SOUTHAMPTON new housebuilder Drew Smith Homes has broken its own record for the value of homes sold in a month.

The sale of seven homes last month was enough to break through the £5m barrier.

Among the hot properties on offer were a £600,000 detached house near Wickham and a £700,000 "millennium" house with ultra modern features at Abbots Worthy, near Winchester.

Paul Doswell, company sales and marketing director said: "It's a reflection of a strong market but also proof that a top quality product will always find a buyer."

The company is about to undertake its most ambitious project yet with the building of 25 homes in Winchester.

Mr Doswell said: "I hope that this new scheme proves that we have the expertise to handle larger developments."

The company, which has a reputation for taking on the unusual, has also revealed plans for Twyford Antiques, which is on the main route through the village near Winchester.

The landmark shop is to be converted into two maisonettes, while the old bakehouse is to be made into a detached three-bedroom house.

Mr Doswell said: "Our concentration on the Winchester area is no mistake.

St Thomas Street was our first project there and it made us realise the demand for quality homes around the city."

Drew Smith Homes' previous monthly record for property sales was £4m, which was set in May.