The investment will help deliver around 170 new energy-efficient homes with rents people can afford, built in Fife and Perth & Kinross, as part of KHA’s commitment to tackling Scotland’s housing emergency. All homes will achieve a minimum EPC B rating, using a fabric-first approach to choose building materials which will maximise energy efficiency.

Over the next five years, KHA aims to deliver 2,500 new homes – increasing the number of affordable homes it provides by almost a third.

Lesley Janes, finance director at Kingdom Group, said: “Partnerships like this make our work possible. This £20m allows us to continue building affordable homes where they’re needed most and to keep supporting the people and communities we serve. Having the backing of Royal Bank of Scotland and expert support from their colleagues mean we can plan with confidence, invest in sustainable building practices and deliver real impact.”

The new facility forms part of KHA’s long-standing relationship with Royal Bank of Scotland, which now totals £61m in lending. Alongside building new homes, Kingdom Group – comprising Kingdom Housing Association, Kingdom Initiatives Limited and Kingdom Support & Care CIC – works to strengthen communities by providing mid-market rental properties, managing student accommodation through joint ventures and delivering care and outreach services to individuals affected by homelessness.

Bruce Davidson, relationship director at Royal Bank of Scotland, added: “The housing crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing our country and Royal Bank of Scotland is committed to helping tackle this issue through significant investment in the sector to help more people into safe and stable homes.

“We are proud to continue our support to allow Kingdom Housing Association to build and maintain affordable and energy efficient homes across Fife and Perth & Kinross.”

This support is part of the NatWest Group’s broader ambition for the UK affordable housing sector to fund £7.5 billion across the UK between 1 January 2024 and year-end 2026. Additionally, Royal Bank of Scotland supports around one in three businesses in Scotland, providing circa £7bn in lending support.