Property developers gain fresh insight at Utility Source’s Let’s Talk Property event
- Utility Source
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Utility Source welcomed property developers, investors and industry professionals to its latest Let’s Talk Property event in March 2026.
The event gave attendees an opportunity to connect with fellow property professionals, share experiences and gain practical insight into the changing utilities landscape.
With rising costs, increasing regulation and different requirements across councils and utility providers, understanding utilities has become an increasingly important part of property development and investment.
Specialist utility support can reduce development risk
Carl Hessell, a Sheffield-based property developer with seven years of experience, attended the event after moving into property development full-time.
He explained that utility requirements have become increasingly complex, with developers needing more specialist knowledge and stronger industry contacts.
For Carl, having access to a company that can manage utilities from start to finish provides reassurance and removes some of the pressure from the development process. He said:
“There have been a lot of changes around utilities, and the knowledge and contacts you need are becoming more specialised. To come somewhere like this and find it all out, and to have a company that can deal with it from start to finish, is a big weight off your mind.”
Early utility advice can help developers understand site constraints, likely costs and potential delays before committing to a project.
This is particularly important for commercial-to-residential developments, multi-unit conversions and new-build schemes, where electricity, gas, water and drainage requirements can have a major impact on viability.
A valuable networking opportunity for property professionals
Jaz, a property investor and developer based in Sheffield, highlighted the networking value of the event.
Let’s Talk Property brings together people working across different areas of property development, creating an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from other people’s experiences. Jaz said:
“It’s a great networking opportunity to socialise with fellow peers, share some stories and learn what is changing in the landscape.”
Property development can often feel like an isolated industry, particularly for independent developers and investors. Events like Let’s Talk Property provide a space for professionals to build relationships, discuss challenges and make useful connections.
Changing utility costs can affect whether a deal stacks
One of the biggest talking points at the event was the increasing cost of utility connections.
Jaz explained that the information shared at the event had challenged some of the assumptions previously used when assessing property deals.
Many developers use a standard cost per plot or unit when carrying out an initial appraisal. However, utility costs can vary significantly depending on the site, location, capacity of the existing network and requirements of the relevant utility provider. Jaz said:
“When analysing deals, we’ve always used a rule of thumb based on a certain amount per plot. I found out that this has completely changed. Some deals we thought stacked potentially don’t stack, and the ones that didn’t stack before definitely don’t anymore.”
This underlines the importance of obtaining accurate utility information as early as possible.
Relying on historic figures or general estimates can create significant financial risk, particularly where network reinforcement, road closures, traffic management or infrastructure upgrades are required.
There is no single approach to utilities
Attendees also discussed the variation between different councils, water companies and utility providers.
Processes, costs and requirements can differ considerably depending on where a development is located. A solution that works for one site may not apply to another.
Key takeaways included:
Utility connection costs have increased significantly in recent years
Requirements can differ between councils and utility providers
Red tape and local restrictions can create additional delays
Early feasibility work can help identify potential issues
Specialist support can reduce risk and improve cost certainty.
Utilities are not simply a standard cost that can be copied from one development appraisal to another. Each site needs to be assessed individually.
Supporting property developments from feasibility to completion
Utility Source works with property developers, investors and construction professionals to manage utility requirements throughout the development process.
Our services include utility searches, budget estimates, applications, connections and project management across electricity, gas, water and drainage.
By investigating utilities early, developers can make more informed decisions, build more accurate project appraisals and reduce the risk of unexpected costs or delays.
Let’s Talk Property forms part of our commitment to sharing practical knowledge and bringing property professionals together.
We would like to thank everyone who attended our March 2026 event and contributed to the discussions.
Keep an eye on the Utility Source website and social channels for details of future Let’s Talk Property events.