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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Business
Joanna Bourke

Crest Nicholson profits ahead of forecasts, boosted by pandemic housing boom

Crest Nicholson has seen robust demand for homes

(Picture: crest nicholson)

FTSE 250 housebuilder Crest Nicholson has cheered “robust” sales rates, as high demand for properties seen during the pandemic looks to remain in place.

The firm said forward orders buyers have committed to stood at 2,502 homes as at November 12, up from 2,330 a year earlier when purchases had the benefit of using a stamp duty holiday. That support finished at the end of September 2021.

Numerous firms have benefited from people reassessing housing needs during lockdowns, with many seeking more space for home working.

In the year to October 2021 pre-tax profits will be “marginally” ahead of the £101.2 million analysts had expected.

The company added that it remains “active” in the land market. It is aiming to build 3,000 homes by the end of 2024, and more than 4,200 by the end of 2026.

Peter Truscott, Crest Nicholson’s chief executive, said: “While the trading environment remains robust, it has been a challenging operational environment for our sector as we have emerged from the pandemic, with disruption to supply chains and the availability of materials.”

But he added that his team have helped “navigate our way through these issues”.

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