New figures from house builder Persimmon reveal promising signs for the development of affordable homes in the UK, according to the National Housing Federation (NHF).

Persimmon recently announced that pre-tax profits for the first half of 2009 reached £9.8 million, with 4,006 new units completed during this period at an average selling price of £155,524.

Although the figures are a marked reduction compared to last year's, Persimmon added that selling prices appear to have stabilised in most parts of mainland UK, including more latterly in the north of England.

Gavin Smart, research and futures assistant director at the NHF, said the housing association sector is the only one that has been shown to be building more properties year-on-year.

"We hope with increased government investment in affordable housing that housing associations can do even more to deliver decent homes and help support the economy, including the construction sector," he commented.
Source: 27/08/09