Taylor Wimpey on track for £444M profit despite margin squeeze

Taylor Wimpey has reiterated that it is on track to achieve its 2025 operating profit target of around £444 million, despite anticipating lower half-year profit margins due to pricing pressures and mix effects earlier in the year. The housebuilder reported a resilient market, with a rise in its net private sales rate to 0.77 per outlet per week and an increase in its order book value to £2.3 billion as of late April. The company expects to deliver between 10,400 and 10,800 home completions in 2025, with about 45% completed in the first half. While affordability is reportedly improving, first-time buyers still face some challenges, and Taylor Wimpey’s CEO highlighted the positive impact of planning reforms, though she emphasized the need for focused implementation. Average selling prices are projected at £330,000 for the first half and £340,000 for the full year. Overall, trading during the spring selling season has aligned with expectations, supporting the company’s full-year guidance.