David represents HBF in policy discussions across Whitehall and beyond to ensure that the future policy environment is favourable to the industry. As well as responsibility for HBF's research, he has produced analysis and policy reports on a range of subjects, including the historic decline of SMEs in the housebuilding sector, the weakness of headline housebuilding statistics, the changing nature of housing supply, the economic benefits of increased housing output and various pre-election policy publications.
David joined HBF in 2013, initially as Deputy Director of External Affairs. After graduating from the London School of Economics, he worked for the Conservatives as an adviser to then Shadow Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP and subsequently the Shadow Housing Minister, Grant Shapps MP. He has also advised council leaders in London on housing, finance reform and government relations.
The challenge of satisfying a new generation of customers
In the light of the latest results of the industry's Customer Satisfaction Survey, HBF policy director David O'Leary looks at the changing face of customer service as a new generation becomes ever more demanding
White Paper signals change in starter homes policy
HBF policy director David O'Leary delves deeper into the Housing White Paper and unearths some important, and possibly overlooked, changes in emphasis on Affordable Housing and Starter Homes - or should that be affordable housing and starter homes?
Big housebuilding targets mean big political decisions
HBF policy director David O’Leary examines how increasing new homes supply has moved up the agenda among the main political parties. But what would actually need to be done to hit the targets required?
Budget builds on unprecedented progress on supply
HBF policy director David O’Leary welcomes the latest statistics on new homes supply and looks at the Budget measures on housebuilding, which continue the mood of positivity
Presenting the industry's case in a watershed year
HBF policy director David O’Leary focuses on a series of important issues which are set to impact housebuilders in 2018
Survey suggests patience required on housing challenges
HBF policy director David O’Leary looks at the issues raised by the publication of the latest English Housing Survey
Landing the big arguments on developer contributions
HBF policy director David O’Leary looks at new research looking at developer contributions towards infrastructure
Time for a positive government narrative on housing supply
HBF policy director David O’Leary argues that the government needs to be more positive about its successes with its policies on housing supply
Political musical chairs reveals increasing importance of housing
HBF policy director David O’Leary argues that Sajid Javid’s promotion to home secretary and his replacement at MHCLG is another sign that housing has arrived as a pre-eminent political issue
The most wonderful time of the year
HBF policy director David O’Leary delves into the government’s recently released net housing supply statistics
