Embargo: for publication after 00.01hrs Tuesday 24th June 1997
Plans for a new private rented sector launched by Rowntree Foundation

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation today announced the launch of its CASPAR project - City-centre Apartments for Single People at Affordable Rents. The Foundation released the FINDINGS from research on consumer views of market renting and announced a Competition to build a block of 40/50 new apartments with an investment of £2m.

"We are trying to achieve three objectives simultaneously," said Richard Best, Director of the Foundation. "For many middle-income single men and women, and young childless couples, renting offers greater flexibility and freedom than owning. The resources of such people have much to contribute to reviving the social and economic life of city centres. With short journeys to work, the congestion and pollution of commuting is reduced and less housing development is needed on greenfield sites."

The Competition - advertised in architectural and building magazines today - calls for high quality design to suit the lifestyles of single people able to pay market rents. The Foundation is currently considering inner city sites in Leeds and Birmingham. It is hoped the resulting development of apartments will be a trend-setting influence which will attract institutions to invest in similar locations elsewhere.

Qualitative research through focus groups, by Caroline Oakes and Eleanor McKee for the Foundation, studied consumer views of market renting in Leeds. This showed that attitudes to renting were changing: whilst purchase was still seen as the ultimate goal by most, renting was found to be growing in popularity. Buying was no longer thought an investment certainty; changes in the job market had increased the appeal of renting because relocation might be necessary; and renting was seen as a limited commitment, with no substantial deposit or liabilities for repairs or maintenance, allowing freedom to focus on other activities like work and leisure. The tenure was also seen as ideal for sharing where the partnership was not necessarily permanent.

At the same time, the CASPAR project is seen as an antidote to the continuing trend for those with sufficient income to leave the conurbations, with consequent knock-on effects upon the countryside. Government targets for reducing car emissions would be helped if fewer commuters drove into work from suburban and rural homes.

Following earlier research into the state of the construction industry, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation is also hopeful that a new private rented sector could lead to innovations in building techniques. High density apartment developments may lend themselves to new forms of prefabrication common in other countries.

"My Foundation's traditional concern is for those on lower incomes and those whose existing accommodation is inadequate," said Richard Best. "But we are equally concerned to see a social and economic mix in inner city areas and avoid the creation of American-style ghettos. We see a market for a new private rented sector which would help regenerate urban neighbourhoods and achieve important environmental benefits."

Note to Editors
The market for a new private rented sector is available here.