Kath Scanlon

Kath Scanlon

Leading Expert in Urban Economics and Comparative Housing Policy

Core Intelligence Domain: Urban Economics & Housing Policy
Location: London, United Kingdom | Languages: English
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

Kath Scanlon is a Distinguished Policy Fellow at LSE London (London School of Economics), recognised globally for her rigorous empirical research and strategic foresight into urban policy, comparative housing markets, and the socio-economic dynamics of the housing sector. With a distinguished career dedicated to unravelling the complexities of urban economics, she provides unparalleled strategic counsel to governments, institutional investors, and urban planners on how to navigate the multifaceted challenges of the modern housing landscape.

At the forefront of European housing research, Kath possesses a profound understanding of housing supply mechanisms, the rapid evolution of the private rented sector, and the financialisation of real estate. Her highly influential research methodology bridges the gap between academic rigour and practical policy implementation, offering proprietary frameworks that assess the efficacy of regulatory interventions and market-driven housing solutions across global cities. Her strategic foresight enables stakeholders to anticipate market shifts and design resilient urban strategies that foster sustainable economic growth and social cohesion.

Kath has acted as a critical advisor to central and local governments, housing associations, and international regulatory bodies. Her comparative analyses of housing models across the UK, Europe, and globally have fundamentally shaped policy debates surrounding affordability, social housing, and urban regeneration. As a sought-after global intelligence expert, she equips executive audiences with the robust data and actionable insights required to make high-stakes decisions in the real estate and urban development sectors.

Key Achievements and Professional Roles

• Distinguished Policy Fellow at LSE London: Leading complex research initiatives focusing on the economic and social dimensions of housing and urban development.
• Government Policy Advisor: Frequently commissioned by UK government departments, the Greater London Authority, and international bodies to provide evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Author and Lead Researcher: Co-author of seminal reports and publications on the private rented sector, affordable housing provision, and the impact of the build-to-rent market.
• Pioneer in Comparative Analysis: Developed extensive frameworks evaluating international housing models, highlighting successful interventions in European cities to solve urban housing crises.
• Strategic Consultant: Advises major housing associations, institutional investors, and urban developers on market trends, regulatory impacts, and sustainable housing economics.

Core Speaking Themes and Masterclasses

• Navigating the Global Housing Crisis: Strategic interventions, market realities, and data-driven solutions for increasing housing supply and affordability.
• The Evolution of the Private Rented Sector: Understanding demographic shifts, regulatory impacts, and the rise of institutional investment and build-to-rent models.
• Comparative Housing Strategies: What global cities can learn from each other regarding social housing, rent control, and urban regeneration.
• The Economics of Urban Policy: How spatial planning and housing markets intersect to drive or hinder economic productivity and social mobility.
• Sustainable and Resilient Cities: Aligning real estate development with long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals.

Key Takeaways

• Evidence-Based Foresight: Gain access to robust, empirical data that demystifies current trends in global real estate and urban economics.
• Strategic Policy Navigation: Understand the real-world impact of government regulations and policy shifts on housing markets and institutional investments.
• Innovative Housing Solutions: Discover successful, comparative international models that can be adapted to solve local housing supply and affordability challenges.
• Actionable Intelligence for Leaders: Equip C-suite executives, developers, and policymakers with the analytical frameworks needed to build resilient, future-proof urban strategies.