Design & Build Approach accelerating social housing delivery, cutting costs and expanding capacity
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Programmes achieving time savings of 4–6 months in pre‑construction and 6–9 months during construction
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD today revealed that local authorities are rapidly expanding their use of the Design and Build (D&B) contract model for new social housing, achieving major gains in both speed and cost efficiency.
Under the D&B approach preliminary designs are prepared by the local authority with the contractor responsible for detailed design and construction. Over the past three years, more than 3,000 new social homes using the D&B approach have entered the national delivery pipeline demonstrating the model’s growing use.
Current programmes are delivering significant time savings with projects completing 4–6 months faster in pre‑construction and 6–9 months faster during construction. These accelerated timelines result in more social homes are being delivered quicker - meaning families and individuals can move into new homes sooner and waiting times are reduced.
The D&B model also provides greater cost certainty, ensuring that public investment delivers maximum value. By combining standardised designs, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and early contractor involvement, the approach reduces delays, limits cost overruns and supports more predictable delivery.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said,
“The Design and Build model is delivering exactly what communities need - more homes, delivered faster and with greater cost certainty. Every month saved means families getting keys to their new homes sooner.
“By embracing modern methods of construction and streamlining procurement, local authorities are now in a stronger position than ever to scale up delivery. The progress to date shows what is possible and we are committed to expanding this approach across the Approved Housing Body sector so even more families can access high‑quality social homes quickly.”
The efficiencies achieved through D&B are driven by several key advantages:
- Greater cost certainty for the exchequer, with contractors responsible for detailed design and delivery once performance and quality standards are set.
- Accelerated delivery, supported by standardised house types, early approval of preliminary designs, and contractor‑led innovation.
- Enhanced innovation, as MMC solutions can reduce build time while maintaining high standards of quality and certification.
A major enabler of this progress has been the establishment of regional D&B frameworks, giving local authorities access to pre‑qualified consultants and contractors. These frameworks now operate across five regions, serving 25 local authorities, with work ongoing to extend coverage nationwide. This strategic procurement structure has been central to the continued uptake of D&B.
The Department also plans to embed the D&B approach within the Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector, ensuring that the same time and cost efficiencies benefit all major public housing delivery channels.
ENDS