Housing charity LAR has opened a new office in Aberdeen city centre and appointed a property manager to look after a growing portfolio of properties in the area.

Rachel O’Neil has joined the organisation as it takes possession of two new developments in Aberdeen to boost its portfolio of mid-market rental properties in the north-east to 133.

LAR was launched in October 2015 to fill an important gap in the housing market for those who neither qualify for social housing nor can afford prices in the private rented sector and the Aberdeen area was earmarked at the outset as one most in need of its services.

The organisation has now bought 15 properties at a CALA Homes development at Shaw Road, a prime location in the city’s west end and 28 properties at Barratt’s Ocean development just off Beach Boulevard.

LAR chief executive, Ann Leslie, said: “We are delighted to have purchased such high quality homes at these two new developments. Both Barratt and Cala have built superb homes for us and with brand new carpets and white goods these properties are looking fantastic and will make impressive homes for our tenants.

“I’d also like to welcome Rachel to our team and she will play an important role in looking after our tenants and homes in the north-east. Her appointment further demonstrates our commitment to the area.”

LAR’s newest development at Shaw Road consists of 10 one bed and 5 two bed flats and the Ocean development is made up of 20 two bed and 8 one bed flats. LAR already has properties in Crathes, Cove, Mugiemoss and Kingswells.