Modern methods of construction and RSL asset management: A quantitative study

Purpose: The UK Housing Corporation announced that it expected a minimum of 25 per cent of registered social landlord (RSL) new build housing to use modern methods of construction (MMC). This resulted in higher numbers of MMC dwellings becoming the responsibility of asset management departments who then have the task of planning and executing maintenance plans for the stock. This paper seeks to determine asset managers' views on the incorporation of MMC into RSL housing portfolios and its implications for long-term maintenance. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire was developed from both the literature and a previous qualitatively based study. The questionnaire sought to solicit the opinions of asset managers on the use of MMC and long-term maintenance Findings: From 130 distributed survey forms a response rate of 66 per cent was achieved (n=86). The responses to the questionnaire indicate a generally negative view towards MMC and its future maintenance viability. Practical implications: The research should be of interest to a broad range of people, including asset managers and surveyors, housing developers, and all those involved in the MMC supply chain. Originality/value: Little work has been located on the subject of MMC and its specific impacts on RSL asset management operations. This paper fills some of the gaps. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.