Housebuilder Persimmon has announced a strong start to 2026, with private forward sales up 7% on the previous year.
The firm this morning posted a trading update for the year up to April 26 ahead of its AGM later today.
The figures show net private sales per outlet per week rose 3% on 2025, while the average number of outlets also rose 2% to 273.
Current forward sales rose 5% to £2.46billion, of which £1.8billion were private forward sales - up 7%.
Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive, commented: "Persimmon has started the year well, building on our strong performance in 2025, with an improved private sales rate and an increase in average selling prices. As a result, our private forward sales are up 7% on the prior year.
"The ongoing conflict in Iran, and resultant geopolitical and economic uncertainty, has not had any material impact on trading to date. However, we are mindful of its potential impact, including on consumer confidence, and there are early signs of increased inflationary pressure. We are carefully monitoring the situation, driving sales across all brands and tenures, maintaining flexibility and a rigorous focus on cost control and cash generation, whilst being supported by a robust balance sheet.
"Our three strong brands, unique vertically integrated model and high-quality landbank continue to differentiate Persimmon and position us well for growth into the medium term."
Persimmon will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East and provide a further update on any potential impact on the housing market in its half year results in August.
The trading update adds: "Assuming market conditions do not materially deteriorate, we anticipate delivering profit before tax in line with consensus (£462million) and completions of between 12,000 and 12,500 homes in 2026. Of these 2026 completions, over half of our private homes and almost all our housing association homes are already secured."
Persimmon Homes is set to build 332 new homes on the site of the former Aberdeen Exhibition Centre, transforming the unused land into a vibrant new community and making significant investment in local infrastructure, employment, and community facilities.
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