A dedicated Private Rented Sector (PRS) Champion will take forward the findings of a specialist project looking at how new sources of housing investment can be attracted to Scotland to help expand the country’s growing rented sector.

The Scottish Government is supporting the appointment by HFS in order to spearhead the growth of new rental developments to help meet the country’s diverse housing needs.

The announcement follows major research, led by HFS and undertaken by experts in housing finance from the world-renowned Cambridge Centre for Housing & Planning Research and LSE London, which called for the two year funding of a “champion” to deliver on the recommendations contained within the project report.

These focus on improving information on the opportunities that exist, smoothing the path for development, matching institutional investment and management.

Reporting directly to HFS, the PRS Champion will chair a Working Party with the objective of identifying and facilitating viable projects.

HFS Chief Executive Philip Hogg (above) said:

“The funding for a Rented Sector Champion marks a significant step towards realising the potential of this growing market.

“As housing production has fallen, the rented sector has grown significantly over recent years and clearly has a major role to play in achieving a balanced tenure mix. It also offers significant new investment and development opportunities together with the wider social, environmental and economic benefits the construction of new homes brings.

“We therefore look forward to appointing an experienced professional to this key role as quickly as possible.”

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Housing is a priority for this Government and, as the industry-led Building the Rented Sector study findings make clear, the time has never been riper to attract new investment. This new Champion, who will be independent from Government, will be tasked with ensuring appropriate action is taken by all relevant parties to boost the supply of high quality private rented homes at scale.

“They will be the first port of contact for those interested in developing or funding new private rented homes to help ensure the sector provides the homes that people need. I look forward to seeing an experienced and driven professional appointed to the role in due course.”

1.  Click here to access the PRS Champion job advertisement, including a person profile.

2. Click here to access the recommendations from the “Building the Rented Sector” research led by Homes for Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government and Construction Scotland.

Further information on the Building the Rented Sector project can be found at:

www.brs-scotland.co.uk.