# Persimmon momentum continues to build despite tough market

By Aarin Chiekrie — 2026-04-30

Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Persimmon’s momentum continues to build in the early months of 2026, with a strong, all-round sales performance despite current market challenges.

“Average weekly net private sales rates were up three per cent over the first four months, and alongside an increase in average selling prices, top-line growth looks in good shape.

“The order book’s growing faster, rising five per cent to £2.46billion, while buyer incentive levels remain in check.

“In part, Persimmon’s resilient performance has been helped by its houses being priced around 19 per cent below the newbuild national average, offering a more accessible price point to buyers struggling with affordability issues.

“While the conflict in the Middle East hasn’t had a material impact on Persimmon so far, there’s the potential for that to change in the future.

“There are already early signs of increased inflation in its supply chains due to higher energy costs, which are likely to hit in the second half of 2026 and into 2027.

“The group’s in-house materials businesses should help offer some relief on that front, giving the group quicker and cheaper access to key materials than many of its peers, shaving around £5,000 off costs per house.

“If broader economic conditions don’t deteriorate much further from here, Persimmon’s comfortable with current market expectations for full-year underlying pre-tax profits, pointing to growth of around four per cent to £462million.”

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