The Beverley-based firm says combined sales and enquiries at its current developments - at Driffield, Goole and at Habrough Fields, Immingham, - are running at least 10 per cent ahead of forecasts.
The company's managing director, Peter Ward, said: "The economists and the media keep telling us there is a great deal of concern, even gloom, among the public when it comes to spending on major items such as housing, cars and holidays.

"That may be the case in many areas of the UK but here in East Yorkshire people still want to buy quality new homes if the price is right."

Peter Ward Homes is one of the region's leading independent house builders and is part way through a five-year £70m programme to build 400 new homes at sites throughout the region.

Southwood Park, Driffield, has been a buyer's favourite for some time while there is only one house left for sale at the company's flagship development at Kilnwick.

Peter Ward said: "It is encouraging to see the number of sales and enquiries at such good levels but perhaps that is due to the fact that we recognise what the market in East Yorkshire needs and that is a broad range of properties on almost every new site, providing a home for everyone, from first-time buyers, to young families and retired people.

"Add all this to the most important factor in the house buying equation - a realistic pricing strategy - and there is no reason why our business should not remain ahead of the field."

The company, the only winner from this region of the coveted British Housebuilder Gold Award, has recently opened its sales office at the new Marlborough Avenue site at Hornsea.