Over 20 years ofhistory

We have been building high-quality tenure-blind homes across the south east for over twenty years.

Indoor conference with a full seated audience facing a stage. Two speakers stand in front of a large screen and branded backdrop reading “THAKEHAM All Hands” with a lion emblem. One presenter stands at a podium on the left; the other speaks into a microphone on the right. A screen to the side displays the text “Build & sell quality” alongside a supporting image.

Thakehamwas created

2003

Rob’s passion for placemaking has driven a career in property and housebuilding that spans almost 30 years.  He founded the company in 2003 to champion meaningful change within the sector, creating a business that would do things differently from day one.

We're named after the Sussex village where Rob spent his childhood. The business model (which continues today) was focused on: strategic land, building homes for outright sale, and partnering with others to deliver much-needed social and affordable housing. In those early days, the business was run from Rob's conservatory.

Thakeham CEO Rob Boughton walks along a paved path with a dark gold dog.

Thefirst homewe built

2005

The first home we built was a bungalow in a large back garden; a far cry from the range of house types we proudly build today. From infill and tandem developments, we quickly grew to building small collections of new homes on green and brownfield land.

A single-story house with a grey tiled roof and beige exterior walls accented by red brickwork. The entrance features a wooden door with glass panels, flanked by two small windows. A paved path leads to the door, bordered by a neatly trimmed lawn and a garden. A wooden privacy fence lines the left side of the property. The sky above is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day.

Launch ofpartnerships

2012

Our first third party build contract begins in Reigate, Surrey. Today, we work closely with leading housing associations and affordable housing providers on a range of developments, delivering the homes and infrastructure that provides a community from the first handovers.

A two-story house with a red-tiled roof and upper red siding sits behind a low stone and brick wall. The lower half of the house exterior is cream-colored, with large windows and French doors on the ground floor, and a balcony above. The paved driveway, made of light bricks, is flanked by two brick pillars topped with spherical lights and signs that read “CARNOT CLOSE.” Trees and additional houses appear in the background. The setting is a tidy, suburban residential area.

Leadingland promoter

2013

By 2013, we become one of the leading land promoters in the south east. Today we boast one of the largest land portfolios in the south and east of England.

Aerial view of a rural area of West Grinstead with expansive fields in varying shades of green and brown, a small village, and several farm buildings. The village is surrounded by trees, with houses interspersed among them. The farm buildings include silos, barns, and other agricultural structures, with vehicles and equipment visible nearby.

Our newhead office

2013

As we continue to grow, we move to new offices (and our current home) in Billingshurst, West Sussex.

The front entrance of the thakeham head office building. A revolving door with the image of the company lion is visible.

What’s Next?

2018

Over 300 industry professionals attend our inaugural What’s Next? Summit to debate the future for home building.

Six individuals stand together in business attire at a formal event.

Fast trackgrowth

2018

We debut in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100. We were the 82nd fastest growing company in the UK, employing over 200 members of staff across our sites and offices in West Sussex and Kent.

An award ceremony backdrop with logos from Barclays, BGF, and other sponsors, featuring the text "#FASTTRACK100" and "THE SUNDAY TIMES FAST TRACK 100." Three individuals stand in front of it, with the central person holding a plaque that reads "THE SUNDAY TIMES FAST TRACK 100 2018 virgin atlantic." The scene highlights a recognition event for the UK's fastest-growing companies.

Oursustainability strategy

2020

We pledged our commitments to reduce carbon emissions, deliver nature recovery, and support people and communities.

In 2020, the Surrey Wildlife Trust’s post-completion survey confirmed that our Martingales development in Bookham delivered a 41.38% biodiversity net gain.

Aerial view of a circular garden maze with white flowering plants in the shape of a fingerprint. The maze is surrounded by grass and pathways, with informational signs placed around it.

Best Companiesawards

2022

We're recognised as the Best Construction and Engineering company to work for in the country. We also place 11th in the ‘Best Large Companies to Work For’ and 4th in the South East.

We've continued to rank as a top 100 Best Companies to Work For in annual surveys each year and are accredited as ‘Outstanding’.

Four people are seated at a table, collaborating on a project. Their faces are blurred for privacy. Papers, a pen, and a marker are spread across the table. In front of them, three awards are prominently displayed, recognizing workplace excellence: - Housing's Top 10 Best Organisations to Work For 2024 (cert.b.co.uk) - The South East's Top 50 Best Companies to Work For 2024 (cert.b.co.uk) - The UK's Top 75 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024 (cert.b.co.uk) Let me know if you’d like any refinements!

Supporting thearmed forces

2023

Awarded the highest level of recognition for our support of the armed forces community. Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), Gold is the highest award for organisations who demonstrate support for the Armed Forces Covenant.

With only 193 recipients of this accolade nationally, we are the only housebuilder in the South East to achieve this status.

A man in a suit stands between two uniformed military personnel, holding a framed certificate. The backdrop behind them displays the words "GOLD AWARD" and "EMPLOYER RECOGNITION SCHEME". The military personnel, dressed in formal uniforms adorned with medals and insignia, flank the recipient at what appears to be an award ceremony recognizing employer support for the armed forces.

