Barratt Homes is to advance with 17 new sites this year, according to Construction Now.

The projects will see 2,480 homes being built as well as supporting hundreds of jobs.

It is understood the expansion of the firm's Scottish operations will focus on the commuter zone for Aberdeen. The move by the property development company is viewed as reflecting the increased confidence in the Scottish housing market.

Speaking about the news, Douglas McLeod, regional director of Barratt Scotland, said: "We are optimistic about 2013. Our existing sites are selling well and these 17 new sites are all in excellent locations, and we expect the homes to be sold quickly by buyers keen to move to a new home this year."

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Mr McLeod added that he expected a three-speed housing market in Scotland, with the north-east leading the way.

In a 2013 building programme, McLeod said 450 homes are to be built at four developments in Aberdeen, with another 600 to be constructed at Inverurie.

The company also has five new sites planned around Edinburgh, including 232 homes on the capital's Brunswick Road as well as 180 at Standhill Farm in Bathgate.

In the west of Scotland, new developments are planned for Clydebank, Cumbernauld, Bellshill, Kilsyth, Coatbridge and Kilmarnock.

(JP)