Traditional building methods have been around for centuries, and although things evolve, styles change, and material preferences come and go, we still tend to build our homes in the same way we always have.
And it’s easy to see why. The traditional approach tends to create buildings that are solid, safe and desirable to buyers. What’s more, there are plenty of talented and reliable tradespeople and professionals for a developer to use to make their project a reality.
However, are there benefits to doing things differently? Should we rethink how we design and build our homes to appeal to modern buyers? How do we factor in climate change?
This article does just that. We’ll explore whether there are better, more cost-effective, or more flexible approaches that property developers should consider.
Embracing Modern Materials & Building Techniques for Property Developers
Bricks and mortar are proven and reliable, but material costs continue to rise (up by 15-20% since 2020), and buyers demand more from new homes. Exploring alternative building materials could both save the developer money during construction and make the property more desirable to buyers from an efficiency or sustainability viewpoint.
ICF Blocks
Insulated Concrete Form (ICE) blocks are relatively new to the property development industry, but they promise to make construction cheaper, quicker and greener.
But what are ICF blocks?
Put simply, Insulated Concrete Forms consist of hollow, interlocking panels or blocks made from expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). They are built on site, reinforced with steel, and then filled with poured concrete to create a strong, well-insulated wall.
Costs can vary depending on the brand you choose and the block’s thickness, but they should cost around £25-£35 per m2.
The initial outlay could be up to 20% more than traditional materials, but they can reduce the total build-time by between two and four months. This can save money on both labour and other costs, such as interest on your development finance, and let you take the property to market quicker.
Modular & Prefabricated Buildings
Modular and prefab homes are not new, but modern design and construction techniques mean that they can offer all the benefits of traditionally-built buildings, with less construction time and lower costs.
The days of identikit prefabricated houses are long gone, and modern prefab homes are considerably higher quality, incredibly energy efficient and offer much more scope for customisation. What’s more, the public and mortgage lenders are coming around to the idea that these might be part of the chronic shortage of housing in the UK and South East.
Whether you opt for modular prefabs (where entire rooms or sections arrive pre-built) or panel versions (where panels and floors are assembled onsite), the quicker construction time means you can turn them around and get them on the market quicker.
Keeping Homes Warm in the Winter and Cool in the Summer
The UK’s climate is changing, and the South East in particular experiences the highest average temperatures, the most hours of sunshine, and below-average rainfall. However, winters can still be cold and wet, and many residents here know all too well that our older houses can be expensive to keep warm in winter, and unbearably hot in the summer.
99% of buyers are already considering the climate when they look for homes, an increase of 72% since 2024. 65% of estate agents said their clients were focused on energy efficiency, while 62% considered heat stress as a factor in their decision. Both overtook flooding (50%), which is historically buyers’ primary concern.
Things like loft, floor and wall insulation, as well as double- or triple-glazed windows, should be standard on any new build. However, developers will also have to focus on passive and active cooling for the warmer periods.
While air conditioning is effective, it’s also expensive to run. Instead, developers can and should integrate passive cooling into their designs. For example, natural ventilation can help keep air flowing, while shutters and solar shades can keep the sun out. Some architects may also resort to deeper eaves or planting trees outside to provide more cover to windows
Securing Property Development Finance in 2026
If you’ve got an exciting property development project in mind, and need help with funding, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ve got years of experience in helping developers across the South East deliver successful and profitable builds.
We can often provide an agreement in principle within a week, and love working with experienced and novice developers, alike.
