New statistics have shown that almost 18,000 affordable homes have been delivered by the Scottish Government since 2011.

The figures mean the government continues to remain on track to deliver 30,000 affordable homes by 2016.

The Scottish Government housing statistics, released on Tuesday (4 March), reveal that homes completed through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in the year to December 2013, increased by 12.6% from the previous 12 months at 7,189 properties. In addition, approvals on homes delivered through the programme also rose by 20.4% to 6,778.

For the months July to September 2013, both private sector new build completions and starts increased by 13%, compared to the same quarter in 2012. As a result of earlier falls, however, the year-to-date figures showed a slight reduction, with completions down by 0.5% and starts down by 5.3%.

-- Advertisement --

Elsewhere, the number of Right to Buy applications rose from 701 in Q2 of 2013, to 972 in Q3. There was also an increase in the amount of Right to Buy sales, from 229 to 330 respectively.

Commenting on the official figures, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "Today's statistics show we are well on track to reach our commitment of 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament.

"Housing is and will remain a priority for this government. We are working with the entire housing sector to increase the supply of affordable homes, create new opportunities for those who want to own a home and deliver vital support for construction and house building companies of all sizes throughout Scotland.

"As part of that package of action we have set out plans to invest over £1.3 billion in affordable housing over the four year period between April 2012 and March 2016 and put in place a range of schemes to support private sector activity.

"That includes our £220 million Help to Buy (Scotland) shared equity scheme, which has already supported the purchase of hundreds of homes since its launch in September.

"While the private sector remains flat this does not take account of the boost we expect to see from Help to Buy (Scotland). I recognise that tough economic conditions continue to create difficulties for private housebuilders in particular.

"I am committed to continuing to engage with the industry, and with all housing stakeholders, to explore those difficulties and work towards the shared aim of increasing the supply of much needed new homes."

(JP/IT)