The number of new homes completed in Scotland has risen in the last year, according to the latest housing statistics.

The figures show the number of new homes built in the country has risen by 9% to 16,281 between April 2014 and March 2015.

In addition, the overall supply of housing, which covers new builds, refurbishments and conversions, increased 6% to 17,149 in 2014/15 compared to the previous year.

The Scottish Government has also stated it is on schedule to exceed its five-year target to deliver 30,000 affordable homes by March 2016 as part of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

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Statistics to the end of June 2015, show that a total of 28,048 affordable homes have now been delivered, 93% of the 30,000 target, including 19,205 for social rent.

The figure is 96% of the government's 20,000 social target, while 4,956 homes are council properties, making up 99% of the council homes target.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "Making sure everyone in Scotland has access to good-quality, affordable housing is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s ambitions to create a fairer and more prosperous country. These figures support this commitment and show we are on track to exceed our five year target of delivering 30,000 new homes by 2016.

(LM)