Persimmon reports 17% growth in Q1 forward sales

Persimmon Homes’ private forward sales grew by 17% to £1.68bn in the first three months of 2025, up by 4% on Q1 2024. It said 2,781 homes achieved detailed or reserved matters approval in the first quarter – up from 1,457 homes last year. The housebuilder’s gross land spend in the first three months of the year was £128m, down from £145m in 2024, of which £76m related to the settlement of land creditors. Its owned and under control land holdings stood at 83,800 plots at 31 March 2025. Persimmon group chief executive Dean Finch 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 by 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 UK housing market remains stable.” Persimmon – Wykham Park. Image © Greykite