York housebuilder Persimmon reports 'strong' first half performance for 2026

Persimmon reports a 'strong' first half performance. (Image: PA)

York-based Housebuilder Persimmon has reported an increase in completions, profits, and market share.

The company completed 5,189 homes in the first half of 2026—up 13 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Underlying operating profit also rose by 10 per cent to £189.1 million.

Dean Finch, group chief executive at Persimmon, said: “Persimmon delivered a strong first half performance, growing our market share, increasing completions by 13% and underlying operating profit by 10%.

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"In a challenging market, this performance demonstrates the strength of our established strategy, product mix and geographic footprint, alongside the benefits of our lower cost operating model, sustained investment in the business and ongoing commitment to self-help.

"We remain on track to deliver growth in 2026 in line with market expectations1. I want to thank all my colleagues and our supply chain for their continued hard work in delivering this result.”

The company saw new housing revenue rise to £1.48bn, up from £1.31bn, and profit before tax increased 15 per cent to £168m.

Current private forward sales also improved by 5%, reaching £1.31bn.

Mr Finch said that while market conditions remain "challenging," the group’s operational focus and disciplined land investment are helping offset broader sector pressures.

Persimmon has maintained a five-star customer satisfaction rating for the fifth year running.

Persimmon's planned new homes off Hull Road, York

(Image: Pic supplied)

The company achieved planning approvals for 6,123 plots during the first half of 2026 and reported a 30 per cent increase in the use of its proprietary Space4 timber frame construction system.

Persimmon expects to complete around 12,500 homes in total for the year, which is at the upper end of its guidance.

The company operates under three brands: Persimmon Homes, Charles Church, and Westbury Partnerships.

All three brands recorded growth during the first half of the year.

Persimmon continues to target the Build to Rent (BTR) market and said its current private forward order book has grown by 5%, with an average private sale price of about £302,000, up three per cent from last year.

Persimmon said it is "80 per cent secured" on private completions for the full year and "fully secured" on housing association completions.

The company said it expects 2026 underlying profit before tax to be in line with market expectations.

An underlying operating profit of £491m and underlying profit before tax of £454m is expected for 2026, the half-yearly results added.