Kirkgate Developments, a subsidiary of Grampian Housing Association, is providing 17 three-bedroom houses for mid-market rent in Aberdeenshire.

Eight of the properties at Osprey Heights in Inverurie are available for working households to move into before Christmas.

Prospective tenants are invited to an open day this Saturday 3 December, from 11am to 3pm, at the new show home at 1 Greentrees Gardens, Osprey Heights, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 6BJ.

Built in partnership with Barratt North Scotland and with funding from the Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council, the homes are being provided to extend the range of affordable housing options in the Aberdeen housing market area. Set in a semi-rural location, the development is within easy commuting distance of Aberdeen and has good local amenities.

Craig Stirrat, director of business development, Grampian Housing Association, said: “In Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, many working households on moderate incomes do not qualify for social housing but cannot afford to buy or rent in the private sector, resulting in limited housing options. In addition, in the current economic climate where a household’s income could be at risk, renting offers more security.

“Our homes for mid-market rent not only provide a solution for these households but we are providing an extra Christmas present to each property with white goods, floor coverings and window dressings included. With homes available for rent at this time, we would encourage anyone interested to come along to the open day on Saturday 3rd December, to find out more.”

Mid-market rent offers affordable homes below local market rates but above social rent. With a monthly rent of £710, the homes at Greentrees Gardens are aimed at those who cannot afford to buy or rent in the private sector.

The 17 homes for mid-market rent are part of Grampian Housing Association’s £3.7 million development at Osprey Heights, where 14 houses for social rent are also being allocated. Grant funding of over £1.8m from the Scottish Government and £65,000 from Aberdeenshire Council was received to fund the development.

Grampian and Kirkgate are committed to build 200 new homes over the next five years, a mix of properties for mid-market and social rent, in line with their objective to build sustainable communities with a mix of tenure types. This will also contribute to the Scottish Government’s goal of delivering 50,000 new homes across Scotland.

Douglas McLeod, regional director for Barratt Homes Scotland, said: “We are extremely pleased, that through our partnership with Grampian Housing Association, we have now delivered another 31 much needed new affordable homes in addition to the 10 completed earlier in this year. Through our continued strong relationship with Grampian Housing Association we have jointly developed, completed and occupied approximately 200 homes within the North-east, and are working together on a number of other developments to continue this delivery.”

Cllr Anne Allan, chair of Aberdeenshire Council social work and housing committee, said: “This is another example of Aberdeenshire Council working with partners to deliver much needed affordable housing across Aberdeenshire. Following on from the 249 new affordable homes completed in Aberdeenshire last year we are continuing to provide a range of housing options including mid-market and social rent. Hopefully some people will have a new home by Christmas or to start the New Year in.”