It took developer and Developer Collective co-founder, Gus Zogolovitch, over ten years to deliver Blenheim Grove, an award-winning housing development in Peckham, south London and the city’s first custom-build.

In his talk on the challenges he faced, ranging from contractors going bust to  lawyers, whose advice to potential purchasers meant the homes were difficult to sell, Gus warned that innovation -the homes have a split-level configuration - comes at a cost.

Here are six key takeaways from Gus’s talk.

Prioritise positive pre-application feedback

Early positive feedback from planning authorities can be instrumental in securing crucial funding. This feedback makes your site more valuable to lenders.

Adapt your product to market demand

If initial sales are slow for certain types of units (e.g. large houses with small gardens and no parking), be willing to go back to planning and adjust your offering, such as converting houses into flats.

Understand the true cost of time

"Time really is money." Delays, especially those caused by external factors like complex approvals or contractor issues, can significantly inflate financing costs and eat into profits. Factor this into your financial planning.

Don't expect quick turnarounds from government funding

Government funding can be a lifeline, but "it takes so long" to secure. Be prepared for extended timelines in your financial projections.

Don't underestimate the challenges of building next to railway lines

Dealing with Network Rail and securing necessary agreements can be incredibly difficult and significantly extend project timelines, potentially taking "two years to do it."

If you are trying to do anything innovative, don’t

"Complexity doesn't increase linearly. it increases exponentially", Gus said. Be prepared for unforeseen issues to multiply and compound, especially in innovative or challenging projects.

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‍Gus’s talk took place at the Society Building on June 12th, 2025.