In a trading update for the period up to January 31, the housebuilder said completions were up 6.3% to 5,656 (2020: 5,321). 

A 5.8% increase in the average sale price to £303,200 also contributed to an increase in half-year revenue to around £1,715m (2020: £1,524.8m).

The company expects the full-year figure to hit 9,800, up from 7,522 last year, though prices may fall back to £293,000 over the course of the year.

Bellway increased its number of active sites during the period to 278 while the land buying team contracted to acquire another 8,848 plots across 54 sites at a cost of £341m.

Jason Honeyman, chief executive, said: “Bellway’s priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and subcontractors, whose collective efforts are enabling the Group to proceed responsibly as businesses throughout the UK plan their recovery from the worldwide pandemic.

“In the context of challenging circumstances, the group has delivered an excellent first half performance, achieving growth in volume to a record level, while maintaining high build standards and a focus on customer service.

“While uncertainty remains in the wider economy, the underlying demand for good quality new homes remains robust and we have therefore made further, disciplined investment in attractive land opportunities.

“Looking forward, we have a sizeable forward order book, which provides a solid platform for the second half of the financial year and beyond.

“In addition, our balance sheet is strong, with significant cash resource and this provides the group with the necessary resilience and flexibility to respond positively to the evolving economic environment.”

Bellway’s interim results announcement is scheduled for March 24.