‘HIGHLY ENERGY EFFICIENT’ HOMES

KINGDOM Housing Association has announced it has acquired eight ‘highly energy-efficient’ homes for mid-market rent in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, from Scotia Homes.

The two and three-bedroom properties are Kingdom’s first mid-market rent homes in the Blairgowrie area and will be let and managed by Kingdom Initiatives.

The £1.5 million project is part of the larger private Hazelwood site and has been part- funded by the Scottish Government with a contribution from Perth & Kinross Council. The remaining balance has been financed by Kingdom Housing Association.

Bill Banks, Kingdom Group chief executive, said, “The new homes at Hazelwood mark Kingdom’s first mid-market rent offering in the area and have been completed to an extremely high standard. Modern methods of construction mean these homes are highly energy-efficient and the inclusion of solar panels means tenants will be able to make the most of renewable energy. The homes also benefit from fast fibre internet connectivity which is ideal for home working.

“Kingdom has a great track record of collaborative working and through our partnership with Perth & Kinross Council and Scotia Homes, Kingdom Initiatives is able to offer these new homes to help meet current housing needs in the area. Demand for the properties was very high with around 130 people enquiring about the eight homes.”

Councillor Tom McEwan, Perth & Kinross Council’s housing and social wellbeing convener, added, “These excellent mid-market homes for social rent will help to meet a particular housing need in Blairgowrie. They have been built to an extremely high-standard, with a range of energy-efficiency measures included to help keep tenants’ energy bills down and reduce the carbon footprint of the development. I am delighted that the council was able to make a significant contribution towards the cost of the homes.”

Lesley Lindsay, development lead from Scotia Homes, commented, “Scotia Homes are delighted to deliver Kingdom Housing Association with eight high-quality homes. Our on-going development at Hazelwood, Blairgowrie gives us great pride, and the delivery of multi-tenure homes helps to further enrich the development. Kingdom Housing Association have been a delight to work with, and we look forward to further building our relationship with them.”