Our history
Bovis Homes is a great name in British building that has been helping to shape communities since Charles William Bovis
started his business in 1885.
Bovis Homes is one of the UK’s leading home builders. The designs of our homes and construction techniques blend tradition with innovation, creating well-built homes with modern living standards.
The original company was founded in 1885 by Charles William Bovis and became a PLC in 1997. In 2020, Bovis Homes became part of Vistry Group which today is a member of the FTSE 250 and FTSE4 Good indices.
We build everything from apartments and starter homes through to five and six-bedroom family houses. We are able to deliver schemes from smaller developments of around 100 dwellings, to larger urban extensions with thousands of new homes and supporting infrastructure.
As well as building for the private market, we work closely and in partnership with a wide range of housing associations, councils and other public sector agencies, providing affordable, quality homes, in sustainable locations.
Bovis Homes Timeline
1885
At the age of 35, Charles William Bovis, started the company then known as CW Bovis & Co., operating as a general builder. An early example of his work, a four-storey brick built residential block finished in 1893, still stands in York Street, Marylebone.
1920s
In the roaring 20s, Bovis was one of the few construction companies to go public, during which time it developed an extensive retail clientele. This included well-known brands such as Marks & Spencer.
1936
Just three years prior to the start of WWII, The Bovis School of Building opened, taking on 100 trade apprentices and management trainees. This saw the beginning of the company’s proud history of supporting and training our people.
1939-1945
During World War II, Bovis built the munitions factory at Swynnerton and worked on Mulberry harbour units before resuming work for the private sector after the hostilities had concluded.
1965
In 1965, Bovis Homes was formed as a separate business focusing on the private housing market and the organisation began to expand rapidly.
1972-1974
Bovis Homes became the second largest housebuilder in the UK in 1972. The following year, new homes completions reached 2,659, before Bovis Homes went on to become part of the P&O Group in 1974.
1985-1986
In 1985, the company became an international contractor too, under the brand of Bovis Construction, before also establishing Bovis Homes Retirement Living in 1986.
1996
The organisation continued to grow in the 1990s, with Bovis Homes acquiring the West Country house builder Britannia Homes.
1997
In 1997, Bovis Homes was floated on the London Stock Exchange becoming Bovis Homes Group PLC. The flotation severed links with Bovis Construction and P&O retained operations in Florida and Germany.
2007
With UK expansion continuing, Bovis Homes acquired Elite Homes in the north of England, with operations across the North West and Yorkshire.
2017-18
The Board of Bovis Homes announces the appointment of Greg Fitzgerald as its new Chief Executive. Then in 2018, the Bovis Homes head office is relocated from New Ash Green to Kings Hill, Kent with around 120 staff moving into the new office.
2020
In January 2020, following the successful acquisition by Bovis Homes Group PLC from Galliford Try PLC of Linden Homes and their Partnerships & Regeneration businesses, Vistry Group was formed. Bovis Homes is now part of Vistry Group PLC.