Petermans Local Property Experts has developed a new approach designed to connect the social housing sector with the private rental market.
The initiative aims to provide commercially viable and socially responsible housing options at a time when local authorities are facing acute shortages and growing temporary accommodation costs.
The model centres on closer collaboration between private landlords, housing associations and local authorities to keep viable homes in circulation.
Petermans, a member of The Guild of Property Professionals, is raising funds to acquire portfolios from landlords looking to exit the sector, as well as unoccupied social rent units from developers, in an effort to prevent stock from being lost while meeting the needs of tenants seeking long-term stability.
MARKET ALTERNATIVE
Under the scheme, landlords are offered an alternative to leaving the market through secure, long-term tenancies backed by established management frameworks.
Petermans incorporates insurance and data-driven maintenance systems to reduce disputes, improve property condition and maintain rental income, while supporting public sector efforts to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, which currently costs £2.8 billion a year.
“Independent agents are positioned as the delivery mechanism for the model.”
Independent agents are positioned as the delivery mechanism for the model, using their existing management experience and neighbourhood-level relationships to place social housing tenants into well-maintained private rental homes.
The approach also offers commercial incentives for agents through referral income and ongoing management work, presenting what the company describes as a new form of “socially conscious lettings.”
UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITY
Ben Moser (main picture), Operations Director at Petermans, says: “There’s a huge, untapped opportunity in aligning social housing need with private rental supply. Independent agents like us already have the practical management and tenant engagement experience needed to make it work.
“The new Renters’ Rights Act will demand better compliance, accountability, and security for tenants, all of which are already standard practice in the social housing space. That means we can help landlords adapt, stay in the sector, and do good at the same time.”
MANAGING RISK
He adds that the firm’s funding and procurement model is intended to keep existing homes in use and help landlords manage risk more effectively.
“Our approach keeps existing homes in use, reduces waste, and protects landlords commercially,” he says.
“It’s about proving that ethical housing can also be economically sound. We’re using properties that already exist, clients that already exist, and agents that already exist, we’re just connecting the dots.”
CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE
Moser says independent agents could act as catalysts for change by working directly with councils and tenancy sustainment groups to ensure properties meet standards of safety, condition and management expected in the social housing sector.
“Landlords are worried about rent, condition, and turnover, but in reality, engaging with the social housing sector addresses all three,” he says.
“The rent is secure, the property is well-maintained, and turnover is lower. With the right support, this can be one of the most stable and future-proof parts of the private rental market.”
Petermans says the initiative provides greater resilience for landlords and improved outcomes for tenants while relieving pressure on public budgets, presenting what it argues is a rare alignment of commercial and social benefit.
