The Bank of England has increased interest rates to 0.5% from 0.25%, marking the first increase since July 2007.

The increase in the base rate of lending announced on Thursday is in response to sluggish wage growth and a rise in inflation.

Policymakers on the bank's nine-strong monetary policy committee (MPC) voted seven to two in favour of the quarter point rise.

The move means those who have variable-rate mortgages or other loans will have to make increased payments.

Going by the average outstanding mortgage in Scotland, which is £89,000, those on variable rates would have an increase of around £11 or £12 in monthly payments.

Those on fixed rates will not be affected by the change for the duration of their term.

Offering reassurance to aspiring first-time buyers, finance expert Rachel Springall from Moneyfacts said: "Those hoping to get on to the property ladder shouldn't be too disheartened by a rate rise as they still have an abundance of deals to choose from in the market for various deposits.

"They will, however, need to reassess their finances, as a more expensive mortgage will eat into their monthly income."

Savers could get a greater return on their investment as a result of the base rate rise after Isa rates fell to historic lows earlier this year.

Ms Springall warned the change may not necessarily mean the boost savers are hoping for.

She said: "Savers would do well not to jump the gun, thinking that this will be passed on to them or cause rejuvenation in the market.

"This is due to the fact that the link between base rate and savings rates has generally been severed over the years thanks to government lending initiatives."

It is hoped the interest rates increase will boost the value of the the pound and curb any further inflation.

Earlier in October, inflation rose to 3%, the highest level in five years and above the Bank's target of 2%.

The bank's quarterly inflation report also suggested two more rate hikes were likely over the next three years to return inflation back to its 2% target, which could see rates hit 1% by the end of 2020.

Last month, the bank's governor Mark Carney gave a speech at the International Monetary Fund where he said any increase in rates would be "limited" and "gradual."