Scotland’s home building industry has responded to this afternoon’s announcements on Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and the First Home Fund by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.

 Director of Policy Fionna Kell said:

 “These announcements are welcome support for the Scottish housing market but both require further action if the benefits are to be fully maximised for individual customers and the wider economy.

 “On LBTT, it is absolutely crucial that we get an early date for implementation otherwise we are at risk of seeing already fragile market recovery stall as buyers delay purchases.

 “With regards to the First Home Fund, this will help those who have been affected by mortgage lenders reducing Loan to Values but we also need to see the scheme extended beyond next March as so many transactions and housing completions have been delayed by the construction shutdown.”

 “Both of these issues are core elements of the industry recovery plan we are preparing to submit to the Scottish Government.”