Khan launches Singapore-inspired housing strategy

Sir Sadiq Khan has unveiled what he calls a "Singapore-style" approach to housing in London, announcing a £100m investment that will see City Hall become a direct partner in developing new homes for the first time.

Speaking during a visit to Singapore, the mayor said the capital could learn from the city-state's housing model.

The Greater London Authority will invest £100m in the Silvertown Partnership, supporting plans for 7,000 homes in the Royal Docks in east London. Sir Sadiq says about 30% of the homes are expected to be affordable.

Conservative London Assembly chairman Andrew Boff said London was "getting quite tired" of such announcements because "they don't really represent reality".

The move marks a significant shift for City Hall. Until now, the mayor's office has largely supported housing projects through funding programmes and partnerships with developers. Under the new model, it will become a development partner itself.

"This announcement today is a game changer," Sir Sadiq said. "Neither of the two previous mayors got involved in development. I am."

The announcement was made during a trade mission to Singapore and Japan, where the mayor has been promoting London as a destination for investment.

Singapore's housing model is built around extensive government involvement. Through the Housing and Development Board (HDB), the state develops most new homes, while the government owns the vast majority of the country's land.

More than 70% of Singapore residents live in government-built homes, which are sold at subsidised prices and are often planned alongside transport links, schools, green spaces and other amenities.

Sir Sadiq toured a public housing development in Singapore and met representatives from the HDB during his visit.

"I've been incredibly impressed by the role the state has in housing development," he said.

"The number of homes that are built here on an annual basis by the government getting involved in development. I think we can learn in London."

The mayor says that a more active role for City Hall will help unlock stalled developments and boost the supply of affordable housing.

Silvertown, one of the largest regeneration projects in east London, has remained largely undeveloped for more than 40 years.

City Hall says the investment will help accelerate plans for a new neighbourhood including homes, commercial space and public areas.

But experts caution that Singapore's success is built on conditions that do not exist in London.

"There are some attributes in Singapore that make it work very well," said property economist Jack Bracken.

"Consistency of governance and the ability to implement long-term planning strategies without constant changes in policy.

"The other area that's very different is that they own almost all the land - around 90% of it. Their ability to control and manage the market is very strong."

Boff shared a critical perspective of the plans.

He told BBC London: "The truth of the matter is the mayor is failing to build the family-sized homes that Londoners need."

London operates in a very different environment, with multiple landowners, private developers and a more fragmented planning system.

Singapore's housing system has also faced challenges of its own. Construction delays during the pandemic slowed the supply of new homes, driving up resale prices and fuelling concerns about affordability.

Falling marriage rates have also put pressure on eligibility rules for subsidised flats, which have traditionally been geared towards married couples and families.

Even so, housing remains one of Singapore's defining policies, with successive governments maintaining a strong role in planning and delivery.

Sir Sadiq acknowledged the differences between the two cities, arguing that City Hall was taking inspiration from Singapore rather than attempting to replicate its model entirely.

"What we've done is we've learnt from the best and tweaked it to give it a London twist," he said.

The announcement comes as the mayor continues a wider push to attract investment into London during his Asia trip, though opponents have questioned whether City Hall should be focusing on overseas visits while housing pressures remain acute at home.

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