Reflections from MIPIM: creating the conditions for delivery

A week on from MIPIM, what stands out is a shift in tone across the sector.

There was still ambition and energy, but conversations felt more grounded than in previous years. More open, more honest, and more focused on what it will take to unlock delivery.

That openness matters. If we are to deliver at scale, we need to be clear about the challenges as well as the opportunities.

Tackling viability

One of the most consistent themes across the week was viability. Not as an issue for one part of the system to solve, but as a shared challenge.

While cost remains a central focus there is a growing recognition that equal attention needs to be given to value.

Creating great places, providing certainty and delivering at pace all contribute to strengthening value. The most successful approaches are not about choosing between cost and value but about addressing both together.

Place and partnership

This is where partnership plays a critical role.

It allows regeneration to be shaped in a way that supports both viability and long-term outcomes, particularly where there is clarity of purpose and alignment between partners.

That link between place and performance also came through strongly in discussions with investors. Resilient income is closely tied to places where people want to live and stay.

The quality of the environment, the mix of uses and the strength of community all influence that. If a place works for people, it works for investment.

A shift in funding models

Alongside this, there was a clear shift in how funding is being approached. Traditional models are under pressure and there is an increasing focus on blending different sources of capital.

This is not simply about filling a gap, but about structuring investment in a way that strengthens value and supports delivery.

Time and certainty

Two other factors that came up consistently were time and certainty.

The impact of delay on viability is well understood. The longer regeneration takes to move forward, the more challenging it becomes to deliver. Reducing friction and improving pace across the system remains critical.

At the same time, investors are looking for stability. In a more uncertain environment, predictability matters. Frequent changes to policy, even when well intentioned, can make it harder to commit to long-term investment.

Sustainable communities

There was also a clear recognition that delivering sustainable communities requires a genuinely mixed offer. Affordable housing is a priority, but it cannot sit in isolation.

A broader mix of tenures, including mid-market rental, plays an essential role in supporting viability and creating places that are active, resilient and able to evolve over time.

Without that balance, it becomes harder to sustain both delivery and long-term value.

Civic leadership

Finally, the role of local civic leadership continues to grow in the recognition of its importance.

Places with a clear vision, strong partnerships and a consistent strategy are better able to attract investment and move forward with confidence.

This is further underpinned by the revised approach to devolved funding.

Taken together, these reflections point to a more joined-up approach to delivery. One that recognises the importance of partnership, the need to focus on value as well as cost, and the role of certainty and pace in unlocking development.