EDINBURGH property finance business Sigma Capital has unveiled plans to launch a real estate investment trust (REIT) to use as a long-term holding vehicle for its private rented sector assets.

The firm, which partners with local authorities and housebuilders across the UK on the development of rental projects, will sell its existing assets to the REIT in addition to using it to recycle capital and fund further development in English cities outside London.

It is expected that the REIT will launch this year. Sigma said that the publicly funded Homes and Communities Agency has agreed in principle to back the REIT when it launches.