July/August edition of Housebuilder magazine now out
The July/August edition of Housebuilder is now out and available to read on the www.house-builder.co.uk website. The latest issue looks at the effect AI could have on the sector and how housebuilders are embracing it now. Joe Marshall, Sovereign Network Group’s chief investment and development officer, talks to Suzie Mayes about his vision for investment partnerships, section 106 housing and why the housing association is sharing its Homes and Place Standard with the industry.
James Thomson becomes Strata non-executive director
Strata has announced James Thomson, former chief executive of Keepmoat Homes and Gleeson, as its non-executive director. The housebuilder said that in his role - which Strata has created in response to the industry’s “significant challenges” – Thomson would offer independent challenge, guidance and strategic support to the board. He is set to work alongside the senior leadership team “as Strata continues to strengthen its position as a collaborative, purpose-led housebuilder delivering sustainable growth”.
Hill delivers in “restrained conditions”
The Hill Group’s turnover, profit and new home completions all increased during its year ending March 31 2026, “despite restrained housing market conditions”, it said today (July 1). The Essex headquartered housebuilder reported “record” turnover of £1.164 billion against 2025’s £1.15 billion and pre-tax profit of £92.5 million (2025: £90.5 million). It completed 3,329 new homes across its operations compared to last year’s 2,811. Around two thirds of these were affordable housing, Hill said.
BEYOND LIVE returns next March
Following another successful year for BEYOND LIVE, NHBC’s flagship conference returns to the CBS Arena, Coventry on March 4 2027 for everyone involved in the construction of new homes.
Housebuilder Awards 2026 finalists revealed
The finalists of The Housebuilder Awards 2026 have been announced with SME housebuilders featuring prominently, including the likes of Kingswood Homes, Lilyford and Pocket. Barratt Redrow leads the way with seven finalists including in Best design for three storeys or fewer and Best regeneration initiative. Bellway has six finalists including in Best sustainability initiative and The Housebuilder Star Award. Hill has five finalists including two in Best design for four storeys or more, while Lovell features in four categories.
Second SME sentiment survey shows decline in confidence
The Home Builders Federation’s second quarterly SME Developer Sentiment Survey shows a “sharp deterioration” in SME confidence since its first survey published in March, with expectations for land purchasing, housing starts and housing market conditions all weakening significantly. The survey in partnership with Quantum Development Finance (QDF) – the second of which was published today (June 30) - tracks changes in the confidence of smaller home builders - those building up to 500 homes - and the obstacles preventing them from expanding. According to the latest findings, more than nine in ten SME housebuilders said the Middle East conflict had made their business outlook for the next 12 months worse than expected. Only 1% disagreed, with more than 25% stating they had paused or reconsidered the acquisition of new development sites since the onset of the conflict.
Consumer case launched against seven housebuilders
A £4.5 billion legal claim has been launched on behalf of more than 700,000 people against seven housebuilders, alleging anti-competitive conduct. Mark McLaren, co-founder and director of Class Representatives Network, represented by competition law firms Geradin Partners and Hausfeld, is bringing the case for the homeowners against Barratt Redrow, Bellway, Berkeley Group, Bloor Homes, Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group. They seek compensation for homeowners purchasing a new build home in Great Britain between October 2015 and June 24 2026. These buyers were allegedly impacted by information sharing, paying more for their new homes, they claimed.
Burnham to embark on biggest council housing drive since post-war period
Andy Burnham, the man widely expected to be prime minister in the next few weeks, has promised to embark on the biggest country-wide council housing programme since the post-war period.
New Barratt Redrow boss to start in September
Dean Banks, Barratt Redrow’s new group chief executive, will take up his role on September 21, the business announced today (June 26). Barratt Redrow named Banks, currently group chief executive of infrastructure services provider Ventia Pty, as David Thomas’ successor in March. Thomas, who has been group chief executive for 11 years and with Barratt Redrow for 17 years, will retire from the board as Banks begins his post. Banks also becomes executive director from September 21.
Berkeley seeks judicial review following refusal of Peckham scheme
Berkeley Group has applied for a judicial review of the Planning Inspectorate’s (PINS) decision to refuse planning permission for the regeneration of the Aylesham Centre in Peckham town centre, south east London. In May, PINS refused the housebuilder’s plans, including the redevelopment of a “rundown” shopping centre and more than 850 private and affordable homes, on heritage grounds. Today (June 26), Rob Perrins, Berkeley’s executive chair, said the decision was “clearly flawed and will undermine the government’s pro-homebuilding agenda unless it is swiftly quashed”.
