The two-bedroom houses, at Corby Craig Road and Walk in Bilston, were scheduled for January 2017 but will now be available to rent from November 2016.

The quality affordable homes which have been built by developer Taylor Wimpey will be let by Dunedin Canmore, part of Wheatley Group. They will be available for mid-market rental for people on a modest income and will cater for couples as well as young families.

The homes let by Dunedin Canmore will provide part of the affordable housing provision alongside Melville Housing Association’s existing 28 homes and a further 149 homes for private sale by Taylor Wimpey.

Dunedin Canmore’s chief executive, Ewan Fraser, said: “Midlothian is in desperate need of more affordable housing and we are pleased to be providing these new family homes well ahead of schedule. We have had great support from Midlothian Council and we’re delighted that customers will be in their new homes before Christmas.”

Pauline Mills, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to play our key role in the delivery of 21 two-bedroom affordable homes for rent for Dunedin Canmore, and it’s great to see construction completed ahead of schedule.

“This project maximises our extensive experience in the delivery of mixed communities and multi-tenure developments, and it represents our successful partnership with Dunedin Canmore and Midlothian Council.”