Edinburgh-based housebuilder Miller Homes is celebrating an” exceptional” start to the year having forward sold more than 90% of homes across its Scottish developments for 2017.

The record start to a year comes as Miller Homes prepares to start work on 11 new sites in Scotland between now and Q1 of 2018, resulting in over 1,600 new homes being brought to the market.

And it follows an ambition outlined by chief executive Chris Endsor in March to grow annual sales volumes in Scotland by at least a third to sell as many as 1,000 houses by 2020.

Last year Miller Homes saw pre-tax profit climb 44% to £89.3 million, as revenue grew to £565m. The company completed 2,380 homes across the UK.

Stewart Lynes, managing director of Miller Homes Scotland, said his team enter the second half of the year in buoyant mood.

He said: “The first half of 2017 has been exceptional in terms of forward sales and leaves us in excellent position for the rest of the year and into 2018.

“The market in Scotland has remained optimistic despite the uncertainty you would expect in a general election year not to mention post Brexit referendum. Sustained demand from purchasers, low interest rates and improved mortgage lending have meant customers have pushed aside any fears of uncertainty, continuing with their day to day lives.”

Neil Gaffney, sales and marketing director for Miller Homes Scotland, added: “We’ve been able to appeal to a huge segment of the market by having such a diverse range of quality homes, with 33 different home types ranging from one and two bedroom apartments to large five-bedroom detached family homes.

“Our land strategy has been carefully considered to identify the right areas to achieve sustainable growth, with Miller Homes at Shawfair Village in Midlothian and South Gilmerton Brae in Edinburgh being great examples of how to develop brand new destinations and communities.”