During the third quarter, 1,416 completions were achieved which was up from the 1,439 in the same quarter of 2023.

However, in the first six months, Persimmon completed 4,445 properties. Combined with its Q3 progress, the housebuilder has achieved 5,861 completions. To reach its completion target of 2024 this means Persimmon will need to build a minimum of 4,639 homes in the fourth quarter.

A spokesperson for the housebuilder said this was “fairly typical” with a significant weighting usually seen towards the last quarter of the year. In Q4 of 2023 Persimmon completed 4,234 homes.

Elsewhere Persimmon has grown its forward sales position past £2bn for 2024. The firm’s current forward sales position of £2.02bn is more than the £1.73bn achieved at the same point in 2023.

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This has been attributed to “more stable market conditions” and a 40% increase in private sales specifically.

The private average selling price in the forward order book has remained robust at c.£291,400, 5% higher than this time last year (2023: c.£278,500).

“Positive momentum in the business continued over the summer months and we remain on track to deliver growth in completions to c.10,500 for the full year,” said Dean Finch, group CEO of Persimmon.

“Visitor numbers and enquiries remain strong and sales rates continue to be well ahead of the prior year.

“Our forward order book is up 17% on the prior year with the private average selling price robust. We continue to position the business for success, maintaining our focus on quality and customer service, and converting our land holdings into active developments.”