Housing Market Intelligence Conference 2019

Challenges and solutions at HMI 2019

More than 250 senior industry professionals came together at this year’s Housing Market Intelligence conference and annual report launch in London to hear challenges laid down to the industry and discuss potential solutions. The conference was chaired by Natasha Kaplinsky.

With the Extinction Rebellion protests under way just up the road from the conference venue, it was apt that John Gummer, Lord Deben, chairman of the Committee on Climate Change, should launch a robust challenge to the industry to lead the way on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Natalie Elphicke OBE, the New Homes Quality Champion, followed with another challenge on quality and customer care, outlining industry plans for a new homes ombudsman.

Chris Rumfitt of the Field Consultancy described how his firm is working with the industry to improve its delivery and its image, and NHBC ceo Steve Wood looked at quality in construction in the industry.

Bovis ceo Greg Fitzgerald described the turnaround at the firm over the past couple of years – a reminder of the importance of people in delivering quality homes. And National Housing Federation ceo Kate Henderson looked at the role of housing associations in the modern market and urged more partnerships with the industry.

In a packed day, delegates also heard from speakers such as Grainne Gilmore of Knight Frank and David Smith of The Sunday Times on the state of the market and the wider economy, while Jackie Bennett of UK Finance talked mortgages and life beyond Help to Buy.

HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley began and ended the day, setting the scene and summing up the day – acknowledging the challenges, describing how far the industry has improved and accepting that there is still a way to go.