With construction sites and public sales halted as a result of the pandemic, Hillcrest’s acquisition of the homes not only provides a welcome boost to the development project, but it has also allowed the organisation to continue to deliver good quality homes despite its own development sites being put on hold.

The homes were purchased with funding support from the Scottish Government and Perth & Kinross Council.

The homes, which comprise of a ready-built mixture of three and four-bedroom semi-detached and terraced townhouses, contain a range of energy efficiency measures to help tenants reduce energy bills and save money.

The 12 homes in Perth also joins another lockdown purchase of 15 affordable apartments in Broughty Ferry Dundee, which Hillcrest had previously been contracted to manage and maintain.

Fiona Morrison, Hillcrest’s deputy chief executive, said: “We’re delighted not only to have been able to add to our provision of affordable homes during a difficult time for the sector, but also in helping support developers in these challenging times.

“These 12 properties are good quality, energy efficient homes for tenants in a fantastic new housing development.”

Barbara Renton, Perth & Kinross Council executive director of housing and environment, added: “These new homes are a welcome addition to the social housing stock in Perth and Kinross, in an area of Perth that has seen significant regeneration in recent years. The council will continue to work closely with out social housing partners to deliver more high-quality affordable housing for people right across Perth and Kinross.”