House builder Persimmon said the UK housing market continues to be challenging and mortgage availability remains the key constraint however it is still confident about future growth.
"With the adoption of our new Long Term Strategy at the start of the year we remain confident of the future successful growth of Persimmon," the group said in a company statement.
The group's weekly private sales rate is around 4% higher on the previous year, but down slightly from 5% as reported in its half year results at the end of August.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Visitor levels to its sites have been roughly 6% ahead of last year from the start of the autumn season and cancellation rates continue to run at historically low levels of around 20%.
Persimmon also highlighted that the cost of mortgage loans has recently reduced slightly as lenders access the Government's Funding for Lending Scheme.
The group re-iterated that it expects the group to return to underlying operating margins within the range of 15% to 17% in the medium term.
"We are confident that the second half of 2012 will demonstrate further good progress along that path, building upon the improvement to 12.2% secured in the first six months of the year," it added.
Return on capital employed will continue to increase, as it continues its tight control over development costs.
The group, which acquired over 5,500 plots since 1 July, including 1,600 plots in the South East, said it expects to hold an increased level of cash at the close of the year compared to £135.2m at the end of June, following strong free cash generated by its operations.
CJ
-
Paying the grandkids’ school fees could generate a shock IHT billPrivate school fees have soared as a result of the government’s VAT policy, meaning more grandparents are helping out – but what are the tax implications?
-
Number of savings deals hits record high – as interest rates slump to two-year lowSavers have more choice than ever when it comes to choosing a savings account or cash ISA. But, the interest rates on offer continue to fall. What’s next for the savings market?
