The UK PropTech Association has announced a new grant-funded partnership with the MHCLG’s Digital Planning Programme, aiming to transform the planning system and unlock new homes through technological advancements. This partnership will enable the PropTech sector to play a crucial role in reshaping the UK’s built environment.
This collaboration comes on the heels of the launch of ‘The Opportunity for PropTech: Leveraging technology for the UK’s built environment’, a report commissioned by the MHCLG. The report, which supports the Digital Planning Programme, highlighted the sector’s growth potential, with PropTech expected to grow by 19.7% by 2032. It also identified numerous strategies to drive growth and attract investment into the sector.
The new partnership aims to build upon the report’s findings, focusing on tangible outcomes in several key areas:
- Enhanced Collaboration: By fostering greater connectivity between PropTech suppliers, private sector companies, and public sector organisations, this partnership seeks to create a collaborative environment. Through regional events, strategic roundtables, and working groups, the programme will bring together various stakeholders to drive innovation and tackle systemic challenges in the planning process.
- Increased Awareness: The programme will aim to broaden industry awareness of PropTech solutions and highlight successful implementations. By addressing market barriers and facilitating greater awareness, the initiative will promote the adoption of PropTech across different regions and sectors. Regional roadshows and resources tailored to help PropTech companies scale will be pivotal in accelerating this adoption.
- Policy Recommendations: A core component of the partnership is to develop actionable policy recommendations that will support government efforts to promote PropTech. Strategic discussions will identify regulatory and market challenges, helping the government create an environment conducive to innovation through streamlined regulations, procurement reforms, and early adoption incentives.
- PropTech Growth: The partnership will offer enhanced support to PropTech companies, including access to more resources, market integration opportunities, and growth pathways within the UK property market. By facilitating the scaling of these companies, the initiative aims to position the UK as a global leader in PropTech innovation, driving both economic growth and increased productivity.
Sammy Pahal, Managing Director of the UK PropTech Association, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that while the sector has demonstrated significant value, a more coordinated effort is needed to unlock its full potential. The partnership is expected to accelerate the scaling and adoption of PropTech solutions, particularly in the public sector, which has a projected potential spend of £600 million. By drawing on the association’s influence and diverse membership base, the initiative aims to drive digital transformation and support economic growth across the UK.