<p>Persimmon has unveiled plans to build more than 80,000 new homes in the next five years.</p> <p>The firm, which built 13,509 homes in 2014, says it has increased the number of homes completed each year by nearly 50% since 2012.</p> <p>Persimmon group ceo Jeff Fairburn took the opportunity of a visit by chancellor George Osborne to its site in South Ockenden, Essex, on November 26, to make the pledge, saying: "Now is a great time to buy, with lenders increasing the number of mortgage products available. The new schemes announced (in the Autumn statement), which include shared ownership, London Help to Buy and the Starter Home initiative will all help even more people into home ownership."</p> <p>The chancellor welcomed Persimmon's plans: "One of this government's top priorities is backing working families who aspire to own their own home. So we've got to get Britain building and I'm encouraged to hear about Persimmon's plans to build 80,000 homes."</p> <p>Persimmon has opened two new regional businesses in 2015 - Durham and central Birmingham and plans to open two more next year, in Cornwall and Perth.</p> <p> </p>