Transport for London is considering building and holding thousands of homes for the private rented sector as it works up disposal plans for its London property portfolio.
The transport body is to release 300 acres of land for development, two-thirds of which is in zones one and two, with the potential to accommodate 10,000 homes.
TfL had previously been expected to dispose of the sites through a development panel, which it is putting together.
The panel, which will include commercial, residential and mixed-use developers, will get the opportunity to bid for the first 50 of the sites, once the successful applicants are confirmed in the new year.
However, commercial director Graeme Craig said there was potential for TfL to consider retaining some of the homes for private rental.
He said: “I am sure we will become a significant PRS player in the future. Given the quantum of sites we are talking about, particularly if you are thinking about zones three, four, five, even some in zones one and two, we are confident PRS is part of the mix.
“Whether we do that ourselves or through joint ventures – there is an argument both ways – I am sure we will become a significant PRS player, because that very much plays into what we are seeking to concentrate on, which is long-term income.”
