Persimmon reported a trading update on Thursday in which management reaffirmed its market forecasts for fiscal year 2026 while reducing the groups expected underlying profit before tax modestly to 3.462 million from 3.470 million indicated two months prior.
Executives highlighted early evidence of rising inflation within the supply chain, noting that this trend could feed through to costs in the second half of 2026 and into 2027. Company commentary said Persimmon is prepared to address these pressures through established supplier and subcontractor relationships, benefits from vertical integration, and potential internal cost savings. Management also said that a deliberate pause or reduction in land purchases could help lower interest costs.
Operational metrics published in the update showed sales per site per week increased 2.3% year-over-year to 0.76. That compares with 0.73 reported at the last update and 0.74 in the prior year. Removing bulk transactions from the calculation, sales per site per week reached 0.67, up from 0.65 a year earlier.
The company said the average selling price in its order book has risen by 5% - a movement it attributed to house price inflation and changes in mix. Private forward sales climbed by 7%, while total sales were up 6% over the comparable period.
On the distribution network, Persimmon reported a 2% year-over-year increase in selling outlets to 273. The firm noted this figure is lower than the 277 outlets it held at year-end 2025, and reiterated its stated objective of growing the network to 300 selling outlets.
Management addressed the conflict in Iran, saying it has not had a material impact on trading to date. While enquiries have softened slightly in recent weeks, Persimmon said overall enquiry levels remain broadly flat year-over-year. The company also reported improved conversion of enquiries into site visits and described visitor-to-reservation rates as resilient.
Persimmon further disclosed that over half of private homes and almost all housing association homes planned for 2026 completions are already secured. Interactions with institutional customers in the affordable and build-to-rent sectors were described as positive.
During the period under review, the group secured detailed or reserved matters approval for 3,080 plots, representing a 10% increase compared with the prior year. Persimmon said it is taking a more disciplined approach to acquiring new land given the current uncertain environment.
This update provides a snapshot of Persimmons trading momentum, key operational metrics and managements approach to cost and land-purchase discipline amid emerging input-cost inflation risks. The company maintained its fiscal year 2026 market forecasts while flagging areas it will manage closely in the months ahead.