Quality and choice for older people's housing: what can a new Private Rental Sector offer?

The past two years (2012-2013) have seen a growing interest in the potential role of a ‘new PRS’ in delivering quality housing and greater tenure choice ... with media interest, conferences and reports, a government Private Rented Sector Taskforce and funding for Build to Rent. This interest comes from a wide range of players, including housing associations, developers, new private rented sector (PRS) businesses, investors, thinktanks and charities. But PRS housing for older people has been missing from the debate so far. Why shouldn’t PRS initiatives and funding models be broadened to encourage inclusive inter-generational communities for older people as well as families and younger people? This Briefing explores whether the PRS could extend the choice of housing options for older people who prefer to live in all age communities.