Carling Property Group has become Scotland’s biggest independent residential landlord after acquiring Alloway Halls in Dundee from Abertay University.

The £1 million-plus deal includes 148 tenancies, taking its portfolio to more than 350 properties.

Group co-founder Graeme Carling said: “This is a significant purchase for our business and is part of a multi-million pound plan for the site.

“There’s a tangible shortage of quality affordable housing in Scotland, and a collection of well-maintained properties like this will help us to plug that gap.”

Alloway Halls were built by the university in the 1980s and includes three blocks of student accommodation.