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Investing.com -- Shares of home construction firm Taylor Wimpey PLC (LON:TW) fell 2.25% despite the company releasing a trading update that showed positive performance indicators across several areas, including customer interest and mortgage lending.
The net private sales rate year-to-date (YTD) to April 27, 2025, was up 4% year-on-year (YoY), and the order book value and volume increased by 12% and 4% respectively YoY YTD.
Although Taylor Wimpey reported a healthy level of competitive mortgage products and a commitment from lenders to the U.K. housing market, the stock experienced a downturn.
The company also noted a net private sales rate YTD of 0.77 per outlet per week, a slight increase from 0.74 the previous year. Excluding bulk sales, the rate was up 9% compared to last year. The average selling price (ASP) in the order book was up 6% YoY, indicating a strong pricing environment.
However, the cancellation rate has risen to 16%, compared to 13% over the same period last year, which may have contributed to investor concerns. The company is operating from 201 outlets, consistent with its expectations, and anticipates more openings in 2025, with a focus on the second half of the year.
The landbank stood at approximately 78,000 plots at the end of March 2025, a slight decrease from around 81,000 plots in 2024, while strategic plots also saw a reduction to approximately 136,000 from 140,000. Nonetheless, the company has approved around 1,700 plots this year, an increase from about 1,400 in the previous year.
Taylor Wimpey reiterated its full-year 2025 guidance for volumes, with an expected range of 10,400-10,800 (UK ex JVs), which aligns with VA consensus estimates.
The U.K. average selling price is forecasted to be around £340k for the fiscal year 2025, surpassing the VA consensus of £327k, with the increase attributed to mix impacts. The Group’s operating profit for 2025 is expected to be in line with previous guidance at approximately £444m, closely matching VA consensus estimates.
An analyst at RBC commented on the trading update, stating, "A positive trading update given the macroeconomic uncertainty surrounding the impact of tariffs on the UK economy, we appreciate that houses are not exported, but employment security, the cost of living, wage growth and mortgage rates all impact new build housing market activity."