Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has revealed new changes to the Help to Buy scheme in Scotland.

The price crap on properties eligible for the scheme will remain at £200,000 in 2018/19, rather than a planned reduction to £175,000 which was due to be introduced in April 2018.

Mr Stewart said the changes will help people own their own home across urban, rural and small towns in Scotland.

The Scottish Government is investing £195 million in the Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme between 2016/17 and 2018/19.

Minister Stewart said: "We want to help people get on or up the housing ladder and Scotland’s Help to Buy scheme gives a helping hand to thousands of people."

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"We want to make  home ownership as accessible as possible – with a particular focus on helping people to buy affordable new-build homes.

"We know, however, that prices of property – and what constitutes affordable - can fluctuate massively across different parts of the country.

“That is why I have decided to retain the price cap on homes eligible for the scheme at £200,000 over the next two financial years.

"I hope house builders will see this as a strong sign from this Government that we are committed to playing our part in delivering new, high-quality  homes of all tenures – and helping people to access them."

Nicola Barclay, Chief Executive of industry body Homes for Scotland, added: "Maintaining the £200,000 price threshold is great news for those looking to buy a new home as it provides for greater confidence and choice of property as well as allowing people more time to look and save for a deposit."

(LM/MH)