Trading update from Barratt Developments

July 9, 2015

SHARES in housebuilders and estate agents dropped yesterday as the Chancellor announced plans to curb the booming buy-to-let sector by cutting tax relief. George Osborne announced in his summer budget that the amount landlords can claim on mortgage interest payments will now be set at the basic rate of income tax, currently at 20 per cent, this measure will be introduced over four years from 2017 and is aimed at creating a level playing field between investors and home owners.

Barratt Developements the housebuilder saw some of those losses reversed in early trading today as it released it’s trading update, announcing that it expected to see a 45% increase in full-year pre-tax profit to £565m, from £390.6m last year amid continued strong demand in the housing market.

Barratt said the group had traded well throughout the financial year, delivering a strong improvement in performance across all financial metrics, with good demand for new homes across all six of its operating regions, the company focused on maximising sales while driving financial performance.

Chief executive David Thomas said: “The housing market has remained strong and our operating performance has been very good. Over the last 12 months we have opened 176 new developments, increased our housing completions by 11% and committed £1bn of land investment for future housing. We start the new financial year with very strong forward sales and are well on the way to meeting our full-year 2017 targets of a 20% gross margin and at least 25% return on capital.”

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Boost Spring Valuations: Is Upgrading to Double Glazing Still a Top ROI?

Come spring, the property market always picks up pace. As an estate agent, you know the questions start flooding in from homeowners wanting to maximise their sale price. Top of the list for many? Windows. Specifically, is splashing out on new double glazing actually going to deliver a worthwhile return when they sell? It’s a…
Read More →
LIVING BY THE SEASIDE 2022
Breaking News

COVID five years on: City and coastal trends reverse as homes by the sea take longer to sell

Rightmove’s new report looks at how the market has changed five years on from the pandemic starting Many city and coastal trends have now reversed, with homes near the sea taking three weeks longer to sell compared to 2020, and the majority of buyers in the capital looking to stay rather than leave London A…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

What it takes to make real estate development financing work

By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners Securing financing for real estate development has become an uphill battle. With interest rates still elevated, inflation pushing construction costs higher, and planning delays introducing further uncertainty, developers face a challenging environment. Traditional lenders, constrained by regulatory pressures and rising risk aversion, have scaled back, creating…
Read More →
Home and Living

Signs Your Roof Needs Professional Repair: Don’t Ignore These Red Flags!

The roof of your home is one of its most vital components. It serves as the first line of defense against the elements, shielding you and your family from rain, snow, wind, and UV rays. A sturdy roof also enhances the energy efficiency of your house, helping to regulate temperature and reduce heating and cooling…
Read More →
for sale sign london
Estate Agent Talk

Cheap Local Estate Agent

How much is the average estate agency fees in England for 2025? The figure of 1.42% (including VAT) is the average estate agency fee in 2025. This average fee for selling your home can vary with figures between 1% and up to 3.5%, there may be some lower and higher too. How you are looking…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

The Future of Real Estate: How Technology is Revolutionizing the Industry

It is also evident that the real estate industry is going through a lot of changes mainly due to changes in technology. Technology is changing almost every aspect of the industry and this includes the purchasing, selling, and advertising of properties. Consumers need a more efficient and enhanced form of transactions, real estate professionals must…
Read More →