A Midlands housing association has completed its largest acquisition to date with the transfer of over 1,500 properties.

Housing 21 has acquired 1,567 properties from Midland Heart, a move that also welcomes over 1,600 residents and 137 employees to the association.

The purchase of 23 schemes from Midland Heart has brought Housing 21's total number of Extra Care properties to over 10,000, which will be managed alongside its 14,000 Retirement Living portfolio.

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Tony Tench, deputy chief executive for Housing 21, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome our new residents and employees to Housing 21 in what represents the biggest acquisition in Housing 21’s 60-year history.

"As some housing associations are choosing to refocus on general needs, Housing 21, as a specialist provider of housing for older people, is keen to acquire properties and ensure they remain a positive choice for residents, providing the safe, quality, and affordable homes they deserve."

Following the acquisition, Housing 21 now manages more than 650 schemes across England, covering more than 24,000 properties.

Kris Peach, managing director of Extra Care, said: "To reach 10,000 Extra Care properties is fantastic but to do so in our 60th anniversary year is symbolic as we demonstrate our commitment to providing quality services to more older people."

Joe Reeves, executive director of finance and growth at Midland Heart, said: "We’re confident that the transfer of these 23 schemes to a specialist provider will build on the high-quality services we have provided to our residents and offer colleagues more opportunities to develop in their chosen careers."