Homes for Scotland is to appoint a dedicated Private Rented Sector (PRS) Champion to act on the findings of a 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, which it is hoped will spearhead the growth of new rental developments to help meet the country’s housing needs.

The announcement follows research led by Homes for Scotland and undertaken by experts in housing finance from the Cambridge Centre for Housing & Planning Research and LSE London.

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

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Homes for Scotland Chief Executive Philip Hogg 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."

(IT/CD)