UK Housing Market Update – April 2025

Trading and Developer Activity

Barratt Redrow, in its first trading update post-merger, reported a “solid” performance with 3,717 home completions in the quarter. The group noted strong weekly private reservations and ongoing consolidation, with nine divisional offices being closed.

Persimmon also enjoyed a good start to the year, with net private sales per outlet per week – excluding bulk sales – up by 3% to 0.65 during the period from 1 January to 27 April.

Meanwhile, Taylor Wimpey remains on course to deliver 10,400 to 10,800 homes in 2025 amidst a “resilient” market.

In a trading statement, the firm said its net private sales rate for the year to 27 April was 0.77, with a cancellation rate of 16%. Total order book value stood at £2.3bn, representing 8,153 homes.

In contrast, Travis Perkins posted a dramatic 99% drop in profits, citing a £77m pre-tax loss for 2024 and falling revenues. Leadership instability remains a concern, with the CEO stepping down after just six months.

Regulatory and Policy Developments

The Building Safety Regulator revealed that 75% of ‘Gateway 2’ applications for high-rise residential buildings are still being rejected, primarily due to incomplete submissions and lack of industry design expertise. A shortage of regulatory staff is also contributing to delays.

Meanwhile, the Housing Ombudsman highlighted continued failures in landlord-resident communication, particularly around complaints relating to damp and mould. The need for tailored, clear, and timely engagement remains a key focus under Awaab’s Law.