Modern methods of construction: Implications for housing asset management in the RSL sector

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the current drive for 3 million new homes by 2020. The delivery of this number of homes is a challenge for the house building industry and its associated stakeholders such as local authorities, registered social landlords (RSLs) and others. One mechanism proposed to ensure delivery is the use of modern methods of construction (MMC). There are, however, several problems with this premise including the legacy of non‐traditional housing formats employed in the past, demand side suspicion of MMC, and a lack of capacity on the supply side. The paper concentrates on the implications of MMC in the RSL sector – particularly the potential impacts of MMC on asset management (long‐term maintenance) of RSL housing stock.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and interviews with key RSL personnel are used to inform the discussion contained in this paper.

Findings

Seven overall themes emerged from the research, pointing to the main issues that need to be addressed if MMC housing is to be successfully employed in the RSL sector, while also ensuring that asset management is able to carry out its long term maintenance programmes in an effective and efficient manner.

Originality/value

Little previous research has been located on the subject of MMC and its specific impacts on RSL asset management operations. The research should therefore be of interest to a broad range of people, including asset managers and surveyors, developers, planners, and local, regional and national policy makers.

Citation

Kempton, J. and Syms, P. (2009), "Modern methods of construction: Implications for housing asset management in the RSL sector", Structural Survey, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 36-45. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630800910941674