Drivers: what’s happening
During Covid-era lockdowns, urban residents were confined to their neighbourhoods. As crises continue to strike cities in the years that followed, local aid networks remain essential. Economic pressures have pushed communities to take control over local resources and services. In rural Groningen (Netherlands) community-led broadband projects overcome the digital divides. Among these efforts, community land trusts have gained momentum in the UK. In its 2024 manifesto, the community land trust network in the UK pledges to develop 5% of UK housing through community-led projects by 2029. “Community-led” and “community-owned” emerge as alternatives to conventional urban development models.
The numbers
73% of US respondents believe neighbours are their most important community.
Source: Nextdoor
The community land trust network in the UK pledged to develop 15,000 homes annually
The London community land trust developed and sold homes in Sydenham at 65% of market value. If they are to leave, residents are required to sell their homes at equally affordable prices.
Source: London CLT
In England, 1% of the population owns half of the land
Source: Financial Times
Urban shifts
Community-owned public value
In December 2024, the UK expanded its "community right to buy" policy. Communities are granted the first opportunity to buy local assets when they come up for sale. This policy draws from Scotland's community land buyout initiative. There, similar rights enabled communities to acquire and manage local assets.
There are 700 assets in community ownership across Scotland, covering more than half a million acres of land.
Source: Financial Times
Community-owned land
After a five-year legal battle, won just yesterday (23rd of January 2025), residents of Frome, England, will lead a community-owned housing development. The plan includes 263 homes and over 3,000 square meters of community assets. A locally established community land trust, Mayday Saxonvale, co-owns the land. Residents participated in design consultations and public presentations throughout all planning stages. Construction will begin next year and will generate dozens of local jobs. The initiative gained widespread support. Many view it as a model for future community-led developments across the UK. In an interview with The Guardian, Paul Oster, one of the Mayday Saxonvale directors, describes it as “a completely different model in the sense that it’s community-driven but with a team of professionals alongside us. So you’ve got the local knowledge but with professionals that can deliver it.”
What does this mean for your city?
Housing affordability remains a central issue in 2025. Private developments are often unable to lower the selling prices of new houses. Older houses are put on the market at a profit, pushing out existing communities from developing areas. Community-owned and led developments are an alternative strategy. Communities need the support of decision-makers to execute these projects. Normalise ongoing dialogue with communities. Consider rerouting tax revenue to fund local infrastructure. And collaborate with developers, architects, and networks that value and prioritise community engagement.
Strategic opportunity
When designing urban decision-making processes, consider participatory frameworks and collective action through community-led initiatives. Ask yourself, ”Are residents actively shaping decisions that impact their neighbourhoods?”
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Urban Futures Lab is a strategic urban foresight Think Tank. We decode the forces shaping our cities and industries. We help urban decision-makers, developers, researchers, and anyone curious about the future of urban living discover the interconnected systems driving urban change. Our insights offer a holistic perspective on the future of urban ecosystems, helping you make informed, future-proof decisions.
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