SCOTLAND has the second-highest rate in the UK of homebuyers entering into affordable housing schemes, such as shared equity.

Research by Halifax bank found 14% of all affordable housing transactions in the 12 months to April 2013 were in Scotland – equivalent to around 20,600 Scots buying their home through a shared-equity or shared-ownership scheme.

Only the south-east of England recorded more, accounting for 16% of the total 147,372 transactions.

First-time buyers remain the biggest users of affordable housing schemes, accounting for 65% of purchases over the last year, according to Halifax's latest affordable housing review.

Forty per cent of all affordable homebuyers were in the age band 20 to 29. In the regular market, young buyers account for one-quarter of housing sales.

Craig McKinlay, Halifax mortgage director, said: "Many of the affordable home-ownership schemes have been designed specifically to help first-time buyers get on the ladder and boost new-build sales. They also provide the potential to boost levels of housebuilding, which could help to alleviate housing supply issues."

Under shared-equity schemes, buyers have at least 75% of the cost met by a mortgage and put down a deposit of at least 5% of the purchase price. The rest is paid for by the government through an equity loan.

Shared-ownership schemes are provided through housing associations. Buyers can take out a mortgage on a 25%-75% share of the property while paying rent on the rest.