Developers who prioritise digital integration gain a competitive advantage in addressing ever-changing consumer expectations for innovative services and a frictionless housing experience.

In todays rapidly evolving technological landscape, the importance of digital integration within residential developments cannot be overstated. Regeneration offers local communities the opportunity to rebuild better and more efficiently and with the latest intent towards placemaking. However, the lack of digital integration often leaves communities frustrated and unable to maximize the value they derive from their neighbourhood.

This is not a problem unique to new communities but the frustration is often felt more acutely because problems are often easier to spot.

For example, difficulty reporting faults is not just frustrating for the user but also carries real financial costs for the developer when scheduled maintenance and faults are not fixed quickly. In the UK, digital solutions that complement housing are seldom offered or poorly executed. Moreover, housing is arguably at the intersection of various policies which seek to make our air cleaner, our streets safer, and our communities more dynamic. This makes the sluggish growth of smart community solutions over the last decade in comparison to other nations even more puzzling.

Providing new communities with a digital interface to facilitate access to local services maximizes convenience, efficiency, and connectivity while supporting economic growth and fostering community cohesion. This is arguably the new standard for a quality living experience. Particularly in major cities with high housing density, the benefits of digital integration extend far beyond convenience and efficiency. Developers who prioritise digital integration get a competitive advantage in addressing ever- changing consumer expectations for innovative services and a frictionless housing experience. Providing developers with the ability to attract and retain residents who value seamless access to services. This, in turn, drives the services infrastructure that supports the digital economy that is increasingly relied upon by local businesses.

Beyond individual benefits, digital integration fosters a more cohesive community and delivers social advantages. Connected communities enable easier communication and collaboration among neighbours, cultivating a sense of belonging and unity thats central to achieving positive outcomes that benefit everyone. It is evident that quality of life is intrinsically linked to the social interactions and levels of trust that residents share. Helping residents form lasting connections with each other on a personal and professional level unlocks positive externalities throughout the fabric of the community. Higher levels of community attachment and empowerment are crucial to tackling societal ills such as criminal damage and anti-social behaviour or even loneliness which has a very serious impact on overall health. Our research shows that 10% of residents consider themselves to be community leaders, whilst 60% believe a strong residents committee could tackle community issues effectively. Yet resident participation in local groups and resident committees is still heavily fragmented; Fostering resident empowerment and participation ensures communities are better equipped to secure the outcomes that are crucial to their wellbeing.

Additionally, eco-friendly mobility services that are embedded in the development offering can make a significant environmental impact and have a substantial advantage over public schemes. Not only do they offer easily accessible transport alternatives but they typically have much higher usage rates and lower rates of abandonment and criminal damage. Damaged and abandoned e-bikes on public roads is a sight most of us are all too familiar with and represents everything that is wrong with an operating model that relies on “carpet bombing” cities with bikes whilst users effectively treat them as disposable. Empowering communities with the ability to determine the mobility solutions that are best for them is crucial to supporting more people in making the transition to environmentally friendly modes of transportation and healthier communities overall.