Dorset’s biggest private landlord has invested £3.5m in the last year, creating over 50 new affordable homes to help address local housing need.

DWP Housing Partnership spent £500,000 converting bedsits into self-contained flats to improve accommodation standards. The landlord plans to continue creating properties in Bournemouth and Poole because demand is so great.

In the next year it will invest a further £2m to develop more homes as well as retail units for local businesses.

The partnership has around 3,000 tenants and says that it has a long waiting list because there is a lack of suitable properties in the area.

Steve Wells from DWP Housing Partnership, said, “Our intention is to provide quality, affordable homes for rent – for which there is a massive requirement.

“We are building brand new homes but also converting bedsits into self-contained flats. Our goal is to have happy tenants who want to stay with DWP and providing quality accommodation helps that happen.

“We are continuing to invest large sums of money to create affordable homes for rent. Our eye is very much on the long term and our commitment to the area remains as strong as ever.”