The acquisition brings 101 private rented homes into the social rented sector and secures a sustainable future for the three developments. The developments are located in the central belt of Scotland - East Kilbride, Edinburgh, and Glasgow respectively - and close to communities that Trust already serves.

The £3.8 million acquisition has been 50% funded by the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, and Glasgow City Council, as part of a national acquisition plan to increase the supply of affordable housing across Scotland, supporting local authorities and social landlords to purchase properties that will help meet national affordable housing need.

Methodist Homes is an English-based landlord and the organisation had been looking for a buyer who could secure a sustainable future for the developments. As Methodist Homes is not a registered social landlord in Scotland, the customers were classed as private sector tenants with private rented tenancies. The tenancies automatically become Scottish Secure Tenancies with Trust which offer much more security and rights.

Trust said the acquisition will also support investment in the homes and services over the immediate and long term that would not otherwise have been possible. In addition, the transfer to Trust provides certainty for the customers and employees.

The organisation added: “Growth is a key part of our strategy and we have grown from 2,500 homes to around 4,000 homes over the last five years. We’re growing through partnerships and new build and this growth is providing homes for our customers of today and the future - we are a purpose driven organisation and providing affordable homes and services that meet the needs of the communities we serve is why we exist as an organisation.

“Crucially, growth also supports us to keep rents affordable for all our customers and to invest in our existing homes and services.”

Rhona McLeod, Trust’s CEO, added: “We’re delighted to have completed the acquisition from Methodist Homes and secured a sustainable future for the developments. We’re a growing organisation but we only grow with partners that are the right fit for Trust and will deliver benefits for our customers - both existing and those joining us.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without our partners - the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, and Glasgow City Council - and we’re delighted to have worked together to secure 101 homes that will help meet national affordable housing need.”