Property And Construction Outlook 2026 Brings Together Kent’s Industry Leaders
Property and construction leaders from across Kent came together this week for the annual Property and Construction Outlook 2026, hosted by Brachers, Crowe and Caxtons Property Consultants.
Held at The Orangery, Turkey Mill in Maidstone, the event featured expert-led discussions and analysis of Kent’s commercial and residential property markets, with a focus on market conditions, economic pressures, legislative change and future investment trends.
As part of the discussions, Brachers provided an overview of the evolving legal and regulatory landscape, highlighting a number of significant reforms affecting the sector, including The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, and updates to residential management and conveyancing frameworks. In the wake of the newly enacted Renters’ Rights Act, Brachers highlighted its significance for stakeholders across the private rented sector. The firm outlined the Act’s practical implications for landlords, tenants and investors, including potential impacts on supply, evolving compliance obligations and longer‑term strategic considerations in a market characterised by rising demand and constrained availability.
Attendees also heard an in-depth review of the Kent property market from Mark Coxon, Director at Caxtons Property Consultants, including a six-month update of the annual Kent Property Market Report published in November 2025. The presentation highlighted continued strength and steady investment in Kent’s industrial, logistics, science and business parks, little activity in the office sector, and mixed fortunes in the retail sector, with out-of-town retail and supermarkets doing well. The residential sector is subdued and unpredictable, but town-centre regeneration is playing a growing role in reshaping the county’s urban centres.
The broader economic outlook was provided by Patrick Campbell of the Bank of England, who outlined ongoing pressures facing the sector. Inflation has risen to around 3.3% and is expected to increase further later in the year, while interest rates remain at 3.75%. Global uncertainty and higher energy costs continue to weigh on confidence, with construction output subdued and recovery expected to be gradual. Despite this, businesses across the sector continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability.
Crowe explored key tax and financial considerations, including increased HMRC scrutiny across VAT, the Construction Industry Scheme and off‑payroll working, alongside upcoming changes such as adjustments to capital allowances, the rollout of Making Tax Digital, and increases in the National Minimum Wage. The firm emphasised the need for proactive planning and strong compliance as the regulatory environment becomes more complex.
Planning expert Matthew Woodhead of DHA Planning also highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by recent reforms, noting that while the current policy framework is one of the strongest in recent years, successful delivery will depend on local authority capacity and wider economic conditions.
Together, the discussions reflected a sector navigating a complex environment, but one that continues to demonstrate strength, adaptability and long-term confidence across Kent.
Sarah Gaines, Head of Commercial Property at Brachers, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome so many people from across Kent’s property and construction sector to our Outlook event. The discussion reflected the importance of sharing practical insight at a time of significant regulatory and economic change.”
Simon Crookston, Tax Partner at Crowe, added:
“It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout at our Property and Construction Outlook event with Brachers and Caxtons Property Consultants. The level of engagement throughout the morning demonstrated the value of bringing different perspectives together, legal, market and financial, to help businesses plan confidently in a challenging but opportunity-rich environment.”
Mark Coxon, Director, Head of Commercial Agency at Caxtons Property Consultants, said:
“Kent’s property market continues to show resilience. While conditions vary by sector, there is ongoing demand for high‑quality commercial space and strong evidence that regeneration and long‑term investment are playing an increasingly important role in shaping confidence and opportunity across the county.”