Opportunities for housing organisations. The introduction of homeservices

The HOMESERVICE project studies services that are offered to residents at their home either directly by or via the housing provider and effect sustainable development positively. The key idea behind the Homeservice project is that sustainable development can be stimulated by the introduction and use of more sustainable services at home. Previous studies indicate that consumers must be able to use such services as conveniently as possible; therefore the services should be offered to consumers at their homes. Competition in the housing market is increasing. This challenge can be met in various ways. One possibility is to supply extra homeservices to the residents. Therefore the project focuses on the residents, the housings organisations and the service providers. The project searches market niches for homeservices in seven service areas: consulting and information, care and supervision, leisure time services/activities, repairs, mobility and delivery, safety and security, supply and disposal. Why offer other, more than the core business, services in the first place? The benefits for residents relate to more comfort and the reduction of costs (e.g. via energy and water savings). The benefits of housing organisations relate to improved customers satisfaction, long-term continuation of the company and improved image. Improved image can make the housing provider more attractive in the eyes of the existing and potential residents. Consequently it stimulates longer tenancies and thus reduce changeover of residents. Furthermore, a good image appeals to better segments of the tenant market. Lat but not least, thinking beyond direct business benefits, the service orientation is one practical way of taking responsibility of society (by providing more jobs), residents, and the environment. Sustainable homeservices may offer competitive advantage for real estate services.