Regional responses to a changing context: Housing Associations and Market Renting

In a rapidly changing policy context, housing associations are facing significant decisions about strategic direction. In the face of extensive welfare and social housing policy reform, pressures to diversify have encouraged the consideration of activities beyond the traditional social housing role. This paper draws upon recent research, partially funded by RICS Research Trust, which examines market renting activity amongst housing associations in the North East and North West of England. As well as demonstrating the diversity of practice in terms of the extent and nature of housing association engagement with market renting, the paper provides an illustrative exploration of the strategic considerations facing organisations. Examining this interplay between housing associations and market renting has a wider relevance at this time of flux for housing associations and within the context of the restructuring of the housing system. The paper examines how associations are interpreting and interacting with external and internal forces in a radically altered and dynamic policy environment, raising implications for their evolving role in local housing markets.