Homes England started and completed more properties and unlocked more land for home development this year compared to the previous 12 months.

The agency, which works with local and national organisations to boost housing, revealed its provisional 2024/2025 figures, which are set by the government.

It says last year it:

• Backed the completion of more than 36,000 homes, up 14% from 2023/24
• Was behind the start of construction for an additional 38,000 homes, up 6% on 2023/24
• Unlocked land that is capable of delivering 79,000 further homes, up 32% on 2023/24

The projects the agency has recently agreed, include a land purchase for 4,200 homes in April that creates the agency’s largest development site in the North of England.

The body has bought 34 hectares for its South East Warrington Urban Extension, for an undisclosed sum, which brings the amount of land it owns in the area to around 250 hectares.

Homes England was also behind a £96.7m deal in March to develop a five-acre residential site near Leeds city centre.

The Kirkstall Road site will house 618 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments set across five buildings in landscaped grounds, including a new public space next to the River Aire.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook (picture) says: “Homes England is playing a crucial role in supporting the government’s plan for change to build 1.5 million new homes and deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.

“Last year, I set out ambitious priorities for Homes England, and I am pleased that the Agency has exceeded key housebuilding targets to ramp up the delivery of new homes and place-based regeneration.”

In November, Home England chair Peter Freeman and chief executive Peter Denton resigned after Pennycook wrote to the body setting out new annual targets.

New Homes England chair Pat Ritchie says: “As the newly appointed chair of Homes England, I’m proud to see the hard work of the agency reflected in our 2024/25 performance figures.

“Looking forward, the transformation of the Agency into a more regionally-based model will mean we’re well-placed to support the government’s mission to build 1.5 million homes this parliament.”

In January, Eamonn Boylan was appointed as the new chief executive of Homes England.