Persimmon re-opens housebuilding sites

The housebuilder had introduced an orderly shutdown of its construction sites in late March after the government’s announcement of restrictions on business to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Persimmon has maintained its current workforce, including those that were stood down during the period of low activity, to ensure it is in a position to respond quickly when construction sites were able to reopen.

Persimmon has reported continued good levels of customer enquiries since the government’s announcement, “providing encouragement with regards to the resilience of demand for good quality newly built homes at attractive prices across the UK”.

In the six weeks ended April 26, the Group secured 962 gross private sales reservations, with a total of 948 legal completions being made in the same period.

The company’s off-site manufacturing capability for timber frames, closed panel construction systems, bricks and roof tiles will “ensure continuity of supply of key materials on the reopening of our construction sites”.

The Group's current forward sales position, with total forward sales revenue, including legal completions taken to date in 2020, is £2.4bn (2019: £2.7bn).

“The financial position of the Group is strong and our selling prices presently remain firm,” it said.

“During these uncertain times, maintaining financial flexibility and supporting all of our workforce ensures that we are being able to gradually reopen sites and provide high levels of quality and service to our customers on delivery of their new homes.