PATRIZIA, described by the government as one of Europe's largest real estate investors, confirmed plans on 8 October 2026 to add £1bn to its new UK Essential Living Platform. According to the announcement, the platform would deliver up to 4,000 affordable, professionally managed homes, working directly with mayors and local partners across the UK's regions and nations. The pledge adds to around £4bn PATRIZIA says it has already invested in the UK.

PATRIZIA chief executive Asoka Wöhrmann said the meeting with the Prime Minister reinforced that UK demand for affordable housing is also a significant investment opportunity, and that working with metro mayors and local partners could channel long-term institutional capital to where housing is needed most. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said growth has to reach every part of the country.

The announcement coincided with the first UK-Germany Regional Growth Forum in Berlin, attended by Burnham and German Chancellor Merz. The leaders agreed to develop a deeper Regional Dialogue involving local areas and regions, with the aim of it taking place in 2027.