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Last week the Build to Rent Forum hosted a one-day conference in Edinburgh. Both the event and the range of speakers, including Kevin Stewart MSP \u2013 the Scottish Government\u2019s Minister for Local Government and Housing, who delivered the keynote address \u2013 highlight the enthusiasm and interest there is in the country for Build to Rent schemes.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s plenty of demand because Scotland\u2019s traditional housing market, particularly in the major cities,\u00a0 no longer works for many people. Very few meet the qualification criteria for social housing,\u00a0 and private sector rents are often unaffordable, leaving vast numbers stuck in the middle, unable to buy and with no suitable properties to rent.<\/p>\n
In the past, this has often been seen as a problem for the younger generations, whose needs have been largely dismissed because they\u2019re expected to flat share, change jobs and stay mobile. Increasingly, however, it\u2019s the case that families are struggling to find suitable housing. Build to Rent schemes may well provide the answer they need.<\/p>\n
Looking at trends in the country, it\u2019s clear that this isn\u2019t a short-term issue. People now expect to rent for many years. Indications suggest that as the proportion of the population renting grows, the rights of tenants will improve, and as they do, the drive to become an owner-occupier will lessen. The future will see more families renting long term, demanding not just stable tenancies, but also infrastructure, schools and local amenities. Investors who previously may have been looking at student accommodation projects for their returns are now showing interest in Build to Rent schemes with a wider remit \u2013 including the construction and management of family homes.<\/p>\n
The Scottish Government is keen to encourage the development of the Build to Rent sector and in particular high-quality schemes which deliver professionally-managed homes. Its aims include the provision of properties which are indistinguishable from those built for sale, but which meet the needs of tenants. In other words, it\u2019s not just the bricks and mortar that matter, but also how the schemes are managed. As an example, at the new Harbour Gateway development in Edinburgh, tenants are being offered the option of moving in without an initial deposit.\u00a0 Instead of having to find possibly two months\u2019 rental upfront, they can purchase an insurance policy which will give their landlord the same level of protection.<\/p>\n
The best Build to Rent schemes combine great homes with great customer service. They embrace the use of technology. They generate capital growth for those who invest but not at the expense of the tenants. And if developers in Scotland can deliver more successful schemes, they\u2019ll not only put a dent in the housing crisis but also help to build a new model where renting isn\u2019t second best but is simple, common sense.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Last week the Build to Rent Forum hosted a one-day conference in Edinburgh. Both the event and the range of speakers, including Kevin Stewart MSP \u2013 the Scottish Government\u2019s Minister for Local Government and Housing, who delivered the keynote address \u2013 highlight the enthusiasm and interest there is in the country for Build to Rent […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5141,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n