Official figures released by Scotland's Chief Statistician showed work began on 13,830 properties in 2011-12, an increase of 11% when compared to the 12,427 homes the previous year.
Despite the increase, the number of new builds is considerably lower than the 28,434 houses started five years ago.
The release also confirmed the number of homes being completed was lower for 2012 at 15,046. This is a fall of 4% from the previous year.
Within the private sector, there were 10,486 new starts for 2011-12, a 22% increase compared to the year before. However, there was a 3% fall in the number of house completions, with 9,878.
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The number of housing association homes started and finished last year also fell, with 3,198 completed. This is a 27% from 2010-11.
Under the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP), which helps provide properties for low-cost rent or ownership, the number of homes built also fell.
In the year to 2012, 5,216 homes were started; a fall of 13% compared to the previous year.
Changes to the funding programme in 2011 and 2012 have impacted on the timing of affordable housing activity, as well as the level of activity. As a result, care should be taken when making comparisons, the Chief Statistician said.
Speaking about the latest figures, Scotland's Housing Minister, Margaret Burgess, said: "I am encouraged with the increase in the number of houses started over the last year. However, we should be under no illusion that these remain very challenging times for the house building industry."
She added: "The Scottish Government is doing all it can to support the industry and boost supply."
(JP)
