Author: Kaite Campbell

Leading developer of mid-market rent (MMR) homes across the Highlands, HHA, will take handover of seven homes in Aviemore that are solely available for local key workers.

Located at the Tulloch Homes Bynack More development, seven three-bedroom family homes will be available to rent at MMR tenure from October 2024. MMR is priced typically lower than private rent and slightly higher than affordable housing.  

Delivered with more than £500,000 funding support from the Scottish Government via its Rural Affordable Homes for Key Workers Fund, the Highland Council and Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, the homes will be allocated to key workers. This includes emergency services staff, healthcare professionals, care workers and teachers.

Importantly, this will help to ensure that key workers have exclusive access to high-quality and fairly priced homes, retaining a skilled workforce in the local community. Now under HHA’s ownership, HHA will manage the allocation of the homes and applications are now open. 

The spacious three-bedroom family homes feature open-plan living and kitchen spaces with private garden space. Located in the heart of Aviemore, residents are close to a range of local amenities, including the retail park, train station, and local primary and secondary schools.

Gail Matheson, CEO at HHA, said: “It is vital that local people in rural communities, like Aviemore, have access to modern and fairly priced rental accommodation otherwise we risk pushing
skilled workers away from the region. Rural communities need schools, healthcare services and social care support, and HHA is proud to offer homes exclusively for professionals working in these sectors.

“Enabled with funding support from Scottish Government, the Highland Council and City Region Deal, we’re looking forward to welcoming our new tenants over the coming weeks.”

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Good quality housing is essential to attract and retain people in our rural communities. Supported by over £0.5 million, from the Rural Affordable Homes for Key Workers Fund, these homes will have such a positive impact on the community in Aviemore, supporting business and providing affordable homes to families.

“We will continue to focus on boosting affordable housing supply, investing over £600 million this financial year, to deliver more high quality, permanent homes, in the right place for everyone. 

“Working with partners, such as Highland Council and HHA, demand led funds such as this and the £30 million Rural and Island Housing Fund, help address specific rural housing need.”

In a separate deal with Tulloch Homes, HHA will take handover of 41 apartments at the Bynack More development in early 2025. Responding to the growing demand for flats in the region, the HHA homes will be available at mid-market rent, complementing its existing portfolio.