Housebuilder Bovis Homes has said it completed 1,525 homes in the six months to the end of June, a record number of first half completions for the business and two per cent up year-on-year.

The Kent-based firm added that its average selling price lifted six per cent to £220,000, reflecting the buoyant housebuilding market which is growing on the back of the recovering UK economy.

For private sales the price rose from £240,000 to £264,000.

David Ritchie, chief executive, said: "The group has delivered a record number of first half legal completions, made possible by the high quality land investments made during the last few years.

"We continue to trade well in a positive UK housing market delivering a strong forward sales and build position on an increased number of sales outlets."