Sheffield-based affordable house builder MJ Gleeson said on Friday demand for new homes “remains subdued, but steady, with buyers lacking confidence in the current economic environment.”
Gleeson said local planning problems continue to impede progress on opening new sites.
The Sheffield firm said further that former Bellway CFO Keith Adey will join MJ Gleeson as an independent non-executive director on January 1, 2026.
In a trading update ahead of its Annual General Meeting, MJ Gleeson said: “Gleeson Homes’ open market net reservation rates for the eight weeks to 7 November 2025, increased by 22% to 0.50 per site per week (0.92 including bulk reservations), from the 0.41 per site (0.46 including bulk reservations) during the same period last year.
“Demand for new homes remains subdued, but steady, with buyers lacking confidence in the current economic environment.
“Resource-constrained local planning continues to impede progress on opening new sites.
“Notwithstanding these challenges, since the start of the 2026 financial year, Gleeson Homes has opened six new build sites (Four months to 31 October 2024: six sites) and five new sites have commenced sales (Four months to 31 October 2024: seven sites). Gleeson Homes is currently selling on 59 sites (31 October 2024: 64 sites).”
On its Gleeson Land business, the firm said: “Gleeson Land is making good progress, having completed the sale of two small sites since the start of the financial year.
“As communicated at the time of the 2025 full year results, one site which represents approximately 50% of total plots budgeted to be sold during the year remains dependent on the finalisation of a technical solution.
“The division is on track with its growth plans and making good progress towards its aim of submitting 18 planning applications in the first half of this financial year.
“The Board, whilst mindful that the Government’s Autumn Budget will be announced on 26 November 2025, expects that the results for the financial year ended 30 June 2026 will be in line with current market expectations.”
On the appointment of Adey, Gleeson said: “The Board of MJ Gleeson is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Adey, FCA, as an Independent Non-Executive Director, with effect from 1 January 2026.
“Keith will also assume the role of Chair of the Audit Committee and join the Remuneration Committee. Fiona Goldsmith, Chair, will step down from both committees at the same time.
“Until recently, Keith was Chief Financial Officer of Bellway plc, the FTSE-250 housebuilder, a post held for thirteen years having joined the business in 2008 as Group Chief Accountant. Prior to joining Bellway, he held senior roles at Grainger plc and began his career with KPMG.”
MJ Gleeson chair Fiona Goldsmith said: “We are delighted that Keith will be joining the Board. With his extensive financial and housebuilding experience, Keith will be a very strong addition to the Board as we focus on delivering our strategy to significantly grow the Group over the medium term.”
Adey said: “I am very pleased to be joining the Board of MJ Gleeson. It is a business with a strong track record of growth, and I look forward to working with the Board as the Group continues to build on its success in the years ahead.”