North Lanarkshire Council has announced an additional 106 properties have been turned into homes for rent over the last twelve months as it continues to expand its open market purchase scheme.

Despite the challenges faced during the health pandemic, the Council has exceeded its target of buying 100 properties over the last financial year though its open market purchase scheme.

Catriona Arbuckle, Development Officer explained: "Covid has proven very challenging as we have looked to boost our affordable housing stock. We are therefore delighted to have exceeded our target of home purchases and we are grateful to all the owners who have helped us to buy their properties during this period.

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"The open market scheme allows us to increase the number of good quality homes for rent in our towns and villages in places people and families want to live.

"Many homeowners have shown an interest in selling their properties despite the uncertainties everyone has faced during the coronavirus crisis. Our development team identify properties in areas of high demand which would enhance our current stock and which would represent good value for money.

"It also means we can buy properties where the purchase will allow the council to take complete, or majority ownership of blocks of flats making communal repairs much easier to complete."