The six homes have already been let, and the families have been able to move into their new homes in time for Christmas. The acquisition comes after Trust previously acquired four new build family homes in the same development in December 2023. 

Demand for modern energy efficient affordable social rented properties in South Lanarkshire is high, with the council declaring a Housing Emergency in June this year. The council have identified a 28% increase in the number of people applying to the council for assistance due to homelessness, a 38% increase in the number of people recorded by the council as homeless and a 101% increase in the backlog of urgent need homeless households awaiting housing. The need for quality new affordable housing for families is therefore recognised as a priority within the council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan.

The acquisition of these additional six homes, built by Lovell Partnerships, has been made possible with a grant of £910k from the Scottish Government More Homes Division, with the remainder of the purchase costs being funded by Trust.

The six homes are all highly energy efficient and are fitted with 3 solar panels on the roof and two designated car parking spaces each, including an electric vehicle charging point. They also have additional features included such as en-suite bathrooms and integrated kitchen appliances which will enhance the customers experience of living in new homes. 

Vicky Harkness, one of Trust’s newest customers, successful in securing one of the new properties, commented: “This new house means the absolute world to our family, our children have been sharing a room for years and are very excited about getting their own space and their own rooms. We are so delighted with our new home.”

Growth through new build is a key part of Trust’s business strategy ‘The Time is Now’, and the organisation has grown from 2,500 homes, to just under 4,000 homes over the last five years. 

Jackie McIntosh, director of assets and sustainability, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure a further six new family homes at Glow Garren via our continued joint working with Lovell Partnerships and with the support of both South Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government’s More Homes Team.

“With the council declaring a housing emergency in the summer this year, the need to continue to provide more affordable housing options in South Lanarkshire is as important as ever. We have been delighted to play our part and to be able to conclude this acquisition just in time to for our customers to spend Christmas in their new homes.”

Tony Rankin, regional managing director of Lovell Partnerships in Scotland, added: “We are proud to be working in partnership again with Trust to help address the urgent need for modern, affordable housing for families in South Lanarkshire.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our work is providing these much-needed, energy-efficient and high-quality homes for the local community. For our team, it is especially poignant at this time of year to see six families moving into their new homes at Glow Garren in Hamilton just in time for Christmas.”