Tara Group launches strategic land business
Tara Group, the parent business of Cameron Homes, has launched Tara Strategic Land, a dedicated strategic land promotion company directed by Cameron Homes’ Kate Tait. Tara Strategic Land, which will work in partnership with landowners and agents, has launched with around 150 sites (60 hectares of land) under promotion or in the planning system. Sites currently under contract include a combination of brownfield land, greybelt sites and agricultural land.
HBF report highlights new build value against renovation costs
Home buyers routinely underestimate the costs of renovation while overlooking “the potential six-figured added value” that new build homes offer, according to the Home Builders Federation.
Govt to launch first-time buyer scheme in Budget
The government has announced it will launch a new equity loan scheme to help first-time buyers purchase a new build home. Ahead of the Labour party conference in Liverpool, the prime minister Andy Burnham said the government would launch the initiative, Your First Home, at the Budget on October 28. The scheme, applying to England, is, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), expected to offer 20% government-backed equity loans for first-time buyers with 2.5% deposits who are buying a new build property from a developer participating in the initiative.
Future Homes Hub announces speakers and agenda for 2026 conference
The Future Homes Hub has released the agenda and announced the first wave of speakers for its Future Homes Conference in December. The Hub’s conference programme will focus on the practical action, partnerships and solutions needed to deliver more high-quality homes and places.
NHBC reveals theme for BEYOND ’27 LIVE
NHBC has revealed the theme for its BEYOND LIVE event, returning for its third year in March, with a focus on the challenge of increasing housing delivery while maintaining quality. BEYOND ’27 LIVE, taking place at the CBS Arena, Coventry, on March 4 2027, will carry the theme “Future ready. Quality first” as the industry prepares for new standards, changing customer expectations and the transition to lower carbon homes. NHBC said the event was set to concentrate on how the sector can turn policy and ambition into practical delivery.
Vistry to downsize business
Vistry is to reduce in size, shrinking its regions from 25 to 12 and pulling its South East operations out of the open market as it deals with losses. During the six months to June 30 2026, the mixed-tenure housebuilder reported an adjusted pre-tax loss of £83.3 million against the £80.6 million profit achieved during the equivalent period last year. This reflected discounting of open market stock and around £50 million related to the ceo review, resulting in the decision to downsize.
Dean Banks becomes boss of Barratt Redrow
Dean Banks has begun his tenure as group chief executive of Barratt Redrow, taking over from David Thomas. Banks’ appointment was announced in March, with his starting date of September 21 confirmed in June. Banks was previously group chief executive of infrastructure services provider Ventia Pty. He led the company through its listing, establishing it as a leading essential infrastructure services provider across Australia and New Zealand.
Aster’s turnover up while completions down
Housing association Aster Group's turnover increased during its financial year, with the business completing 978 new homes, slightly lower than the previous year in a difficult sales market. During the year ending March 31 2026, the southern-England based business saw its turnover increase from 2024/25’s £329.9 million to £337.6 million. New home completions compare to the previous year’s 984. Of the 978 for 2026, 412 were for shared ownership,105 for social rent, 365 for affordable rent and 32 London affordable rent.
Help to Buy evaluation shows “very high” value for money
Help to Buy represented “very high” value for money, with evidence suggesting a “positive impact” on both home ownership and homes supply, according to an independent evaluation of the equity loan initiative. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the evaluation which it commissioned, providing evidence on whether the scheme met its objectives and the experiences of customers, developers and lenders. The evaluation was undertaken by Verian with Alma Economics and the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University.
Barratt Redrow’s completions up but current year guidance revised down
Barratt Redrow’s completions rose 5% during its full year against 2025, but with adjusted pre-tax profit down and the business downgrading its current year’s expectations due to “continued planning delays” and the difficult market. During the 52 weeks ending June 28 2026, the volume housebuilder completed 17,667 homes, towards the top of its guidance range. Private homes sold at an average price of £394,100, up 3.3% on the previous year due to geographic and product mix.
