“I couldn’t have afforded a new kitchen”: Investment brings upgrade for Wheatley customer

A total of £16.2m of the investment will be spent in Edinburgh, £4.4m in West Lothian, and £1.1m in other areas – helping improve homes, comfort and long-term affordability for customers.

One of the customers already benefiting is Penny Walsh, 60, who recently received a brand-new kitchen as part of the programme.

Penny said the upgrade has transformed her home, especially after the costs of moving from her previous flat.

She said: “The kitchen was still usable, but it was outdated. I was given choices on the tiling, flooring, handles and units, which made a big difference.

“Everything about the process was really professional – they were punctual, clean and covered the carpets.

“Having moved from upstairs to downstairs, I’d had a lot of extra costs, and I couldn’t have afforded a new kitchen for probably ten years. Having it done when it was needed was superb.”

Penny’s new kitchen is part of a £752,000 project delivering 139 new kitchens across the east and west of Edinburgh this year, helping customers receive essential upgrades they may otherwise struggle to afford.

Looking ahead, almost 500 homes across Edinburgh and West Lothian will receive new kitchens over the next two years, alongside 250 new bathrooms, while nearly 350 properties will benefit from new front or back doors as part of the wider programme.

Energy-efficiency upgrades are also underway, including nearly 50 new electric heating systems and over 450 new gas boilers, alongside wider insulation and environmental improvements – helping customers keep their homes warmer and potentially reduce fuel bills.

Wheatley Homes has already invested heavily in major works across the region, including:

• £50,000 for new windows for 11 customers in Skibo Court, Dunfermline;
• Almost £700,000 in roof and stonework repairs across two pre-1919 tenements in McLeod Street and Murdoch Terrace, Edinburgh; and
• £150,000 for new roofs and planned maintenance works at Morrison Crescent, where work began in October 2025.

Laura Henderson, Managing Director of Wheatley Homes East, said:

“Wheatley Homes is committed to making homes warmer, safer and more comfortable for our families, that’s why we’re investing millions of pounds every year to improve our homes and support our customers.

“These improvements – whether it’s a new kitchen, warmer windows or better heating – will make a real difference to people’s everyday lives.

“Customers are already seeing the benefits of this investment, and that work will continue over the next two years as we improve more homes and communities across the east.”

This local investment forms part of Wheatley Group’s wider commitment to improving homes and communities, with £223 million being invested across its social landlord subsidiaries over three years.