Industry body Homes for Scotland has responded to the latest figures by Registers of Scotland, which revealed a 22% increase in the number of homes sold in Scotland between April and June, compared to the same period the previous year.

Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland, described the statistics as "encouraging".

He added: "Representing the fourth consecutive quarter of sustained sales growth, these figures are an encouraging signal of recovery in the housing market.

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"The Scottish Government's hugely successful Help to Buy (Scotland) shared equity scheme has had a significant impact in this regard, having generated some 3500 sales and reservations since its launch last September.

"It has, without a doubt, provided a huge boost, not only in terms of stimulating the building of much needed new homes but also in supporting jobs and wider economic recovery. So the recent news that funds for 2014/15 have already been fully committed is hugely frustrating for both buyers and builders alike.

"Whilst the scheme remains in operation with £100m allocated for 2015/16, Westminster has pledged support for the English equivalent until 2020. We will therefore continue to work closely with the Scottish Government on the development of a longer-term strategy here."

(JP/CD)