Firstimpact report

2024

Our first-ever impact report reveals our sustainability achievements since the sustainability strategy was launched in 2020 and shares how we are going beyond traditional housebuilding to create vibrant, sustainable communities.

A field of wildflowers stretches across the foreground, with a row of modern, two-story houses in the background. The houses feature a mix of brick and dark-colored siding, with large windows. Above the field, the sky is blue with scattered clouds. A dark blue banner at the bottom displays the text "2020-2024 Impact Report" in white and green letters, followed by the smaller phrase "Building Homes, Creating Communities."

Zero Billswith Octopus Energy

2024

We're selected as a partner for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills revolution. The collaboration was kicked off with 48 Zero Bills homes at our Templegate development in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

We signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver Zero Bills homes as standard where possible on our future private schemes. We won Best Medium Housebuilder and Zero Bills Housebuilder of the Year at Octopus Energy's inaugural Zero Bills Awards in 2025.

A woman holds a plan next to a sign that says 'This home is sold', in front of a new build brick home. The sign also indicates the home is Zero Bills by Octopus Energy.

Designed for life, built for the future:Our homeowners' stories

A person stands at the entrance of a modern red-brick house with rooftop solar panels. The front yard features neatly trimmed grass and small plants, suggesting a well-maintained suburban setting. Similar homes appear in the background, reinforcing a community focused on eco-conscious living.

"Even the solar panels clean themselves when it rains. No matter what happens with energy prices, we know what to expect."

Steve & Sarah

Templegate Zero Bills residents

Richard and Sue stand outside their new home in Newick. The house is clad in a light grey cladding.

“We initially looked at other period properties, but we felt a newbuild home would be right for us. We didn’t want the hassle of all the general maintenance of an older house, such as old boilers, changing electrics and sash windows. A new build gave us a clean slate.”

Richard & Sue

Berry Croft residents

Jenny enjoys a coffee in the Woodgate cafe at Pease Pottage. She wears a white sild scarf with dark blue spots.

“I’m a people person, and Woodgate has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I remember the first time I came here. I came for a coffee with a friend and we sat in the café overlooking the big village green. I thought to myself that I’d like to live here.”

Jenny

Woodgate resident

Jon and Sarah stand outside their new build home at Manorwood in Surrey. A light brown front door and bricks are visible behind thm.

"We lived there for thirty-four years and raised our three children in that home, but it was creaking at the seams! We didn’t feel we could leave the house for any length of time without fear of something going wrong, such as a pipe bursting or the roof leaking. We chose a new build home for peace of mind."

Jonathan & Sara

Manorwood residents

A couple stand smiling outside a modern semi-detached home with a mix of white siding and brickwork. The front door displays the number 9, and a potted plant rests near the entrance. A white car is parked in the driveway, adding to the impression of a tidy, welcoming residential setting.

"After sending a friend to check it out for us, we were mesmerised. He called us from his car and said, ‘You need to live here, I’ve never seen a place like this."

Jai & Norbi

Woodgate residents

Three people sit closely together on outdoor steps in front of a red brick wall and white door. The person on the left wears a blue-and-white patterned blouse with jeans, the center figure wears a pink dress layered over a floral shirt, and the person on the right wears a green T-shirt with dark trousers and a watch. Their relaxed posture and proximity suggest a familial or friendly bond.

"I love the design, the layout, the wide roads with the houses nicely set back. It’s spread out and already has a nice community feel. With the park next door and a new Village Green, this is our long-term, hopefully forever home. And that was all before we stepped inside!”

Abbi & James

Woodgate residents

Our latest posts

News
Masterplan for new homes proposed in Horndean, Waterlooville

Planning permission for new homes in Horndean

We've secured planning permission for new homes in Horndean with a landscape-led scheme.

News
Red line map of land south of Buckingham road, Winslow

PCSA signed for new homes at Winslow with Thrive

We've teamed up with Thrive Homes to increase affordable housing provision in Buckinghamshire.

News
A group of children outdoors on a grassy area, smiling and holding up colorful certificates or cartoon-themed artwork. They’re arranged in two rows, with some kneeling in front and others standing behind. Trees and part of a building appear in the background, adding to the summery, celebratory atmosphere.

Support for literacy and bumblebee awareness

Connecting our partners to support literacy and increase bumblebee awareness with the launch of a new book: 'Bella the Bee Saves the Day'

News
A newly built two-story brick affordable home with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by a landscaped garden with blooming white flowers. A paved walkway leads to the entrance, and a curved road runs alongside the property. In the background, additional houses of similar modern design indicate a newly developed neighbourhood focused on sustainability.

New affordable homes completed at Wildbridge

We have completed work at the fully affordable Wildbridge development in Yapton, West Sussex.

Stay connected.Sign up to our newsletter

Consumer Code for Home BuildersHome Builder Federation
© 2025 Thakeham|Website by Make Agency
Registered in England and Wales, Company Registration No. 07278594. Registered Office Address: Thakeham House, Summers Place, Stane Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9GN.