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Taylor Wimpey sales rate slows ahead of Budget, but outlook maintained

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Taylor Wimpey sales rate slows ahead of Budget, but outlook maintained

Taylor Wimpey PLC maintains its full-year 2025 guidance for UK completions and operating profit, despite a notable slowdown in its second-half net private sales rate to 0.63 homes per outlet per week, down from 0.79 at mid-year. The housebuilder's order book has decreased to 7,253 homes valued at £2.1 billion, attributed to market uncertainty ahead of the UK Budget and ongoing affordability pressures. However, the company notes early progress in government planning reforms, accelerated outlet openings, and stable pricing with low single-digit build cost inflation, indicating a resilient performance amidst challenging conditions.

Analysis

Taylor Wimpey PLC has maintained its full-year 2025 expectations for UK completions and group operating profit, signaling resilience despite a challenging market. This guidance comes amidst a notable slowdown in the net private sales rate, which decreased to 0.63 homes per outlet per week in the second half, down from 0.79 at the half-year stage. The company's order book has consequently contracted to 7,253 homes valued at £2.1 billion, a reduction from £2.2 billion a year prior. Management attributes this subdued demand and unchanged 17% cancellation rate to market uncertainty, particularly ahead of the upcoming UK Budget, and persistent affordability pressures impacting homeowners. However, Taylor Wimpey is demonstrating operational agility, accelerating outlet openings to 51 year-to-date compared to 34 last year, and expects low single-digit build cost inflation with broadly flat underlying pricing. Early signs of progress in government planning reforms and increased engagement with local authorities also provide a potential tailwind, supporting the maintained profit outlook.

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