New research has shown 40% of Scottish non-householders do not believe they will ever be able to own their own home.

The Bank of Scotland report reveals two-fifths of Scots believe they will never climb onto the property ladder.

As new home building remains 40% down compared to 2007 levels, trade body Homes for Scotland (HfS) has warned that the aspirations of many Scottish people were being 'stifled'.

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While government data shows the majority of people desire to own their own home, HfS Chief Executive Nicola Barclay said more action was needed to meet the housing needs of those living in Scotland.

"Whilst it is encouraging that the Bank of Scotland report reveals that younger generations are more optimistic about buying a home, the reality of the situation is that affordability continues to impact on this most fundamental of ambitions," she said.

"It is therefore crucial that we see a significant increase in the production of all-tenure home building. This is the only way to tackle house price inflation and would also alleviate pressure on other sectors."

HfS has now called on the next Scottish Government to manage a return to pre-recession levels of home building.

(LM/JP)