Bellway completions up 10% for six months to January 31 while Wrens interims are in line with expectations

Housebuilder Bellway and retirement home specialist Wren Homes both released upbeat trading statements today ahead of releasing interim results later this year.

Bellway said legal completions were 10% ahead at 3,264 for the six months ending 31 January compared to 2,958 over the same period last year.


Bellway worker
Bellway on the up

It said reservations had also increased by 6% resulting in the company already securing 80% of its targeted volume for the year. The order book now stands at £653m compared to £562m at the same point last year.

Meanwhile, Aim-listed Wren Homes said results for the six months to 31 January would be in line with expectations and was hoping to announce its first dividend.

The group has just obtained planning permission for 20 retirement apartments in Carshalton, Surrey.

The company is on a recruitment drive and is in the process of hiring a land-buyer. It has appointed a new sales and marketing director who will start later this month.

Wren CEO Paul Treadaway said: “Taking the market as a whole, and with the normally buoyant spring period ahead, I believe that the fundamentals of the market remain sound. Given the strength of current sales and our recent planning consents, I look forward to the future with confidence.”