Engaged following discovery workshops and strategic discussions, with formal instruction issued in early 2026. FFT led the development of Octopus Capital’s asset management strategy, stock condition survey (SCS) framework, data architecture and compliance logic.
The client
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Services provided
The project
Octopus Capital appointed FFT to develop a robust, future‑proofed asset management and stock condition data strategy for a rapidly expanding residential portfolio of more than 800 homes across the UK. The brief focused on creating a scalable approach that provides Board‑level assurance on compliance, supports long‑term investment planning and aligns with emerging regulatory requirements.
FFT was asked to design a strategic framework that strengthens asset intelligence, ensures compliance with the current Decent Homes Standard (DHS), and prepares the organisation for forthcoming changes including DHS2, Awaab’s Law and the wider consumer regulation reforms. Given the portfolio’s modern age profile, Octopus sought a proportionate, risk‑based approach that minimised unnecessary survey activity while maintaining confidence in stock quality as the portfolio grows.
Our role
FFT was engaged following discovery workshops and strategic discussions, with formal instruction issued in early 2026. FFT led the development of Octopus Capital’s asset management strategy, stock condition survey (SCS) framework, data architecture and compliance logic.
Our work included:
- Designing a “best in class” stock condition data hierarchy
- Developing survey methodology, data structures and inspection logic
- Codifying DHS / DHS2 rules to enable automated compliance assessment
- Providing advisory support on adapting systems for future regulation
- Supporting 30‑year lifecycle modelling and investment planning
- Preparing dashboard-style reporting to support executive and board oversight
FFT worked closely with Octopus Capital’s investment and asset management teams to ensure all recommendations were practical, proportionate and aligned with corporate governance and growth ambitions.
The challenges
Key challenges included:
- A rapidly growing portfolio requiring a scalable, long‑term data strategy
- Need to evidence DHS compliance without relying on broad age-based assumptions
- Preparing for significant regulatory change, including DHS2 and Awaab’s Law
- Balancing assurance and efficiency due to the young age of the portfolio (94% under 10 years old)
FFT addressed these challenges by designing a model that strengthens assurance today while remaining flexible enough to evolve with the portfolio.
Added value
FFT’s work introduced a more dynamic, insight-led approach to asset management. This included:
- Moving away from static age-based compliance assumptions in favour of condition-led assessment
- Implementing automated compliance logic for both DHS and DHS2
- Creating a scalable data structure that grows with the portfolio
- Providing dashboards, exception reporting and visual tools for clear oversight
- Establishing a long-term investment model aligned with 30‑year lifecycle forecasting
This provides Octopus Capital with the evidence, governance structure and strategic clarity needed to manage a modern, expanding housing portfolio.
The outcome
Octopus Capital now has a strategic, proportionate and future‑ready asset management framework that ensures:
- High confidence of 100% compliance under the current Decent Homes Standard
- A clear roadmap for maintaining and evidencing compliance as the stock ages
- Ability to dynamically track condition, risk and investment needs
- Stronger governance for internal reporting, regulatory readiness and funding discussions
With the initial strategy issued in early 2026 and implementation ongoing, Octopus now has the foundations to scale its portfolio with confidence.
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