Demand for new homes in the North East is at an "unprecedented" level, according to a building boss.
Ed Alder is Regional Operations Director for Gleeson Homes in the region which provides low cost homes for local people.
He said during the last six months, despite being in the middle of the Covid pandemic, the company has experienced an unprecedented demand for new homes on its developments across Tyne and Wear.
Even during lockdown, reservation rates are soaring, up a huge 28% over the same period in the previous year.
Mr Alder said: "Our sales have picked up so much in the last 12 months that we have actually now sold out a number of developments in the area, including our Holmside Grange development at Stanley, our site in Sunderland, and have sold out current phases at Windermere Green in Birtley in Gateshead."
He said its other developments at Highfield Park in Sunderland and Blossom Park in Hetton have also seen interest jump in recent months, so much so they are were "struggling to continue the build momentum to keep up with sales demand".
The company said it was so pleased with business levels in Tyne and Wear they are looking to increase their presence in the region, which means more investment in the local economy.
Mr Alder said: "We have already committed to a £30m regeneration scheme in Chopwell, Gateshead, which will comprise of 205 new homes, of which our Show Homes will be opening in late February this year.
"We are also advanced in our £12m Greencroft View development at Anfield Plain, Stanley which is also selling extremely well in its early stages.
"These schemes will also ensure the local communities benefit with a contribution pot of over £220,000 provided against our Chopwell development towards local Highway Infrastructure improvements and local Environment/Ecology measures."
Similarly, its Anfield Plain development will see contributions of nearly £90,000 along with Discounted Market Sale ‘Affordable’ Housing provision.
Mr Alder believes the demand surge has been caused by production rates having slowed due to Covid restrictions and social distancing requirements, coupled with an existing housing shortage and the Government's Stamp Duty Free scheme which runs until the end of March.
He admitted the resulting boom in both new build and second hand market in what is otherwise a recession due to the Pandemic had taken "everyone by surprise".
Gleeson, founded in 1903, have been operating in the North East for 10 years now and has three regional offices in Tyne & Wear, Northumberland and Teesside and 20 development sites. The company develops over 600 homes a year
It directly employs over 200 staff and a substantially greater number of sub contractors who are all locally sourced.
"We have actively embarked a recruitment campaign over the last six months and have created a significant number of new positions as the business has continued successful growth," said Mr Alder.
