A framework for the operationalisation of build-to-rent housing in Johannesburg, South Africa

Build-to-Rent is an emerging long-term housing asset class and alternative housing product that is gaining popularity in the Europe, North America and Australia. Build-to-Rent is a high-end, long-term residential rental product, built and operated by specialist developers for a single institutional owner. This paper uses a summative content analysis approach to identify key stakeholders out of which a framework for the adoption of Build-to-Rent for the middle-income housing market in Johannesburg, South Africa is developed. The model is based on collaborative planning and systems dynamics approaches. A literature review of existing legislative and policy documents forms the basis of a key stakeholders’ register within South Africa’s existing institutional and legislative frameworks. This is followed by the proposal of the Collaborative-Integrated Operational Framework (CIOF) which may be adopted in order to mainstream Build-to-Rent in the Johannesburg housing sector. The findings demonstrate that there exists a well-established policy environment in South Africa, amenable to the adoption of Build-to-Rent in Johannesburg. The need for a collaborative planning approach, which fosters buy-in from all spheres of government and other stakeholders within the housing sector is further reinforced through the development of this framework.