Scotland is leading the way when it comes to the building of affordable homes, new data from the Scottish government reveals.

The data shows the country has constructed more affordable housing per head than England or Wales since 2007.

The number of affordable homes completed in the last year in Scotland is the highest annual figure since 2000.

Almost 11,000 homes were delivered in the year to the end of June, according to the quarterly data.

Since 2007, Scotland has seen over 40% more affordable homes built per head of population than in England and over 70% more than in Wales.

Edinburgh-based legal and estate agency firm Watermans’ head of property, Shawn Wood, says: “It is great to see some positive news on Scotland’s commitment to creating affordable housing.

“We see fresh opportunities for more Scottish first-time buyers to get their first steps onto the property ladder.

“Property valuations across Edinburgh and more generally across Scotland are allowing new buyers into a property market they may previously have felt financially excluded from.

“With the average housing prices decreasing, we are seeing deposit sizes decrease in line too.

“Coupling the improved availability of affordable homes with more favourable financial conditions is offering a great chance for Scottish first-time buyers to invest in their first home.”