This report provides the first detailed assessment of housing association allocations policies for over 10 years. Since 1992, when the last national study of this kind was published, the sector has changed out of all recognition. In particular, stock transfer has not only expanded, but also altered the character of this segment of the housing market in a fundamental way.

Carried out in 2001-02, and funded by the Housing Corporation, the research focuses on the largest 250 ‘general needs’ RSLs in England, nearly half of which are now transfer associations. It looks at the way that policies and practices on nominations and lettings are evolving in response to changing housing markets, legal and regulatory developments, and new thinking on social policy more broadly.