Trading Statement

Persimmon PLC
25 June 2007



                     TRADING UPDATE - MONDAY 25TH JUNE 2007



Persimmon plc announces the following trading update ahead of its Interim
Results to 30th June 2007, which will be announced on Tuesday 21st August 2007.


The first half of 2007 has been another successful period for Persimmon. During
the last six months we have continued to focus on the improvement of margins
following the completion of the acquisition of Westbury last year.


During the period we will have completed c. 8,000 units (H1 2006: 8,226) in line
with our expectations. Total sales revenue will be c. £1.5 billion. Our record
of achieving industry high margins consistently over many years has continued.
We have achieved operating margins in the period of over 20.5% which is an
increase on the margins achieved in the same period last year (H1 2006: 19.9%).


Despite the back drop of a rising interest rate environment the housing market
has continued to operate in a similar manner to 2006. The new homes market
specifically has remained active but competitive in the first half of 2007. We
have been achieving an increase in the weekly sales per site. This has been
offset by having a reduced number of outlets in the first few months of this
year due to planning delays.


However, we have increased outlets recently which has delivered an increase in
sales volumes over the comparative weeks of June last year. In addition,
cancellation rates are at low levels and visitor levels to our sites remain
encouraging. We expect this trend to continue during the second half as we
increase outlets further with a consequent increase in overall volumes in the
second half of 2007 and 2008.


As at 30th June 2007, we expect our forward sales position for the second half
of 2007, to be at c. £950 million (June 2006: £882 million). This puts us in a
very strong position to achieve our full year expectations.


The last six months has been another interesting period for the sector. We
continue to consider every opportunity to grow our business whilst ensuring that
we invest where this is in the best interests of the business and shareholders
in the medium and long term. Currently we have a landbank of c. 82,000 plots
owned and under control. We are confident that we will continue to strengthen
our landbank further as we achieve future successes with the promotion of our
large strategic land holdings. This will provide the necessary platform to
increase volumes ensuring that the profitable growth of the Company continues.


Average gearing for the first half has been at c. 50% whilst at the period end,
30th June 2007 gearing will be c. 33%. Our Balance Sheet remains in a very
strong position.


Recent interest rate rises have had the desired effect and the housing market is
stable with only moderate price growth. Employment prospects and customer
confidence remain good, and as a result the market has continued to be
resilient. In the absence of any major change to the UK economy we expect this
situation to continue.


We have a strong forward order book, an increasing number of outlets coming on
stream, an excellent landbank including significant strategic land holdings, and
an experienced and focussed management team. We are therefore confident of our
ability to deliver growth in line with our expectations and of the excellent
prospects for the Group over future years.


Further details will be announced at the announcement of our Interim Results on
Tuesday 21st August 2007.



For further information, please contact:
Persimmon plc
Tel: [phone]

John White, Group Chairman
Mike Farley, Group Chief Executive
Mike Killoran, Group Finance Director

M:Communications
Ed Orlebar:
[phone] / [phone]
[e-mail]

Charlotte McMullen:
[phone] / [phone]
[e-mail]






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