Parkinson’s Law is the observation, first published in 1955 by the naval historian, C. Northcote Parkinson, as an essay in The Economist, ‘that public administration, bureaucracy and officialdom expands, regardless of the amount of work to be done.’

This was attributed mainly to two factors: that officials want subordinates, not rivals, and that officials make work for each other. Based around the growth of staff in the Colonial Office in the 1950s when there were less colonies, it can be applied to most large organisations and certainly most public sector ones. It is essential to understand that you may organise your own property business in a leaner, different way, but this is not how a council is typically run. Doing business with a council is rarely simple but it can be highly profitable for both parties.

In the same year London is financing the buy-back of former council houses for social housing, there is a net reduction of social homes as more were sold than
were built.

If you’re still questioning the merits of reading this article, allow me to enumerate the enticements that lie ahead. In addition to learning to do business with the council you will unearth:

• Fascinating statistics around investment returns from regeneration projects and local authority property sales.
• Compelling reasons why even minor regeneration projects offer a lucrative investment opportunity.
• Engaging insights into the collaboration between the public and private sectors.
• Examples of successful regeneration projects.

Without further ado, let us dive into the depths of this enticing world of property investment in unloved council properties. Two more disparate bedfellows you would struggle to find on the face of it, but ambitious property investors and the local council are actually ideal strategic partners. We explore why you should be looking at getting into bed with your local council (and why they are inviting you), especially if you can perform!