME developers either haven’t heard of – or are massively underestimating - Community Land Trusts. If you’re battling viability, stuck on marginal sites, or sick of being...
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Is The UK´s Housing Crisis Mostly Fuelled by Planning Issues or By Its Property Tax System? – with Tony Vickers
Who really creates land value, who cashes in, and could changing how we tax land finally shift development from easy Greenfield wins to regenerating the brownfield sites where we actually need homes? – Tune in to find out. Paul once again sits down with Tony Vickers to unpack why the UK housing...
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Land Trading & Flipping Sites Explained
In this episode of Inside Property Development, Paul expands on the ins and outs of land trading. Including how to source off-market opportunities, add planning value, and decide when to sell or build. To help him do this, Paul shares the details of a recent experience he had of selling a small,...
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Land Trading, Option Agreements and Promotions – What They Are and How to Use Them
For this week's episode of Inside Property Development, Paul covers a subject a lot of his trainees at the Milbank Land Academy are asking about - land trading, option agreements and profit agreements. He explains how they are different and shares some use cases for each of them. If you have a...
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Changing the Rules to Secure More and Better Housing
In this episode, Paul sits down with Tony Vickers, Chairman of West Park’s Council, who has had a long career in land use, planning and property development. Together, they discuss how land value is created, the case for land value taxation, and what it will take to solve the UK’s housing crisis....
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The Stark Realities of Building Homes In The UK With Philip Barnes
Today, Paul sits down with Philip Barnes, former UK group land and planning director at Barrett who now works part time for Savills. Together they explore the challenges and opportunities facing today’s property developers. Including discussing the stark differences between SMEs and major...
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Collaborating to Solve the Housing Crisis
Can collaboration really solve the housing crisis? seasoned property developer and industry expert Paul Higgs explores the challenges facing SME developers, housebuilders, and planners — and why the confrontational nature of the industry must change if we’re to create better homes and more...
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Small Sites, Big Ideas: The Truth About Developers & Good Design with Adam Dainow
In this episode Paul speaks with Adam Dainow, Co-Founder of Caswell&Dainow, to unpack the realities of small-site development, the challenges of working with local authorities, and why good design is central to great places. Adam & Paul discuss the public misconceptions about development, the…
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40 Years, Zero Refusals: The 100% Planning Approval Blueprint
In this episode, Paul reveals the disciplined approach that has enabled him to maintain a flawless 40-year record of securing planning approvals. Drawing on decades of experience, Paul explains the strategies developers can use to strengthen their own applications, avoid common pitfalls, and...
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Inside the Vision: Paul Higgs Redefining Property as the Hippie Developer
In this episode, Paul looks back on his remarkable journey through the world of property development. From his humble beginnings as a labourer on construction sites to becoming a successful developer, Paul shares his valuable experience. Paul opens up about the challenges currently facing the...
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Land, Planning, and Viability: The Hidden Challenges of Building Homes with Michael Keaveny Part 2
Are modern methods of construction really the answer to the UK’s housing crisis, or are there deeper challenges holding back development? Michael Keaveny, Director of Land and Development at Grainger PLC, to further discuss the realities of property development in the UK. They discuss why...
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Land, Planning, and Viability: The Hidden Challenges of Building Homes with Michael Keaveny
DESCRIPTION In this episode, Paul is joined by Michael Keaveny, Director of Land and Development at Grainger PLC, whose career spans decades in the property development sector, from hands-on project management to leading major urban regeneration projects. Together, they discuss the realities…
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Maximizing Value in Land, Planning, and Design Off-Market Deals and £1 Options
DESCRIPTION Are you ready to unlock the real secrets of successful property development? In this episode, Paul draws on his 40+ years of experience to reveal why the smartest developers focus on planning, design, and off-market deals to maximize value and minimize risk. This episode includes...
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Can Property Development Serve Both Communities and Investors?
In this episode, Paul & David Van Der Lande delve into the complexities of compulsory purchase orders (CPO) and development viability, featuring insights from David, a compulsory purchase and viability expert. They discuss the historical context of CPOs, their application in urban regeneration…
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Why Our Planning System Is Broken
In this episode, Paul sits down with leading industry expert Esther Kurland to explore the complexities of property development, planning policies, and the challenges faced by local authorities in delivering quality housing. They discuss how design standards have evolved, the influence of...
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The Housing Crisis in Britain: Why It’s Getting Worse
Britain has been facing a housing shortage for decades, and the promises of 300,000 new homes a year remain unfulfilled. In this episode, Paul & Lewis Herbert explore why affordable housing is disappearing, how policy changes and planning hurdles have hurt small developers, and what it means for...
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Avoid This Property Development Mistake and Build a Future That Lasts
In this episode Paul talks through the significant barriers faced by house building developers, emphasising the critical issues of land availability, planning complexities, and the current skills shortage in the construction industry, Paul shares insights on the importance of understanding the...
