The name Johnny Caddick has become synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and transformation in the British property sector. As a director of the Caddick Group and joint managing director of Moda Living, he represents the new generation of leadership that is reshaping how housing is built, managed, and experienced. More than a developer, Johnny has emerged as a thought leader who blends traditional values with forward-looking strategies. His work addresses pressing issues such as urban regeneration, housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and the changing lifestyles of renters and communities across the United Kingdom.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Johnny Caddick comes from a family deeply rooted in property and construction. His father, Paul Caddick, founded the Caddick Group in the late 1970s, building it into one of the most respected property and construction companies in the country. Growing up in this environment, Johnny absorbed the principles of hard work, community focus, and long-term responsibility. Unlike many who stumble into property by chance, his path was shaped from an early age by exposure to projects, boardroom discussions, and the realities of running a family-owned business.
This heritage has been both an advantage and a responsibility. Johnny often acknowledges that while the family connection gave him opportunities, it also placed expectations on him to preserve and enhance the values instilled by his father. His approach has been to respect the legacy but also to challenge tradition by adapting to the needs of the 21st century housing market.
Stepping Into Leadership
Joining the Caddick Group, Johnny quickly distinguished himself not only through his business acumen but also through his willingness to embrace change. In an industry where caution often prevails, he recognised that younger generations were demanding a very different experience of housing. From this vision, Moda Living was born as a specialist build-to-rent brand within the wider Caddick Group.
Moda was designed to do more than just provide rental units. Its aim was to create communities where people genuinely want to live, socialise, and grow. With Johnny as joint managing director, the company began rolling out large-scale developments in key UK cities. These projects combine stylish design, high-quality amenities, and a strong sense of belonging for residents.
Building a New Rental Model
The traditional rental market in the UK has often been criticised for poor quality, lack of security, and minimal support for tenants. Johnny Caddick’s approach challenged this norm. Moda Living developments provide hotel-style services, gyms, lounges, rooftop spaces, co-working areas, and dedicated community managers. The concept is clear: renting should not feel like a compromise, but rather a lifestyle choice.
This model has proven especially attractive to young professionals, remote workers, and those seeking flexibility without sacrificing comfort. Instead of focusing only on bricks and mortar, Moda integrates wellbeing programmes, digital tools, and events that enhance the resident experience. This holistic vision has elevated Moda into one of the most influential players in the UK’s build-to-rent sector.
The Scale of the Vision
Under Johnny’s leadership, Moda Living has developed a pipeline exceeding 24,000 homes valued at nearly £7 billion. These homes are spread across city centres, suburban neighbourhoods, and student markets, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of housing demand. Projects in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh, and other major cities have turned Moda into a recognisable brand for quality living.
The scale of this pipeline is not simply about numbers. It represents a deliberate attempt to reshape entire neighbourhoods, boost local economies, and set new benchmarks for housing standards. Each development is carefully designed to fit the character of its city while introducing cutting-edge features such as smart technology and sustainability measures.
Sustainability and ESG Commitments
One of Johnny Caddick’s most defining contributions is his focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. He has openly committed Moda Living to achieving net-zero carbon by 2030, a bold target that places the company at the forefront of sustainable development in the UK.
Sustainability at Moda goes beyond energy efficiency. It includes investment in green spaces, biodiversity, low-carbon materials, and digital systems that monitor energy consumption in real time. The company has also achieved internationally recognised certifications such as Fitwel, which measures the health and wellbeing impact of buildings. Under Johnny’s direction, Moda has secured some of the highest ratings in the world, proving that profitability and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Equally important is the social side of the ESG equation. Moda supports local employment, commissions public art installations, and encourages volunteering initiatives among residents and staff. Johnny believes that property developers have a duty not only to investors but also to the communities where they operate. This ethos reflects his family’s tradition of leaving a positive legacy.
Navigating Challenges
No leader’s journey is without challenges, and Johnny Caddick’s career has been shaped by testing times. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, forced the property industry to rethink its assumptions. Instead of halting progress, Moda adapted quickly by enhancing digital services, supporting resident wellbeing, and continuing construction safely.
This ability to pivot under pressure demonstrated Johnny’s resilience and strategic thinking. While some competitors slowed down, Moda accelerated its pipeline and emerged from the crisis stronger than before. This adaptability is one of the reasons Moda continues to attract major investment partners and secure new sites across the UK.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Those who work with Johnny often describe his leadership as approachable, energetic, and purpose-driven. He combines the analytical rigour required in high-value projects with the creativity to envision something different. Unlike leaders who prefer to stay behind the scenes, he frequently engages with the media, industry forums, and community events to share insights and listen to feedback.
His philosophy centres on building for people first. He often argues that while property is an asset class for investors, it is primarily about the daily lives of individuals and families. By focusing on people, the financial outcomes naturally follow. This mindset has helped Moda differentiate itself in a crowded market.
Contribution to the Industry
Beyond his role at Moda, Johnny Caddick contributes to the wider property sector by championing innovation. He has become a strong advocate for build-to-rent as a solution to the UK’s housing shortage, regularly highlighting the need for long-term institutional investment in residential property.
He also influences design standards, sustainability frameworks, and tenant rights discussions. By pushing boundaries, Johnny has encouraged competitors to raise their game, benefiting renters nationwide. In many ways, his career represents a bridge between traditional family-run construction firms and the new era of tech-enabled, socially responsible developers.
Looking Ahead
The future for Johnny Caddick and Moda Living is ambitious. The company is expanding into family housing through its Casa by Moda brand, providing high-quality rental homes in suburban markets. This move acknowledges the demand from families who want the security and services of build-to-rent but outside city centres.
In parallel, Moda is exploring new technologies such as smart metering, renewable energy integration, and digital platforms that allow residents to manage their entire lifestyle through apps. Johnny’s vision clearly extends far beyond bricks and mortar: it is about creating ecosystems where housing, technology, and wellbeing intersect seamlessly.
Conclusion
The story of Johnny Caddick is more than a biography of a successful property executive. It is a reflection of how British housing is being reinvented for modern needs. From his family heritage to his bold leadership at Moda Living, Johnny has consistently proven that property development can be both commercially viable and socially responsible.
By embracing sustainability, fostering community, and prioritising quality of life, he has positioned Moda as a model for the future of living. His work addresses critical national issues such as housing supply, climate change, and urban regeneration. In doing so, he not only honours his family legacy but also paves the way for a new era in property development.
