Persimmon ups guidance amid ‘challenging’ marketHousebuilder Persimmon says it expects to deliver sales at the “upper end” of targets, despite a challenging property market. The company has forecast about 12,500 home completions in 2026, adding profits are on track with guidance. Net private sales were up six per cent in the five weeks to the end of June, but the company said open market sales have “softened slightly in recent weeks” due to tough conditions in the wider housing market. He added: “In a challenging market, this performance demonstrates the strength of our established strategy, product mix and geographic footprint, alongside the benefits of our lower cost operating model, sustained investment in the business and ongoing commitment to self-help. “We remain on track to deliver growth in 2026 in line with market expectations.”