Housebuilder Persimmon says it is on track to deliver a target 11,000-11,500 homes this year after investment has helped it improve sales.
The York-based firm has seen net private sales per outlet, per week rise 1% to 0.74 between the beginning of January and April 27. Current forward sales were up 12% on the same period last year to £2.34bn, of which private sales constituted £1.68bn, up 17%.
In a pre-annual general meeting trading update, Persimmon said positive trading seen in the first nine weeks of the year had continued with interest in new homes strong across the country.
In March, the firm launched a new offer to allow customers to buy a home with a 15% interest-free equity loan, which had prompted interest.
The average selling price of private homes was about £293,000, up 4% on the same point last year. The firm said overall pricing on reservations was "robust".
Over the first quarter detail or reserved matters planning approvals were achieved on 2,781 plots. 27 new sites were opened during the first part of the year, with Persimmon now operating from 275 outlets - a rise of 5% on last year - with 100 gross outlets expected to open this year.
Meanwhile gross spending on land fell to £128m, from £145m in 2024 with the firm's owned and under control land holdings representing about 83,800 plots at March 31, 2025, up from 82,500 last year.
Persimmon said that while it had not seen any impact of the current macroeconomic uncertainty caused by US tariffs, it was mindful of the potential to harm mortgage rates and consumer spending.
Dean Finch, group chief executive, said: "Persimmon has started the year well, building on our strong performance in 2024 with an improved private sales rate, an increase in average selling prices and further growth in our network of outlets.
"As a result, our private forward sales are up 17% on the prior year. We have continued our investment in new land and achieved further planning success in the period.
"We have seen no immediate impact on the business or on customer confidence from the recent geopolitical uncertainty.
"Consequently, at this stage we remain on track to deliver further growth in completions to between 11,000 and 11,500 for the full year, providing the º£½ÇÊÓƵ housing market remains stable."
