As the Scottish Government's "Open Market Shared Equity" pilot scheme is expanded from 10 council areas to the whole of Scotland, Homes for Scotland Chief Executive Jonathan Fair (right) said:

"Today's formal launch of the scheme across the country is a welcome and important step towards assisting first time buyers re-enter the market at this critical time. 

"Encouraging and assisting sales of homes, including off-the-shelf new build as well as existing properties, has the potential to help reinvigorate Scotland's wider sustainable economic growth."

Ends

Enquiries to:

Jennifer Kennedy, Homes for Scotland – 0131 455 8350 

Notes to Editors:

1.  Homes for Scotland represents the country’s home building industry which, prior to the onset of the credit crunch,:

• was the largest source of private investment in Scotland and the largest user of the planning system
• built 20,000 new homes, contributed £6bn to the economy and directly impacted the employment of 100,000 people (2007 figures)

But with 26,000 jobs already lost and much new development across the country now effectively on hold, Scottish new build housing output has plummeted.  This will have far-reaching and long-term social and economic consequences.  Browse this website for further market commentary and information on the action and support Homes for Scotland is calling on from both the UK and Scottish Governments.

2.  For further information on the Scottish Government's Open Market Shared Equity scheme, click here.