Housing sits at the centre of many discussions about levelling up. While infrastructure, employment and investment are often highlighted as drivers of regional growth, access to quality housing also plays a crucial role in shaping economic opportunity.
Across the North of England, housing markets have historically been more affordable than in many southern regions. This relative affordability can create opportunities for growth, attracting businesses, supporting labour mobility and encouraging investment into regional economies.
However, maintaining this balance between affordability and, supply and growth is a key challenge as regions continue to develop.
Housing as an Economic Enabler
Housing is more than a place to live; it is also an enabler of economic participation.
When people can afford to live near employment centres, education institutions and transport links, it becomes easier for regional economies to grow and adapt. Affordable housing allows businesses to attract talent, support workforce mobility and helps communities remain stable during periods of change.
In many northern cities, the availability of housing has supported inward investment and helped attract young professionals, students and growing businesses.
However, ensuring that housing supply keeps pace with economic development is essential if these benefits are to be sustained.
Balancing Growth and Affordability
While housing affordability in the North remains stronger than in many parts of the South, demand is increasing in several growing urban areas.
Cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle have seen rising demand for housing employment opportunities expand and urban regeneration projects attract new residents.
If housing supply does not keep pace with this growth, affordability pressures can begin to emerge. This can affect both local communities and businesses that rely on access to a stable workforce.
Coordinated planning between local authorities, developers and infrastructure providers therefore plays an important role in ensuring that housing development aligns with broader economic strategies.
Regeneration and Community Development
Housing development is also closely linked to regeneration efforts across northern towns and cities.
Many levelling up initiatives aim to revitalise areas that have experienced long-term economic challenges. Regeneration projects often combine new housing with improved public spaces, infrastructure upgrades and investment in local services.
These projects can help strengthen local economies, create employment opportunities and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
However, regeneration must be carefully planned to ensure that communities benefit from development rather than feeling displaced by it.
Housing as Part of a Wider Strategy
Levelling up cannot be achieved through housing policy alone. However, housing plays an essential role in supporting the broader goals of regional development.
When housing delivery aligns with infrastructure investment, employment growth and long-term planning strategies, it helps create stronger and more sustainable regional economies.
Ensuring that housing supply, affordability and economic opportunity develop together is therefore an important part of the levelling up conversation.
These themes will be explored further during the Levelling Up the North: From Political Ambition to Practical Delivery panel at UKREiiF 2026.
Hosted by Mark Manning, Managing Director of the Northern Estate Agency Group, the session will bring together industry leaders including Ed Whiting (Chief Executive, Leeds City Council), Kevin Hollinrake MP, Richard Irving (ID Planning) and Julia Dacre Field (Gowlings) to examine how housing and development play a role in shaping regional opportunity.
