Scotland's supply of new housing has increased by 15%, with more than 22,000 homes made available in the past year – nearly 3,000 more than the previous year.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart welcomed the increase but warned that a 'no deal' Brexit could have a damaging effect on future growth.

This is the sixth consecutive annual increase in the total housing supply, the highest annual figure since 2008-09, and for the first time since 1980, local authority housing stock has also increased.


Mr Stewart said: "We want to ensure everyone has a warm affordable home and these figures show we are on target to reach delivering 50,000 affordable homes by 2021.

"However, I am deeply concerned that all our good work towards increasing Scotland's housing supply could be significantly undermined by a 'no deal' Brexit.

"Private house builders are particularly vulnerable to the implications of Brexit. Construction material imports to the United Kingdom from European Union member states accounted for more than 60% of the total value of construction material imports to the United Kingdom in 2018.

"In addition, more than 7,000 EU nationals were employed in the Scottish construction sector in 2017. A 'no deal' Brexit poses significant risks to builders' supply chains and the construction workforce in Scotland.

"Housing is yet another example of the deep damage that could be done to Scotland by a 'no-deal' Brexit."

(MH/JG)