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The Future of Housing: Challenges & Solutions for Small Developers
In this episode, Paul sits down with property developers Phill Williams and James Emmons to discuss the issues that are preventing SMEs from building new homes in the UK. Including some of the things that can be done to mitigate the risks that are making this problem worse. Paul also shares the...
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Conquering Modern Design, Planning, and Urban Challenges with Esther Kurland part 1
For this episode, Paul is joined by veteran planner Esther Kurland, the director of UDL, who has extensive experience, including roles at London Transport, the GLA, and several other local authorities. Esther provides an in-depth look at the challenges property developers currently face, how we…
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SME Developers & the Grey Belt: Two Game-Changers for Solving the Housing Crisis
In this episode Paul takes a deep dive into the government’s emerging “Grey Belt” concept — and whether it could be the planning breakthrough needed to ease the UK housing crisis. Drawing on over 40 years in the housebuilding industry, Paul explains what Grey Belt land is likely to mean in...
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The Power of £1 Option Agreements & My 100% Planning Success Strategy
Paul dives into one of the most powerful tools in a developer’s toolkit – the £1 option agreement. Despite sounding too good to be true, option agreements are a tried-and-tested way of controlling land without needing huge amounts of upfront cash. Paul explains what they are, how they work, why...
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The Hidden Homelessness Epidemic & Modern Methods Of Construction: Dave Hughes
Paul discusses with David Hughes, design director of Hughes Architects, focusing on the pressing issue of temporary housing in the UK. They delve into the staggering costs incurred by councils on temporary accommodation, particularly in London, where the financial burden has reached £114 million...
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Q&A Designing the Future
In this episode Paul answers your questions about current trends in property design, the balance between creativity and functionality, and the impact of technology on future developments. Paul discusses the influence of modern methods of construction and sustainability on design aesthetics,...
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How Today´s Planning System Puts All of the Cost Burdens on Developers
Today, Paul is once again joined by the Director of Town Centre Regeneration Ltd, David Van Der Lande. He is a land development consultant who specialises in assessing viability and land assembly. David is also a compulsory purchase expert. This time he and Paul discuss land valuation, the impact...
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Conquering Modern Design, Planning, and Urban Challenges with Esther Kurland Part 2
In this episode, Paul once again sits down to talk with veteran planner Esther Kurland, the director of UDL, who has extensive experience including roles at London Transport, the GLA, and several other local authorities. Esther and Paul once again look at the challenges property developers are...
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The Role Compulsory Purchase Orders Will Play in UK Housing Delivery with David Van Der Lande
Today, Paul is joined by the Director of Town Centre Regeneration Ltd, David Van Der Lande, a development consultant, viability, land assembly and compulsory purchase expert with many decades of experience. He and Paul discuss how CPOs have been used historically and how they are likely to be…
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Rethinking Housing: Flexibility, Affordability, & Social Value with Félicie Krikler
In this episode, Paul is joined by Félicie Krikler of Barr Gazeta. She and Paul discusschanging the way buildings are designed to make them easier to repurpose and the idea ofmaking tried and tested, cost effective home designs that work for most sites that are highlylikely to pass planning...
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Designing Communities, Not Just Buildings with Tim Riley
For this episode, Paul is joined by Tim Riley, director of the award-winning architecturalpractice RCKa. He believes buildings can be catalysts for social change and has experienceof building homes and facilities that genuinely have transformed people´s lives and improvedareas. You will learn how...
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Land Economics 101
If you are tired of all the noise and misinformation about land values and developmenteconomics, this episode of the Inside Property Development podcast is for you. Paul cutsthrough the confusion and gives you the real deal. The Property Development Scorecard...
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Tackling UK Homelessness Using Modular Homes with Lewis Herbert
In this episode, Paul once again sits down to speak to Lewis Herbert to talk about the really important issues of homelessness and the housing crisis. As well as discussing how we got here, they look at some of the potential solutions, including the use of modular housing. KEY TAKEAWAYS In the…
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Unlocking Potential: Strategies for Viable & Sustainable Projects With Leanne Tritton
In this episode, Paul is joined by Leanne Tritton, the founder, former MD and EOT Trustee of ING Media, a team of strategic communications specialists for the built world. They think differently and invest energy and creativity into transforming the way people see buildings, cities and...
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A Flawed Bill That Harms Both Nature & Developers With Alexa Culver
Today, Paul sits down with Alexa Culver, a lawyer who specialises in the field ofenvironmental development, planning and natural capital. She is legal counsel for RSKWilding - a DEFRA designated body under the Environment Act, which creates large scale nature restoration schemes that support...
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Understanding The Root Causes Of The UK´s Housing Crisis With Lewis Herbert
For this episode, Paul and Lewis Herbert sit down to discuss the root causes of the UK current housing crisis and how the problem can be solved. For decades, Lewis has worked to tackle homelessness and the housing crisis. KEY TAKEAWAYS After the war, successive governments focused on housing....
