One of the biggest names in UK housebuilding Taylor Wimpey (LON:TW.) today reported strong first half numbers, and welcomed the Conservative government's commitments to build more homes.
The constructor reported pre-tax profits up 33% in the six months to June 28 at £238mln compared to the first half of 2014.
That was on revenue, which rose 12.2% to £1.33bn (2014: £1.19bn).
The group said since the uncertainty of the general election was cleared up in May, it had seen an upturn in consumer confidence and mortgage availability.
Sales rates have been above expectations and sales price growth has increased, the firm added.
Taylor added that it welcomed the planning reforms announced by the Chancellor this month at the Budget to increase UK home numbers.
"We are also particularly pleased to see the government's continued focus on increasing the number of apprenticeships, which are critical to our industry, and we remain committed to playing an important role in delivering this in all areas of our business, with a number of apprenticeships and trainee programmes already underway," it said.
In the period, the group completed 5,842 homes (excluding joint ventures) across the UK, with a 9.2% increase in total average selling price to £225,000 (H1 2014: 5,695 homes at £206,000).
It plans to return to shareholders cash of £300 million to be paid in July 2016 in the light of the increased cash generation.