Trading Update

Barratt Developments PLC
15 July 2005


Under embargo 7am                                                 15th July 2005

                            BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS PLC

                                 TRADING UPDATE

Barratt Developments PLC, Britain's largest housebuilder, is today providing the
following Trading Update for the 12 months to 30th June 2005, ahead of its
Preliminary Results, which will be announced on 28th September 2005.

Notwithstanding the more challenging market throughout the financial year, we
have achieved further growth in volume, margins and pre-tax profit and expect to
announce results in line with market expectations. This will be our 13th
consecutive year of organic growth.

We continued to exercise caution in the land market throughout the year, but
were still able to increase our land bank by over 4,500 plots to circa. 61,000
plots, including 7,000 plots agreed subject to contract. This represents 4.25
years' supply at current volumes. Despite this increased investment, we have
secured a strong net cash position at the year end of circa. £275m in hand.

Total UK completions rose 2% to 14,351 (2004: 14,021) at an average selling
price of circa. £170,000, up 2%. Private completions were 1% down at 12,591
homes, with an increased selling price of circa. £180,000, up 4%. Social housing
completions increased by 35% to 1,760 at an average selling price of circa.
£100,000, up 12%.

Forward sales at 1st July stood at a healthy level of £774m (2004: £880m).
Whilst down on last year's all-time record, which reflected the previous year's
overheated market, in percentage terms this current level remains at the upper
end of our historic norm.

The medium and longer term fundamentals of the housing market remain sound,
bolstered by a continuing serious shortage of new homes due to the present
planning system. In the short term, however, it is clear that the immediate
economic outlook remains uncertain and this is causing continued buyer hesitancy
and, consequently, higher sales costs than earlier in the year. In these
circumstances it is too early to assess the market for the year ahead.
Traditionally, we would expect to see uplifts in sales activity in the Autumn
and next Spring, but if these do not materialise due to general economic factors
outside our control, we would anticipate little or no growth in completions even
though we expect to be operating from 7% more outlets during the year.

Despite the short term uncertainties, our long term strategy remains unchanged
and, undoubtedly, there will be many growth opportunities for us in the future.
Our wide geographic coverage and extensive product range, together with our
urban regeneration and social housing expertise have all contributed to a good
result for the year. These core strengths, together with our healthy forward
sales, our strong finances and experienced management team, leave us well
positioned for the future and able to immediately respond as market conditions
improve.



Enquiries:-

Barratt Developments PLC                             Weber Shandwick Square Mile
David Pretty, Chief Executive                          Terry Garrett/Chris Lynch
Colin Dearlove, Finance Director                              Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone] 



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