The Bank is supporting the creation of 370 single family build-to-rent homes at Little France, a major growth area in south-east Edinburgh close to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s BioQuarter.
Through a £19.5 million equity investment to a partnership with Hunter REIM and Ediston Real Estate, the homes will be developed on the former Edmondstone Estate, close to major employers including Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Bio Quarter. The development will deliver 241 private rental homes and 129 affordable homes, increasing the supply of high-quality housing in a well-connected part of the city.
Designed with long-term sustainability in mind, the homes will be built using advanced timber construction methods and constructed to Passivhaus standards, supporting high levels of energy efficiency. Residents will also benefit from low-carbon heating and hot water provided through a new community heat network, helping to reduce emissions and running costs over time.
The neighbourhood will also include extensive green space and 3km of walking and cycling routes, helping connect residents to communities across south-east Edinburgh.
Construction is expected to start by the end of this year, with the first new homes scheduled for completion from early 2028.
For the Bank, the investment reflects the role patient capital can play in supporting places to grow well: creating homes that are energy efficient, connected to local services and employment, and designed to support a thriving community over the long term.
Andy Mallin, Investment Director, said: “Quality rental homes are key to supporting workforce mobility, so this development – near Edinburgh’s Bio Quarter and major employers – is extremely well-placed. Scotland’s housing challenges require urgent and meaningful intervention. This investment is an important step in increasing the supply of high-quality, sustainable homes, supporting economic growth and building stronger communities for the future.
“This is the first joint venture formed by the Bank. We are pleased to partner with Hunter REIM and Ediston, helping attract much-needed capital to Scotland.”
Andrew Moffat, Managing Director at Hunter REIM, said: “Little France is an important development for the city, providing a mix of private and affordable homes in a location close to the Bio Quarter, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and other major employment centres.
“We are particularly pleased that the development combines high-quality design and sustainability with a long-term rental model, creating a new neighbourhood that will provide high-quality homes for residents for many years to come.”
Danny O’Neil, CEO at Ediston, said: “Hunter REIM and Ediston are working with the Scottish National Investment Bank and our other partners to deliver much-needed, high-quality rental housing in Edinburgh. The project is one of a number that our Living Platform will deliver and manage in Scotland and which has a pipeline of over 2,000 homes.”
