MORE than 30 households a week are buying a new build home under the Scottish Government’s Help to Buy scheme.

The £195 million initiative opened for applications in the spring, with the new funding specifically targeted at supporting up to 7000 buyers across the country step on or up the housing ladder.

Originally launched in 2013, the scheme currently sees the Scottish Government take an equity stake of up to 15 per cent in new homes up to the value of £230,000.

“Over 700 households have moved into their new homes since April alone with more than 8000 others supported since the scheme’s introduction,” said Karen Campbell, director of policy at industry body Homes for Scotland.

Scottish indoor disabled rowing champion Stuart Bowler is one of those who has recently taken advantage of Help to Buy to purchase his first home.

The 26-year-old, who bought a property in Toryglen in Glasgow, said: “I’ve been renting for the past six years but felt I had nothing to show for it and immediately felt right at home here when I came to look. I didn’t think I would qualify for a mortgage but Help to Buy made all the difference as I only needed a five per cent deposit.”

Local government and housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “Helping people access a good quality affordable home across all tenures is a priority for this Government, and I am delighted that over 30 households each week are able to own their home through our Help to Buy schemes.”