Families hit the jackpot after moving into Wheatley’s first homes in South Queensferry
A family has described moving into their new South Queensferry home as “like winning the lottery” after years spent in temporary accommodation.
A family has described moving into their new South Queensferry home as “like winning the lottery” after years spent in temporary accommodation.
Wheatley Group partnered with Cala Homes to deliver 23 homes for social rent at Builyeon Road – part of a wider development in the area.
The £4.4 million project was supported by more than £2.4 million in grant funding from the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council. The development includes a mix of eight three-bedroom houses and 15 one and two-bedroom flats.
Laura, 36, and Andy Malarky, 35, moved into their new home with their three children, Lily, 14, Sophia, six, and Poppy, four.
Laura said: “Getting the call to say we’d been offered a new home felt like winning the lottery – we couldn’t believe it.”
The family had previously been living in temporary accommodation in South Queensferry, and say their new home has transformed their lives, giving them stability and space.
Andy added: “Moving here has been life-changing for all of us. The kids are so much happier – they’re out on their bikes playing with the other children in the street, and we finally feel part of a real community.”
New neighbours Beth Humphrey, 38, and Kenneth McKenzie, 45, moved into their new three-bedroom home with their two children, Caleb, 13, and Charlie, seven.
The family previously lived in a flat in Leith and say having their own home with a garden has made a huge difference to their lives.
Kenneth said: “It’s been fantastic – we absolutely love it here. Having our own garden and more space has made such a difference for the kids.
“They can get outside and play safely, and we finally have that separation between living and sleeping areas after years of being in a flat.”
Located close to the Queensferry Crossing, the new homes benefit from excellent transport links and are close to schools, shops, and green spaces.
Laura Henderson, Managing Director of Wheatley Homes East said: “The new homes form part of a wider development creating a thriving new neighbourhood.
"The development has been supported by City of Edinburgh Council through grant funding, ensuring the delivery of much-needed affordable homes in a sought-after location.”
Over the past year, Wheatley Homes East has delivered nearly 470 new affordable, energy-efficient homes across sites, including West Craigs in Edinburgh, Rosewell, Wallyford, and Penicuik.
Work is also progressing on major developments at West Craigs, Wallyford, Winchburgh and Deans South in Livingston.
Wheatley Group is currently the UK’s biggest builder of homes for social rent. In 2024, it was also named as the biggest builder of social rent homes in Great Britain over the past decade.