Construction work has started on a new £4.2 million rent-to-buy housing development in Newton Mearns.

The pioneering Greenlaw scheme will provide tenants with an affordable way to buy a new-build home while boosting the construction trades.

It is the first development in Scotland for affordable housing provider QSH, which is targeting £250 million from UK-based investors to deliver 2,000 properties, many of which will be built north of the border.

Tenants in Newton Mearns are due to begin moving into the 42, two bedroom homes – which are being built by Wates Living Space, just off Stewarton Road – in spring 2016.

Under the innovative QSH-rent-to-buy scheme, they will pay rents which are two thirds of the local market rate. Half of each of each tenant’s rental payments will automatically be put towards the deposit they need to secure a mortgage to buy their home.

Tenants will have the option to buy between their first and fifth year of living in their new homes. Those who choose to purchase their properties will receive a discount of up to 10% of the open market value.

Mick Holling, Business Director for Wates Living Space said: “The start of work on site marks the beginning of our work here in Newton Mearns. We are very proud to be QSH’s business partners in the delivery of quality homes that will fulfil the needs and aspirations of local people.”