Trading Statement

Persimmon PLC
20 December 2000

                                       


                                Trading Update
                                       
In order to keep investors informed of progress, Persimmon, one of the UK's
largest housebuilders, is today issuing a trading update in advance of its
closed period.

Persimmon will announce its preliminary results for the year to 31st December
2000 on 1st March 2001.

John White, Group Chief Executive of Persimmon, said:  'In the second-half of
the year, traditional sales patterns altered slightly with good sales volumes
in October and November following a quieter than usual mid-summer period.
Persimmon's legal completions are expected to be at similar levels to last
year's strong performance.

'We expect our commitment to improving 'profit per plot' to result in
significant improvements in average selling prices ensuring another excellent
performance for the year.

'We continue to experience strong demand in all areas of the country with
forward sales values of reservations and contracts for 2001 currently running
15 per cent higher than the prior year.'

                                       
                                   
For further information, please contact:
John White, Chief Executive                  Edward Orlebar
Persimmon plc                                Finsbury
Tel: [phone]                            Tel: [phone]