The firm’s brick factory in Doncaster is working 24/7 to meet demand
A Persimmon housing development(Image: PA)
Developer Persimmon is hoping for an uplift in new homes completed this year, providing the conflict in Iran and its impacts are “short”.
The York-based housebuilder issued full year results to the London Stock Exchange showing a 12% rise in completions in 2025, to 11,905. Underlying operating profit was up 17% to £472.1m, although this was before an exceptional charge of nearly £45m and a goodwill impairment of £3.4m.
Staff at the firm’s South Yorkshire brick factory are working around the clock to meet demand, with plans in place to expand the site’s capacity with an additional production line, opening in 2027. Along with its timber frames and tiles, Persimmon said it now preferred to use materials manufactured in house.
Bosses said current market conditions are “supportive”, including better mortgage availability and real wage growth, coupled with beneficial changes to planning rules. However it said the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East were so far unknown.
In the first nine weeks of this year, Persimmon’s net private sales rate per outlet was up 9% compared to the same period last year. The average selling price in 2025 rose 4% to more than £278,000.
Dean Finch, group chief executive, said: “Persimmon delivered a strong performance for 2025, with completions growing 12% and underlying profit before tax increasing 13%. This reflects our sustained investment in the business and our commitment to self-help, enabling us to grow in a challenging market. I want to thank all my colleagues for their dedication and expertise in delivering this result; I am proud to work alongside them.
“Sales in the opening weeks of the year have been strong and the build to rent market is recovering from the slowdown around November’s Budget. Whilst we have good visibility of both our costs for 2026 and our demand from registered providers and build-to-rent, the impact of the Iran conflict on customer sentiment remains to be seen. Assuming the conflict with Iran and its impact is short, Persimmon is set to grow again in 2026.
“Our three distinctive brands all grew last year, diversifying our market reach. Our strengthened brands, strategic land bank, on-going investment and operational improvements, supported by our balance sheet and unique vertically integrated model, position Persimmon well to grow into the medium term.”