Why SME Housing Developers bring it home: why how we build is as important as what we build
At City Sanctuary, we believe a home is more than a structure; it’s the backdrop to our lives, a place where memories are made, and futures are forged. But in the race to build more houses, the crucial human element can be lost and the health and wellbeing of the future inhabitants not prioritised. As SME housing developers, we’re on a mission to change this.
The way housing developments are built matters just as much as the homes themselves. When development is led by local, community-focused teams, the results speak for themselves. Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) developers are uniquely positioned to shape the future of housing in a way that truly meets people’s needs, enhances lives and boosts health and wellbeing.
SME Housing Developments: Rooted in community, designed for people
As SME developers, we are deeply rooted in the communities we build for. We’re not a faceless corporation, and our projects aren’t cookie-cutter developments dropped into a neighbourhood without a second thought.
As members of the community, we can create homes that truly reflect the needs of the people who will live in them. We prioritise thoughtful, human-centric design over a one-size-fits-all approach. This means taking the time to understand the local context, the history of a place, and the aspirations of the people who call it home. It’s about designing homes that feel like they belong, that complement the existing fabric of the community, and that will stand the test of time.

Unlocking potential, building futures
Beyond the personal touch, SME developers play a crucial role in increasing housing supply in a way that is both sustainable and sensitive to the needs of the community. We have the agility and the local knowledge to unlock smaller, underutilised sites that larger developers often overlook. These are the forgotten corners of our cities such as the infill plots or the brownfield sites that have the potential to be transformed into vibrant new communities. By delivering high-quality, community-focused homes at scale, we can help to address the housing shortage in a way that puts people first.
What’s humane design?
That’s why we prioritise humane design; an approach that puts people’s wellbeing at the heart of every decision. This goes far beyond the number of bedrooms or the square footage of a property. It’s about the quality of the air you breathe, the amount of natural light that floods your living space, and the aural environment of your home.
It’s about creating layouts that are both functional and beautiful, spaces that are a joy to live in. By focusing on the details that truly impact how people feel, we create better places to live. This could be as simple as positioning windows to maximise daylight, using natural materials to create a sense of warmth and tranquility, or designing shared spaces that encourage social interaction and a sense of community.
Explore our housing development projects to find out more.
If you have a project that you think we would be interested in, we’d love to hear from you.
Check out our land requirements.