PREMIUM
The group announced it would repay a further £3.5m of rates relief on its show homes and sales offices due to strong trading. Picture: Getty Images BARRATT Developments said forward sales were almost £1 billion up on last year as it “modestly” hiked its outlook amid a booming property market and a strong start to 2021. The housebuilder said it is set to complete more homes this year than first predicted, at between 16,000 and 16,250, with a further 650 joint venture completions. It comes after the housing market roared ahead in recent months due largely to the stamp duty holiday, which was extended to the end of June south of the Border, and the equivalent in Scotland as well as changing demand due to the pandemic.