Inside Property Development

Inside Property Development

Inside Property Development is a no-nonsense show that rolls up its sleeves and digs into how the world of land, planning and property development really works in practice, providing rare access industry insiders and valuable insights into real-world development deals, as well as keeping you up to date with the latest industry news. Colourful and at times controversial, the show focuses on how to do development the right way and aims to inspire and empower developers of all levels, as well as other professionals in the both the private and public sectors, to work together to build more and better homes that we can all be proud of. Connect with us on our socials for more educational content to help you achieve success in development. Millbank Land Academy Website: www.millbanklandacademy.co.uk Millbank Group Website: www.millbankgroup.co.uk Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paul-higgs Connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/paul.higgs.50 Join our community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MillbankLandAcademy See all episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@millbanklandacademy1266

Episodes

Will the New Design PPG Make Your Deals Easier – or Impossible? With David Birbeck

February 3, 2026 • 60 mins
In this episode, Paul once again sits down with David Birbeck, one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to planning and development. Together, they discuss the government´s new draft Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) and how it should work in practice. David is the CEO of Design for Homes, a Housing Design Awards director, an Honorary Fellow of RIBA, HCA design board member, NHBC councillor and Housing Forum board member....
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- Breaking into Property Development: Early Career Strategies for Graduates

January 27, 2026 • 61 mins
In this episode, Paul sits down with Lucas, a recent Bristol civil engineering graduate, who is considering becoming a property developer. Together, they discuss why everything in development starts with finding and controlling land, how planning policy has evolved to make that both harder and more crucial, and why today’s planning environment might actually be one of the best times to get into development despite a tough sales mar...
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Are Small, High Quality Schemes the Smartest Play for Developers Now? – with Steve Morris

January 20, 2026 • 56 mins
In this episode Paul is joined by Steve Morris the co-founder and Managing Director of Linfield Construction, to discuss the viability of building a property development business later in life – especially if you come from a contracting and commercial background rather than following the more typical pure developer route. The conversation covers listed buildings, conversions, contracting margins and planning risk and why so many o...
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From Politics to Property Development

January 13, 2026 • 59 mins
Today, Paul sits down with former Wandsworth councillor and Pocket Living land director and the Managing Director and founder of Urban Sketch Nick Cuff. Drawing on his rare mix of political and development experience, Nick explains what a genuinely pro‑development culture looks like, and why most UK councils are not pro-development. They discuss the realities of making small urban sites work, the unintended damage caused by rigid ...
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Architect/Developer Relationships with Cameron Straughan

January 6, 2026 • 56 mins
How can architects and developers work together to deliver projects that are financially viable, genuinely regenerative – create schemes like this that actually get built as planned? In this episode, Paul is interviewed by Cameron Straughan, a master’s student in architecture at the University of Bath, who is currently researching the realities of architect–developer relationships. Together they explore how these dynamics influenc...
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From NIMBYs to Co‑Creators: How Communities Are Leading Development Through CLTs?

December 16, 2025 • 49 mins
This week, Tom Chance the Chief Executive of the National Community Land Trust Network joins Paul to discuss something most SME developers either haven’t heard of – or are massively underestimating - Community Land Trusts. If you’re battling viability, stuck on marginal sites, or sick of being painted as “the bad guy” in planning committees, this episode is for you. You’ll hear how CLTs can unlock land that doesn’t work at full r...
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Is The UK´s Housing Crisis Mostly Fuelled by Planning Issues or By Its Property Tax System? – with Tony Vickers

December 8, 2025 • 57 mins
Who really creates land value, who cashes in, and could changing how we tax land finally shift development from easy Greenfield wins to regenerating the brownfield sites where we actually need homes? – Tune in to find out. Paul once again sits down with Tony Vickers to unpack why the UK housing crisis is so deep and to discuss ways to fix it. They reveal why so many developers are pushed towards easier Greenfield deals while compl...
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Land Trading & Flipping Sites Explained

December 2, 2025 • 20 mins
In this episode of Inside Property Development, Paul expands on the ins and outs of land trading. Including how to source off-market opportunities, add planning value, and decide when to sell or build. To help him do this, Paul shares the details of a recent experience he had of selling a small, fully de-risked site on LinkedIn. This episode highlights the changing property landscape, the vital role of land traders, and provides a...
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Land Trading, Option Agreements and Promotions – What They Are and How to Use Them

November 25, 2025 • 30 mins
For this week's episode of Inside Property Development, Paul covers a subject a lot of his trainees at the Milbank Land Academy are asking about - land trading, option agreements and profit agreements. He explains how they are different and shares some use cases for each of them. If you have a question about property development or today´s episode, we would love to hear from you! Please drop your questions in the comments section ...
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Changing the Rules to Secure More and Better Housing

