Abode shares 2026 predictions

Abode Living’s Director Richard Hughes has shared his 2026 thoughts with industry trade publication BE News:

Richard Hughes

Director, Abode Living

Sum up 2025 in one word: Challenging

Do you feel more or less optimistic than you felt 12 months ago? 

More optimistic given the focus on affordable housing.

What do you think will be the key watchwords/industry trends in 2026?

In affordable housing, more focus on health, wellbeing and services on top of just a roof over heads.

Sum up your hopes, fears and expectations for 2026: With the focus on a greater standard of living as well as the provision of affordable and social housing, 2026 should be a better year for the sector. Costs will remain a challenge, as will planning and general viability. We also need registered providers to start buying units again.

But, overall, with government support, we really hope that the next 12 months will see a boost to properties delivered, with many existing units that are in disrepair brought back into circulation, and greater collaboration between the private and public sector to deliver customer experience and support, as well as homes. We strongly believe that we can build better lives by supporting residents and creating long term communities in both affordable and social housing and we are happy to work with others to share our ideas and learnings.