Trading Statement

Persimmon PLC
27 June 2005

                     TRADING UPDATE - MONDAY 27TH JUNE 2005

Persimmon plc announces the following trading update ahead of its Interim
Results to 30th June 2005, which will be announced on Tuesday 23rd August 2005.

Despite a slower period of trading during the six months to 30th June 2005,
pre-tax profits for the period are expected to be ahead of the prior year. We
will have legally completed c. 6,000 units, a similar level of completions to
those achieved during the same period last year (H1 2004: 6,058 units).

Persimmon's extensive geographical coverage and wide availability of homes which
offer accommodation matching purchaser demand and aspirations, has been
fundamental in achieving this result.

The average selling price of homes sold was c. £184,000 which represents a c.
7.6% increase (H1 2004: £171,082) reflecting a change of mix and specification
in addition to some price growth. Total sales revenue to date for the full year
2005, including legal completions already achieved, is at c. £1.8 billion from
c. 10,000 new homes (June 2004: 10,421). This is at the same level as last
year's extremely strong sales position. We are also currently operating from c.
15% more sales outlets than at this time last year, which puts Persimmon in a
strong position to maintain good sales volumes throughout the remainder of 2005,
although our focus remains on maximising margins and selling prices.

Whilst selling costs and the use of incentives have risen slightly, overall
margins have been maintained at the levels achieved in the comparative period
for 2004.

We have continued to generate strong cash flow whilst investing in both good
land opportunities and work in progress to ensure that we maintain a strong
position in this market with a comprehensive spread of developments and house
types. Our landbank is currently at c. 62,000 plots (December 2004: 59,947)
owned and under control. We anticipate a further reduction in gearing to c. 13%
at 30th June 2005.

Whilst the market in some areas of the UK has slowed, there continues to be good
demand in other areas, such as Scotland and the South West of England. Selling
prices for new homes remain resilient and we continue to experience good visitor
levels to our show homes. In addition there remains an undersupply of new homes
in general across the whole of the UK, which reinforces our continuing
confidence in the market and in Persimmon's ability to make further progress.

Further details will be issued when we announce our Interim Results on Tuesday
23rd August 2005.

For further information, please contact:

Persimmon plc                                 Finsbury Group
John White, Group Chief Executive             Edward Orlebar/ Faeth Birch
Mike Killoran, Group Finance Director         Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone]

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