Homes sales surge despite rocky market foundations

HOUSEBUILDER Persimmon said it sold more homes than expected in a “challenging” market last year, but cautioned trading conditions are not likely to significantly improve over the year ahead.

- By HOLLY WILLIAMS

Builder had better year than expected

The firm reported a 12% rise in new home completions to 11,905 last year, with average selling prices in the private market up 5% to around £301,000.

It now anticipates full-year underlying pretax profits at the upper end of the £415million to £440m range expected in the market.