Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, says Persimmon's (LSE:PSN) momentum continues to build in the early months of 2026, with average weekly net private sales rates up 3% year‑to‑date to 0.76, the order book rising 5% to £2.46bn and management maintaining guidance to complete 12,000-12,500 new homes.
Chiekrie points to rising average selling prices and that Persimmon, the UK housebuilder, prices its homes about 19% below the new‑build national average-making them more accessible-while buyer incentive levels remain in check and the group's in‑house materials businesses shave roughly £5,000 off build costs per house.
She cautions that the Middle East conflict has not yet had a material impact but has produced early signs of higher supply‑chain inflation from energy costs that are likely to bite in the second half of 2026 and into 2027, although Persimmon says it is comfortable with current market expectations for full‑year underlying pre‑tax profit of roughly £462m, about 4% growth.
"Persimmon’s momentum continues to build in the early months of 2026, with a strong, all‑round sales performance despite current market challenges."
