Some 18% more new build homes had been completed across all sectors by June 2019 compared to the previous year, according to the latest Quarterly Housing Statistics for Scotland.

Published today, the report shows that 21,403 new build homes were completed by the year ending June 2019, an increase of 18%, or 3,210 homes, on the previous year.

The Chief Statistician report presents the latest quarterly information on new build housing and affordable housing supply, as well as the latest annual figures on the number of long term empty properties and second homes.

The 18% increase in all sector new build completions in the 12 months to end June 2019 included increases in private sector completions (19% or 2,610 homes) and housing association completions (20% or 664 homes), whilst local authority completions fell by 64 homes (4%). The total number of social sector completions (housing association and local authority starts combined) increased by 600 homes (13%).

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There were 23,700 all sector new build starts in the 12 months to end June 2019, an increase of 4,340 homes (22%) on the starts in the previous year. Private-led starts increased by 4,175 homes (33%), housing association approvals increased by 56 homes (1%), and local authority starts increased by 109 homes (6%). The total number of social sector starts (housing association and local authority starts combined) increased by 165 homes (2%).

Commenting on the results, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "These figures demonstrate how we are delivering more housing in Scotland.

"From private to social housing, it is encouraging that both new build starts and completions have increased this year, providing more people with a warm, safe place they can call home. The increase points to the strength of Scotland's new build housing sector.

"We shall continue to push towards our ambitious target of delivering 50,000 affordable homes by 2021."

(MH/JG)