Habiko: A New Model for Sustainable, Affordable Communities

At Housing 2025, a panel hosted by the Habiko partnership brought together Lisa Gledhill (Muse), Tanmay Desai (PIC) and Stuart Rogers (Muse), to explore how long-term public-private partnerships (PPPs) can transform brownfield sites into thriving, sustainable communities.

Launched in late 2024, Habiko aims to deliver 3,000 low-energy, low-carbon, affordable homes for rent. With PIC as the long-term owner and operator, the model is rooted in stewardship, not short-term delivery. Lisa emphasised that “how we go about it is crucial to support what we’re seeking to achieve,” underscoring the partnership’s focus on not just building homes but shaping places where people can put down roots and build futures.

A Long-Term Lens on Quality and Community

Habiko’s commitment to long-term stewardship ensures that investment continues well beyond construction, into the management and growth of local communities. Stuart explained that this perspective shapes decisions from the outset:

This commitment to quality extends to sustainability. Habiko developments will exceed regulatory baselines, for example targeting higher biodiversity net gain and focussing on low energy usage to truly impact those living in these homes. These homes are designed not only to reduce energy bills but to support healthier, more connected lives.

Redefining Success in Housing

Tanmay challenged the sector to move beyond numbers and redefine success through a multi-dimensional lens: energy efficiency, affordability, wellbeing, and social value. He stressed that sustainability isn’t a box-ticking exercise;

Stuart added that in communities where affordability is critical, residents don’t want to hear ‘buzzwords’ like ‘net-zero’ but care more about the tangible evidence that their homes will be warm, efficient and affordable to live in. The value of sustainable design, therefore, lies not just in environmental performance but in the long-term health and wellbeing of residents.

Unlocking Social Equity Through Partnership

By regenerating brownfield land into vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods, Habiko is helping to place affordable housing in areas with access to amenity, transport and jobs. This is about more than housing: it’s about social value and inclusive growth. Stuart concluded by noting that research from the Centre for Business Research shows that the true value of delivering affordable homes goes beyond capital return when you look at it as a long-term partnership: higher employment, lower crime, better health, and improved life chances for children all benefit.

Lisa identified that a mindset shift is needed where requirements to build new homes at scale is balanced with a long-term view that ensures quality of design to support quality-of-life is assured:

With the right partnerships, long-term vision, and commitment to quality, we can build communities that are not only sustainable but truly worth living in.

Thank you to James Riding of Inside Housing for chairing the discussion.