Countryside calls for help to build cheaper houses

Countryside Properties boss Ian Sutcliffe on Wednesday pinned hopes on help for affordable housing and a souped-up planning system in the Budget.

The head of the housebuilder and regeneration specialist warned “it still takes too long to get started on site” and also wants more help for first-time buyers, which account for more than half its customers.

Sutcliffe said a drive from Chancellor Philip Hammond to encourage affordable housing would also play into the hands of the regeneration specialist, which is chasing potential projects on former public land and brownfield sites which could provide some 40,000 homes. Around 80% of these are in London and the surrounding areas, potentially providing more than 30,000 new homes.

“What we want to see is support from Government to support the affordable housing parts of the mix,” said Sutcliffe.

Around London, more than 50% of its homes are affordable, although the average selling price is £430,000.

Overall pre-tax profits almost doubled to £141.7 million in the year to September 30, while revenues burst through the £1 billion mark after a 32% increase.

Countryside is focusing on the market below £600,000, where demand is strongest, after noting slower sales of homes over £1 million. Sales volumes remain ahead of last year.