Persimmon cheered by summer trading

The UK’s second biggest housebuilder today reported a bounce back in summer sales after a dip over the first half of this year.

Persimmon, whose brands include Charles Church and Westbury, said since June 30 weekly sales were up 4 per cent while its total order book is now 10 per cent ahead of last year at £1bn.

The improved current trading follows a weaker period for the York-based group, as the number of new homes sold in the six months to June 30 fell to 4,439 from 4,657 the previous year.

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Average house prices also dropped nearly 4 per cent to £162,647, but Persimmon said the figure should improve due to a mix of larger houses going forward.

The upbeat outlook came as Persimmon reported a 40 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £60.3m, as revenues fell 8 per cent to £712.8m in the period.

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