Berkeley sees govt moves make planning impact

Berkeley has reported increased revenue but a 7.7% drop in pre-tax profit for its half year, with the business seeing a “profound” impact on the planning system from the government’s positive stance on housebuilding. It has also announced a new ten-year strategy.

During the six months ending October 31 2024, the Surrey-based company’s revenue rose 7.3% to £1,278.9 million. Pre-tax profit fell from HY 2023’s £298 million to £275.1 million. Berkeley’s operating margin improved to 20.2% from the previous year’s 19.5%.

Rob Perrins, ceo, noted there was “good underlying demand” for Berkeley’s homes, but transaction volumes remained around a third lower than FY 2023. However, it delivered more homes in its half year than in the equivalent period last year, at 2,103 and 1,785 respectively.

Berkeley said in its statement that the government’s “determined start” to deliver 1.5 million new homes “has had a profound and hugely positive impact on the planning system, lifting the tone and encouraging a proactive approach to unblocking housing delivery at scale.”

Perrins confirmed the business had in recent weeks experienced “notable traction” in its dealings with the planning system. He said this positive stance would be realised in home …