Developers

Developers purchase land or existing buildings with the aim of creating new or refurbished homes, offices, or commercial developments.

We work with developers and housebuilders at design review and publish design standards, guidance and advice. We also work closely with the Home Builders Federation on Building for Life.

Latest news

CABE advising the HCA on Kickstart

Working with the HCA on a £1 billion initiative to unlock housing schemes stalled by the recession.

Some of the best housing this century

Two winners of the Building for Life awards have earned the highest scores given to new developments.

Raising the standard of housing design

A record 36 housing schemes achieved a Building for Life Standard in 2009.

Resources for developers

Building for Life

Learn about the 20 criteria for evaluating housing developments and enter your best schemes in the Building for Life awards.

Design and access statements: how to read, write and use them

Write better design and access statements with this practical guide which includes a detailed explanation of a real-life application.

Space in new homes: what residents think

Research which supports the case for more space in private homes, to ensure that they are functional, flexible and fit for purpose.

Design review: national panel

Our flagship national design review panel advises on the most strategic and significant schemes across England.

Good design: the fundamentals

Find out what our chief executive, Richard Simmons, sees as the main challenges and pitfalls facing design-aware developers today.

Planning

Stay up-to-date with planning guidance and advice, read about planning at appeal and download the latest policies.

Making competitions work

Advice from experienced professionals on running a design competition, including Nick Johnson on getting the best from a design competition.

Building on the rim of a recession

Read what Keith Bradley, designer of the Stirling Prize-winning Accordia, has to say about the state of the housing market in England.

Useful links for developers

Home Builders Federation

Represents the homebuilding industry in England and Wales.

Homes and Communities Agency

National housing and regeneration agency for England.

Urban Design Compendium

Guidance on the principles of good urban design.