The report commissioned by the mayor of London investigated how land – often in a complex patchwork of different ownerships – is collected for development in various places around the world.

The research looked at the Netherlands, France, Germany and the USA to gain an insight into speeding up the assembly of land to deliver new homes in London.

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In particular, it highlights how the mayor should be given greater powers over compulsory purchase orders in London, particularly where developments are at risk of delay.

The mayor of London said: “This report shows how giving City Hall more powers to bring land forward and ultimately buy it if necessary – as is common in other parts of the world – would help us build more homes, more quickly.

“It also shows how practical steps to curb speculation – where owners and developers trade land and see its value go up and up – could help us build more social rented and other genuinely affordable homes.”