🏡 **More Homes Sold, But Mortgage Costs Still a Challenge!**
Persimmon, the major housebuilder, has hit a new milestone this year, selling more homes despite a tricky housing market. This iconic York-based company completed 4,605 house sales in the first half of 2025—an impressive 4% increase compared to last year.
But there’s a catch. Sky-high mortgage rates and rising living costs, like council tax and energy bills, are making homeownership less affordable for many. With an average sale price now up 8% to about £284,000, the dream of owning a home feels a bit further out of reach for some buyers, especially first-timers, who make up about a third of Persimmon’s private sales this year.
Even though the Bank of England has been trimming down its base rates, mortgage costs are still a major hurdle for potential buyers, Persimmon warns. CEO Dean Finch shared his enthusiasm for growth amid these challenges but stressed that affordability hurdles remain real.
On a positive note, Persimmon is sticking to its plan and expects to close 11,000 to 11,500 home sales this year, and even more in 2026. It’s also encouraging to see forward sales up by 9%—a promising sign that interest isn’t waning.
The company assures potential buyers that its homes are priced more competitively than many of its biggest rivals, and they’re committed to offering affordable options, like shared equity. Meanwhile, pay raises and easing mortgage rules bring a glimmer of hope for some aspiring homeowners.
Let’s keep fingers crossed for a smoother path to homeownership! 🏠✨