Chief executive John Low said he had been frustrated by delays in getting sites on-stream, but added that the group was well positioned to improve results this year.
Beazer Group turned in an overall pre-tax profit of 拢81.6m, and turnover grew 11% to 拢702m, fuelled by a 15% increase in average selling price to 拢93 300.
Low put this price rise down to inflation, improvements in specifications and a 7% increase in the size of its homes to just under 1000 ft2. But he said he was disappointed that completions fell 3% to 7509.
Chairman Victor Benjamin said: "We are in a better position with regard to outlets and planning than last year, and with continuing strong demand, we are well placed to improve on this year's results."
The average price in the Beazer Homes division, the main part of the group, was up 11% to 拢90 200, and Low predicted an average increase of 5% for the coming year. Completions fell 7% to 5940.
Upmarket brand Charles Church lifted completions 22% to 389 and pushed up its average price 43% to 拢281 200.
We look forward to the improvement of UK planning
Victor Benjamin, Beazer
Low now wants the division to increase its presence in London and the South coast in an attempt to raise completions 12-15% and boost the average price to 拢290 000.
Social housing arm Beazer Partnership Homes increased completions 12% to 1180; average unit price rose 9% to 拢46 900.
Benjamin said: "We look forward to seeing details of the government's programme to bring a much-needed improvement to the UK planning system."
He said Labour's efforts to establish a balance between greenfield and brownfield development, the Rogers report's recommendations and the new Regional Development Agencies had all set the scene for change.
"These measures will provide both challenges and opportunities for our industry which the group is ready to meet," Benjamin said.
