The move will be contained in the government's housing green paper

The SNP government will consider a ban on the sale of new council and housing association homes.

A Scottish Government source said it would consult on the option, which would only affect those tenants moving to new-build homes.

The option will be contained in the government's housing green paper, which should be published in coming weeks.

A Scottish Government insider said: "As part of our consultation on housing in Scotland, we will look at a range of measures with the overarching aim of improving the housing system and achieving better value for money.

"We will consult on the option of ending the right-to-buy for new-build social housing - only affecting tenants moving to newly-built properties."

We need a new settlement for the 21st century that recognises huge pressures on housing Gavin Corbett Shelter Scotland's policy manager

It is hoped that the measure would help address Scotland's housing crisis by encouraging local authorities and housing groups to build new properties.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "As part of our forthcoming consultation on housing in Scotland, we will be looking at a range of options with the overarching aim of improving the housing system and achieving better value for money.

"Suggestions that the consultation will invite views on the option of ending right-to-buy for new build social housing are speculation and we cannot comment on the detail of the green paper ahead of its publication."

Housing charity Shelter Scotland has backed proposals to reform the right-to-buy policy.

Gavin Corbett, policy manager at Shelter Scotland, said: "Right-to-buy was designed to fit the housing landscape of the 1970s.

"We need a new settlement for the 21st Century that recognises huge pressures on housing.

"Ending right-to-buy for new build homes would be one possible step.

"Ministers should also allow landlords to operate the policy more flexibly so that its impact can be modified to suit local circumstances."