Housebuilder issues strong trading update ahead of results

Persimmon’s turnover has increased 13% in the first half of 2012, the housebuilder disclosed ahead of publication of its six month results to 30 June 2012.

The firm said it had opened 65 new sites over the period and expects to start on another 60 before Christmas.

Persimmon invested £150m in acquiring 5,600 new plots over the six months and increased its consent land bank to 63,800 plots.

The firm’s average selling price also increased 7% year-on-year from £160,583 in 2011 to £171,400, reflecting a greater proportion of family homes brought to market.

Persimmon also legally completed 6% more homes (4,712) compared to the previous year (4,439).

Persimmon will publish its full half year results on 21 August.