A HOUSING association has branched out into building its own properties to sell.

Two Rivers initiative Tandem Living is building 17 homes for the over 50s at Cleeve Chase in Newent and opened its showroom there this month.

It marks a new phase in the evolution of the Two Rivers Housing group, building homes for private sale and rent under the new Tandem Living banner.

All profits from these sales will help the Newent-based not-for-profit Two Rivers group build more homes for people on low incomes to rent in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

Tandem Living is the latest venture for the housing charity, which needs to attract fresh income in the face of government cuts to continue its work “creating great homes and supporting communities”.

In 2014, it launched Centigen Facilities Management and 18 months later the TwoCan estate agency joined the local property market.

These subsidiaries also gift all profits to Two Rivers to help its work.

TwoCan is marketing the Cleeve Chase development in Cleeve Mill Lane, Newent, and staffing the sales office and marketing suite.

“This is a very positive step forward for our organisation,” explained Garry King, chief executive of Two Rivers Housing. “There is a shortage of all types of homes in this county – to buy and to let – and we are using our considerable skills and expertise to help address it.

“The money raised from selling our Tandem Living homes will go straight into building more properties for those who cannot afford to buy or rent privately, thereby supporting people at all stages of their lives.”

The two-bedroom bungalows at Cleeve Chase sit in a cul-de-sac of 17 and are designed for people aged 50 and over. The first homes will be ready to move into later this year.

The showhome will be open on Saturdays, Sundays and Thursdays from 10am to 5pm.

Tandem Living is planning its second development at Alfrick in Worcestershire for 21 homes.