Scotland's housing problems could be addressed by encouraging more people to rent, a conference of experts will hear today.
The housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland is holding the event in Glasgow, and claims that Scotland could lead the UK by growing a larger private rented sector, provided it is built on security, fairness and affordability.
The New Beginnings for Private Renting conference will hear from Professor Felix Schindler, of the Centre for European Economic Research.
He says that the German market for rented properties has been able to thrive, while still offering security and high standards to tenants, thanks to strong regulation
Speaking ahead of the conference, Professor Schindler said: "In Germany more people rent than own their own homes. Renting is seen as a normal and long term choice, with landlords equally seeing investment in rented property as a long term investment.
"Tenancies are usually for unlimited time periods, and where landlords wish to evict their tenants they must prove legitimate reasons. There is also strict regulation against prohibitive rent increases and rent levels.
"Germany shows that regulation and a thriving rental sector can go hand-in-hand."
The conference will also be addressed by Housing Minister Keith Brown, who will launch a new draft strategy on private renting.
Shelter Scotland argues Scotland should follow the model of Germany and other European neighbours. The charity says up to one in five households could rent privately by 2020.
At present only 272,653 (5%) households in Scotland rent their homes from a private landlord, while 1.5 million are owner-occupiers.
In contrast around 24m (60%) of households in Germany rent – around 18m privately, while 16m own their homes.
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: "The private rented sector in Scotland offers greater flexibility compared to home ownership and is an attractive choice for many individuals and families.
"It is particularly well-suited to Scotland's economic needs.
"Responsible landlords will accept regulation to raise standards if they are also confident that their unscrupulous competitors will be dealt with firmly by the authorities."
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