Overview
- Persimmon, which issued a trading update Thursday, said higher energy prices tied to the Iran war are starting to push up input costs that could affect results in the second half of 2026 and into 2027.
- The company kept guidance for 12,000 to 12,500 home completions in 2026 and about £462 million in pre-tax profit, noting this depends on stable market conditions.
- Private forward sales rose 7% to £1.8 billion, though enquiries have eased after mortgage rates edged higher since early March.
- Management said it is working with suppliers, tightening costs and focusing on cash to limit price rises, supported by a strong balance sheet.
- Peers such as Taylor Wimpey, Barratt, Redrow and Berkeley have scaled back land buying, a sign that energy-driven spikes in materials like bricks and plasterboard are squeezing builders and could complicate the UK goal of 1.5 million new homes.