Barratt Developments has recorded its highest number of project completions in nine years.

In a trading update, the company said it expects completions to be around 17,350 for this year, with total forward sales (including joint ventures) forecast to hit record levels, up by 12.7% as at 07 May 2017 to £3,205.7m (2016; £2,844.0m).

The Group said increased competition in the mortgage market has resulted in more availability of attractive mortgage finance which, alongside Help to Buy, continues to support consumer demand, therefore boosting completion figures.

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Chief Executive David Thomas said: "This has been another strong period both operationally and financially for the Group. We remain firmly committed to delivering industry leading build quality and customer service, recognised by the award of the Home Builder Federation's maximum five star customer satisfaction rating for the eighth consecutive year.

"Our controlled approach to growth means we are on track to deliver 17,350 completions in the year, the highest number of completions in nine years. This, combined with the strong market backdrop, means we now expect full year profit before tax to be at the top of the range of current analyst estimates."

(LM/MH)