November 18, 2025 • 59 mins
In this episode, Paul sits down with Tony Vickers, Chairman of West Park’s Council, who has had a long career in land use, planning and property development. Together, they discuss how land value is created, the case for land value taxation, and what it will take to solve the UK’s housing crisis. Paul and Tony explore why collaboration between developers, policymakers, and communities matters, drawing on international examples and...
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The Stark Realities of Building Homes In The UK With Philip Barnes

November 11, 2025 • 53 mins
Today, Paul sits down with Philip Barnes, former UK group land and planning director at Barrett who now works part time for Savills. Together they explore the challenges and opportunities facing today’s property developers. Including discussing the stark differences between SMEs and major housebuilders, the impacts of planning reforms, environmental regulations, and financial hurdles. They share what is really shaping the future o...
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Collaborating to Solve the Housing Crisis

November 4, 2025 • 7 mins
Can collaboration really solve the housing crisis? seasoned property developer and industry expert Paul Higgs explores the challenges facing SME developers, housebuilders, and planners — and why the confrontational nature of the industry must change if we’re to create better homes and more sustainable communities. With over 40 years’ experience in land, planning, and development, Paul shares candid insights into the complex planni...
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Small Sites, Big Ideas: The Truth About Developers & Good Design with Adam Dainow

October 31, 2025 • 61 mins
In this episode Paul speaks with Adam Dainow, Co-Founder of Caswell&Dainow, to unpack the realities of small-site development, the challenges of working with local authorities, and why good design is central to great places. Adam & Paul discuss the public misconceptions about development, the truth behind “garden grabbing”, and how collaboration between architects, developers and planners can transform even the smallest site into ...
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40 Years, Zero Refusals: The 100% Planning Approval Blueprint

October 21, 2025 • 16 mins
In this episode, Paul reveals the disciplined approach that has enabled him to maintain a flawless 40-year record of securing planning approvals. Drawing on decades of experience, Paul explains the strategies developers can use to strengthen their own applications, avoid common pitfalls, and navigate complex planning regulations with confidence. KEY TAKEAWAYS If at first you do not succeed, appeal. Paul has done this many t...
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Inside the Vision: Paul Higgs Redefining Property as the Hippie Developer

October 14, 2025 • 56 mins
In this episode, Paul looks back on his remarkable journey through the world of property development. From his humble beginnings as a labourer on construction sites to becoming a successful developer, Paul shares his valuable experience. Paul opens up about the challenges currently facing the property industry, the growing importance of sustainable development, and why he proudly describes himself as a “hippie property developer.”...
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Land, Planning, and Viability: The Hidden Challenges of Building Homes with Michael Keaveny Part 2

October 7, 2025 • 66 mins
Are modern methods of construction really the answer to the UK’s housing crisis, or are there deeper challenges holding back development? Michael Keaveny, Director of Land and Development at Grainger PLC, to further discuss the realities of property development in the UK. They discuss why innovation alone isn’t enough, how regulations like Gateway 2 impact viability, and what’s really needed to deliver more affordable housing. Thi...
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Land, Planning, and Viability: The Hidden Challenges of Building Homes with Michael Keaveny

September 30, 2025 • 73 mins
DESCRIPTION In this episode, Paul is joined by Michael Keaveny, Director of Land and Development at Grainger PLC, whose career spans decades in the property development sector, from hands-on project management to leading major urban regeneration projects.  Together, they discuss the realities facing today’s property developers, including exploring why SME developers are disappearing, the mounting challenges of viability, and the ...
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Maximizing Value in Land, Planning, and Design Off-Market Deals and £1 Options

September 23, 2025 • 19 mins
DESCRIPTION Are you ready to unlock the real secrets of successful property development? In this episode, Paul draws on his 40+ years of experience to reveal why the smartest developers focus on planning, design, and off-market deals to maximize value and minimize risk.  This episode includes practical strategies, insider tips, and the mindset you need to thrive in today’s property market.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Developers need to ...
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Can Property Development Serve Both Communities and Investors?

September 16, 2025 • 80 mins
In this episode, Paul & David Van Der Lande delve into the complexities of compulsory purchase orders (CPO) and development viability, featuring insights from David, a compulsory purchase and viability expert. They discuss the historical context of CPOs, their application in urban regeneration, and the challenges faced by local authorities in utilising these powers effectively. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Compulsory Purcha...
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Why Our Planning System Is Broken

September 9, 2025 • 105 mins
In this episode, Paul sits down with leading industry expert Esther Kurland to explore the complexities of property development, planning policies, and the challenges faced by local authorities in delivering quality housing. They discuss how design standards have evolved, the influence of government policies such as CABE and the London Plan, and the ongoing struggle between private development and the public good. KEY TAKEAWA...
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