The number of homes constructed in Scotland for the year to September 2014 has increased, according to new figures.

Compared to the previous year, house building increased by 6%.

In the year to end September 2014, a total of 15,436 homes were completed, an additional 901 homes than the previous year. In the same period, there were 11,828 private sector led starts, a rise of 10% compared to the year end September 2013.

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The number of social sector homes started also increased by 5% to 3,593, compared to 3,417 properties started in the previous year.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess commented: "These latest figures are to be welcomed and will provide further encouragement for Scotland's house building industry.

"High quality, energy efficient, homes form the cornerstone of socially and economically sustainable communities.

"Our increased investment in house building has helped stimulate growth in the Scottish economy and led to more starts in the private and social sectors."

(JP)