The Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024 require developers to ensure all new-build homes have a gigabit-capable connection, subject to a £2,000 cost cap per dwelling. Where this is not possible, new builds will have the next fastest broadband connection within the cost cap.

Business minister Richard Lochhead said: “Digital connectivity is an essential part of everyday work and life, enabling businesses to grow and expand while giving people better access to public services, education, and health.

“Making sure every community can play an active part in and benefit from the digital economy helps deliver key priorities: growing the economy, building prosperity and ending child poverty.

“That’s why the Scottish Government has used its powers to reduce the barriers to accessing faster broadband so Scotland’s people and businesses can make the most of the opportunities connectivity brings.

Statutory guidance supporting the change has been published here.