Housebuilder reports 1262 legal completions for the six months to June 30 2006, a rise of 16% on the same period in 2005.

Housebuilder Bovis Homes has reported an increase in completed homes for the first half of the year, boosted by a steady housing market.

In a trading update, Bovis Homes reported 1262 legal completions for the six months to June 30 2006, a rise of 16% on the same period in 2005. However, profits from land sales reduced to £6m from £9m across the same period.

The average sale price for the company’s homes increased to £188,700 compared with £179,700 in 2005. The improvement was partly due to a reduced number of social housing completions: 141 social housing units were completed in the period compared with 246 in the first half of 2005. A greater proportion of the company’s social houses for 2006 are scheduled for completion in the second half.

The company said it remains cautious of purchasing land with outline planning consent due to high land prices, and is continuing its emphasis on converting strategic landholdings.

Interim results will be announced on 11 September.