More than 1,200 households have applied to the Scottish Government's Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme since its launch in September 2013.

Of those that have applied, more than 200 are already in new homes.

Official government figures show that 1,205 applications were received by the New Year for the scheme, which provides financial support to help make buying a home easier. From its launch until January this year, 203 households have successfully gained a mortgage and bought new homes through the initiative.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "There is no doubt that getting onto, or moving up the property ladder has become tougher in recent years, which is why our Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme is crucial in helping more households take that step.

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"Large deposits are often a major barrier to would-be homeowners and it is fantastic to see the first results of our Help to Buy scheme, which has already helped almost 200 households into home ownership since it launched in September.

"Help to Buy (Scotland) is not only helping people buy their first home, it also helps 'second-steppers' and others move to a new property and the popularity of the scheme is evident through the 1200 plus applications that have been received so far.

"The scheme is also helping stimulate economic growth by supporting our housing industry - alongside our commitment to investing in affordable housing across Scotland."

The Scottish Government has said it is offering assistance to eligible buyers of up to 20% of the purchase of a new build home from a participating house builder. To date, 109 house builders have signed up, with five lenders offering mortgages under the scheme.

Help to Buy (Scotland) is open to all first time buyers and to existing homeowners buying a new build home from participating home builders.

(JP/IT)