Scottish Labour Party (SLP) plans to help First Time Buyers (FTB's) into the housing market have been welcomed by industry body Homes for Scotland (HfS).

The SLP has pledged to provide FTB's with a £3,000 savings boost to help get people onto the property ladder.

Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of HfS, said the plan is a 'positive signal' that the SLP recognises an 'all tenure approach' is needed to tackle Scotland's housing crisis.

-- Advertisement --

"Indeed, with research confirming that the majority of Scots aspire to be home owners, such an approach is vital if we are to meet the diverse needs of all those living in Scotland," he said.

"But whilst this may provide a much-needed boost for FTBs looking to get onto the housing ladder, the fact remains that the number of new homes being built is still 40% down on 2007 levels.  We are simply not building enough to house our growing population so any savings initiatives must be matched by those which stimulate production such as the popular Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme.

"This is essential if we are to meet increasing demand and provide the range of quality options required."

[Pictured: Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland]

(LM/MH)