Housebuilder reports record volume growth
Sheffield-headquartered listed housebuilder MJ Gleeson has seen its homes division achieved its largest annual volume growth – selling 1,529 homes in the last year.
The low-cost housebuilder and strategic land specialist this morning issued a trading updated ahead of its full-year results publication for the year ended 30 June 2019
It said its Gleeson Homes division, which builds low-cost homes for sale to people predominantly on low incomes in the North of England and the Midlands, delivered its largest annual volume growth selling 1,529 homes during the year. This was a 25% increase compared with the previous year’s total of 1,225.
Gleeson Homes remained active in purchasing sites in both existing and new areas during the year. The land pipeline of owned and conditionally purchased plots at 30 June 2019 increased by 5.6% compared to the prior year end, totaling 13,575 plots, of which 7,050 plots have been purchased subject to planning permission.
In addition, there are a further 473 plots which are in the pipeline to be acquired.
Gleeson Homes is currently active on 69 sites and anticipates an increase to 80 or more sites during the coming year.
MJ Gleeson said: “The division is comfortably on track towards achieving its stated target of doubling volumes to 2,000 new homes per year by 2022.”
The firm’s Strategic Land division – which the firm said in April it was looking at options to dispose of – secures mainly residential planning consents, predominantly in the South of England.
During the year Gleeson Strategic Land sold nine land interests with the potential to deliver 1,755 plots for housing development.
M J Gleeson said: “The business has commenced the current financial year in a strong position. Nine sites with planning permission, or resolution to grant, have the potential to deliver 2,929 plots for housing development. Three of these sites are in a process for sale. Planning decisions are expected on a further six sites.
“The portfolio comprises 60 sites which could deliver 21,730 plots and 44 acres of commercial land.”
The Group ended the year with lower cash balances, as expected, of £30.3m (30 June 2018: £41.3m).
Last month, its CEO quit over a pay package row.
James Thomson, Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “Gleeson Homes’ unique model of acquiring land at low cost and building homes for sale to people predominantly on low incomes in the North of England and the Midlands continues to deliver sustainable growth as we progress towards our target of doubling volumes to 2,000 new homes per year by 2022.
“Both Gleeson Homes and Gleeson Strategic Land have delivered a record performance with the Group’s positive outlook underpinned by continued strong demand.”
