Miller Homes ramps up North East housebuilding to meet rising demand

A North East housebuilder has announced plans to build more than 700 homes across the region in 2021.

Miller Homes is almost doubling the number of new homes it builds in the North East year-on-year in response to increased demand in the housing market.

This year will see the launch of six new developments in Pelton, Peterlee, Blyth, Hartlepool, Darlington and Ingleby Barwick, as well as improvements to local community infrastructure.

Patrick Arkle, regional managing director at Miller Homes North East, said: “We pride ourselves on the quality of our homes and the desirable locations in which we build them, so are pleased to be bringing more and more great places to live in the region each year.”

The housebuilder also plans to purchase more land across the Tees Valley, an area which is key to the company’s investment strategy.

Mark Bayliss, regional operations director at Miller Homes Teesside, said: “We have ambitious growth plans and the demand from North East buyers is there, especially in areas that will see further economic growth like Tees Valley, thanks to announcements in the latest Budget like the Freeport bringing new jobs and opportunity.”

The increased number of homes being built this year is in response to soaring interest from house hunters due to things like the stamp duty holiday, which has stimulated activity across the housing market.

As it stands, Miller Homes sales enquiries are around 30 per cent higher than last year, with new home reservations also significantly ahead.

2021 is also seeing the roll out of new house styles across the majority of developments, which have been designed to meet an evolving need for a living space that is multi-functional, with more of a focus on separate areas for working from home, open-plan family accommodation and outside space.

Patrick Arkle said: “The last year has seen many people rethink what they want and need from their home.

“As can be expected people are generally looking for more space for home working and easy access to a great outdoor space, whether that be in the form of a garden or close to the coast or countryside.”

As well as launching new sites, a number of Miller Homes developments are expected to complete this year.

These include The Oaklands in Newton Aycliffe, Sandbrook Meadows in Seaburn, Broadoaks in Bedlington, Barley Meadows in Cramlington and Westburn Village in Hebburn.

Patrick added: “Our planned investment in the region won’t stop there, we will continue this trend into 2022 as we’re already forecasting to build almost 1,000 homes next year, growing this year’s number by a further 38 per cent and continuing to create local jobs and career progression opportunities for our people.”