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Beyond the Drawing Board From Architect to Developer with Michael Langley
In this episode, Paul talks to Michael Langley, an architect turned developer, who started his career in London designing high-end buildings, extensions and basements. During COVID he decided to transition into development. He has already delivered projects and has several others in the pipeline....
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Build Efficiently To Shave Tens Of Thousands Off Your Build Cost With Richard Stone
In this episode, Paul is joined by Richard Stone, a chartered construction manager and cost consultant. He also trains people in project management and turns them into experienced developers which enables them to grow their wealth far quicker than they would if they worked a salaried job with a...
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The Property Development Insider System – Stages 1 & 2
In this episode, Paul talks about the main challenges property developers face and shares how he overcame each of them. He covers finding plots of land where the level of competition is minimal, how to quickly assess sites without spending a lot of money, securing the deal on good terms and...
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Neutralising Nimbyism: Using Give My View To Win Community Support With Henry Bliss
For this episode, Paul is joined by Henry Bliss of Give My View, the app that makes it far easier for developers to engage with communities, find and motivate potential project supporters and effectively deal with any local objections. It creates surveys that are fast and easy to complete.…
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Doubling The Square Footage Per Acre with David Birbeck
In this episode, Paul sits down with David Birbeck, one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to planning and development. He is the CEO of Design for Homes, a Housing Design Awards director, an Honorary Fellow of RIBA, HCA design board member, NHBC councillor and Housing Forum board...
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Designing Buildings That Are Viable With Oli Lowrie
In this episode, Paul talks to Oli Lowrie, the director and co-founder of Ackroyd Lowrie Architects. He and his co-founder John Ackroyd believe that architecture is too siloed. They are entrepreneurs as well as architects, they do not simply stay in their lane. Instead, they anticipate the issues...
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Building A Robust Property Business with Saam Lowni
In this episode, Paul talks to Saam Lowni a highly successful property entrepreneur who now specialises in providing innovative property finance solutions for investors and developers. Saam has been passionate about property from a very young age, so much so that he worked on building sites, with...
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The Future Of Planning In 2025 With David Jones
In this episode, Paul talks to David Jones, the managing director of Evans Jones Planning and Property Consultancy. He has been working in planning for 30+ years. He and Paul look at how the planning system has evolved and is likely to look in the future. Including the impact recent changes are...
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Realising The Full Potential Of Your Land Despite Development Challenges By AJ Shome
For this episode, Paul is joined by AJ Shome director of Founthill Land Planning and Development, a highly successful SME property developer who, in 2013, was one of Paul´s first mentees. They sit down to discuss the trials and tribulations they and others face getting planning permission and...
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The INSIDER Property Development System – Stage 1 – Identifying your site
In this episode, Paul shares a few more details about his INSIDER Property Development Framework. Starting with the I that stands for Identifying your site. This includes finding it through off-market opportunities, carrying out fact finding, narrowing down your options, net research, discussing...
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A Practical Approach to BNG and Environmental Assessment with Hayley Farnell
Today, Paul talks to Hayley Farnell, director of Samsara Ecology and an ecologist with 20+ years of experience. They discuss the best ways for developers to conduct environmental studies, meeting the challenge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), offsite habitat creation, brownfield site assessment…
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Methods of Modern Construction (MMCs) Is It Really A Viable Approach? with Dave Hughes
For this episode, Paul is once again joined by Dave Hughes of Fuse Architects. This week they discuss Modern Methods of Construction (MMCs), looking at how they can help developers deliver consistently better-quality homes at a competitive price point, while also overcoming skills shortages.They...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Inside Property Development is a no-nonsense show that rolls up its sleeves and digs into how the world of land, planning and property development really works in practice, providing rare access industry insiders and valuable insights into real-world development deals, as well as keeping you up to date with the latest industry news. Colourful and at times controversial, the show focuses on how to do development the right way and aims to inspire and empower developers of all levels, as well as other professionals in the both the private and public sectors, to work together to build more and better homes that we can all be proud of.Connect with us on our socials for more educational content to help you achieve success in development.Millbank Land Academy Website: www.millbanklandacademy.co.ukMillbank Group Website: www.millbankgroup.co.ukConnect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paul-higgsConnect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/paul.higgs.50Join our community on Facebook: www.faceboo
HOSTED BY
Paul Higgs
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Inside Property Development have?
Inside Property Development currently has 77 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Inside Property Development about?
Inside Property Development is a no-nonsense show that rolls up its sleeves and digs into how the world of land, planning and property development really works in practice, providing rare access industry insiders and valuable insights into real-world development deals, as well as keeping you up to...
How often does Inside Property Development release new episodes?
Inside Property Development has 77 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Inside Property Development?
You can listen to Inside Property Development on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Inside Property Development?
Inside Property Development is created and hosted by Paul Higgs.
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