A HOUSEBUILDER has recorded nearly £7m in sales – weeks before buyers have properties to move into.

Chapter Homes says demand has been strong at its Eden Field development in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The first properties are due to be ready this month.

However, bosses at the organisation, formed by Durham County Council to revitalise unused authority land and improve the area’s housing stock, say they have already made 48 advance sales on the 125-home estate, with the value of Chapter’s agreements standing at £6.75m.

Building work on the two, three and four-bedroom houses is being overseen by Gentoo Tolent, a joint venture between the Gentoo Construction and Tolent Construction.

Richard Roddam, Chapter chief development officer, said Eden Field has put the company firmly in buyers’ minds and given it marketplace status among more-established rivals.

He added: “We’re delighted the opening of our show homes has generated such a great response.

“We worked very hard to bring our plans to fruition and create a development to be proud of.

“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved and firmly positions Chapter on North- East housebuilders’ map.”

The first sod on the development was cut earlier this year, whereupon officials said the work would create 15 jobs, secure 18 work placements, preserve more than 20 apprenticeships and pump £35m into the region’s economy.

Referring to its commitments, a spokeswoman told The Northern Echo those targets were very achievable.

She added: “Eden Field has met and is fully on track with projected job, work placement and apprenticeship creation.

“We are working with New College Durham on our commitment to providing apprenticeships and work placements and have exceeded our targets for this stage in the build programme, delivering ten apprenticeships across various roles.

“Permanent opportunities are also on track and we continue to support businesses and individuals.”