THE UK's largest quoted residential property investor has increased its London assets.

The Grainger Trust, based in Newcastle, has announced a £70m joint venture with Genesis Housing Group to buy a freehold property portfolio from the Church Commissioners.

Rupert Dickinson, Grainger chief executive, said: "This is an opportunity to jointly acquire a first-rate portfolio of rented London properties and to work closely with a highly-regarded housing association."

North-East law firm Dickinson Dees advised Grainger on the deal.