Housing market fundamentals are still strong as Scotland continues to buck trend with rising prices, according to Homes for Scotland.

As latest house price statistical reports confirm the fundamental strength of the Scottish housing market, the new home building industry called on commentators to focus on the positives and lenders to do more to address the needs of first time buyers, especially those without large deposits, to improve access to the property market.

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Jonathan Fair, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland, said: "Scotland hasn't escaped the uncertainty raised by economic pressures in other parts of the globe but what the latest Halifax report demonstrates is the fundamental strength of the Scottish housing market with an overall rise in house prices, albeit modest, expected in 2008 - a stark contrast to other parts of the UK and the sensationalist headlines in the national press.

"Taken together with the Government's commitment to dramatically increase the number of new homes built in Scotland to 35,000 by 2015, then it's clear the position in Scotland is much more positive. This is what commentators need to be focusing on right now."

Mr Fair said while developments may have experienced a drop in the number of visitors and purchases are taking longer to conclude, there are still high levels of unmet demand within key market segments particularly family housing.

(GK/NS)