Homes for Scotland (HFS) has expressed frustration on behalf of its members at the Scottish Government's Help to Buy scheme.

The shared equity scheme for home builders has almost exhausted the budget for its final 2015/2016 year of funding.

The government published figures demonstrating that demand for the scheme has already resulted in 5000 sales worth £1 billion.

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HFS Chief Executive Philip Hogg said: "The Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme has been a real game-changer for our industry, stimulating the construction of much needed new housing following the 40% plus drop in building witnessed since the downturn and creating vital jobs.

"However, it has been clear for many months that the budget was insufficient to meet demand.

"With no details or firm commitment on any future support forthcoming, buyers and builders here are now at significant disadvantage to those south of the border and face months of uncertainty whilst the Scottish Government decides whether or not to launch a successor scheme."

(LM)