Taylor Wimpey has reported a boost in orders for new homes off the back of the government’s Help to Buy scheme.

The house builder released its half-year results for the period that ended June 30th yesterday (July 31st), which show group operating margin increased to 13.1 per cent in the first six months of the year – a hike of 2.1 percentage points on the same time period in 2012.

Its order book currently stands at 7,378 homes, which represents a record high and these projects are valued at £1.3 billion.

Chief executive Pete Redfern said there has been “meaningful improvement” in the housing market since the start of 2013.

“More positive consumer sentiment, a more available and affordable mortgage market, and the presence of government mortgage schemes [are] all adding to a favourable outlook,” he added.

Since being launched in April 2013, Help to Buy has boosted sales rates by making it easier for people to access mortgages . Indeed, Taylor Wimpey has already completed 235 homes thanks to the scheme.