Property development and investment group Carling & Co has completed a £1 million deal for more affordable housing in Dundee and Angus.
The purchase of 17 dwellings for rent keeps the company on target to reach its goal of acquiring 1,000 affordable houses over five years.
The latest acquisition follows a £3.1m deal to buy 45 properties in Dundee earlier this summer which took their property portfolio to more than 200.
The 10 one and two-bedroom dwellings across Dundee were formerly owned by the property company Top Rowan of bankrupt businessman Mark Harris.
They have lain empty for some time and will be brought up to standard and offered to tenants within the next month.
The other seven will be created at the former Chance Inn at Inverkeilor in a conversion project. They are expected to be ready for occupancy next year pending final planning approval.
The deal was privately funded by Carling & Co, who own and manage rental properties all over the country.
Husband and wife Graeme and Leanne Carling are committed to providing quality affordable housing for individuals and families in need of good housing and who may not otherwise meet criteria set by private landlords.
They work with agencies, charities and individuals to support people who may struggle to find a good standard of accommodation due to previous personal circumstances.
Graeme Carling commented: “There are many problems faced by people in Scotland looking to access affordable housing.
“These properties have been empty for two years, exacerbating the problems experienced in this sector,” he said.
He added: “Access to affordable housing is particularly difficult for young families, those on low incomes and first- time buyers.
“We are very aware that there is a shortage and we are doing our bit to help improve the situation in the Dundee area.”
The £3.1m investment resulted from a £1.5m finance package from Bank of Scotland and was part funded by private European investment partners.