Sheffield-based affordable house builder MJ Gleeson plc warned of an ongoing lack of conviction in the housing market in an AGM trading update.

It said Gleeson Homes continues to experience margin pressure amid higher sales incentives.

“As previously indicated … the results for the financial year will be more weighted to the second half than usual,” said MJ Gleeson.

“The board continues to expect that the results for the year will be in line with current market expectations.”

On Gleeson Homes, the firm said: “As anticipated, the lack of conviction in the market continued through the Autumn. Last week’s base rate reduction was welcome and is expected to bolster buyer confidence into the important Spring selling season.

“Net reservation rates for the period 1 July to 1 November 2024 increased to 0.56 per site per week (0.47 excluding bulk reservations), from the 0.45 per site (0.41 excluding bulk reservations) during the same period last year.

“Gleeson Homes continues to experience margin pressure as a result of the use of higher sales incentives, the impact of multi-unit sales, increased build costs and limited relief from increasing selling prices.

“Gleeson Homes has commenced its programme of new site openings, having already opened 7 new sales sites this financial year.

“The division expects to open a total of 27 sales sites during the year (FY2024: 4 sales sites opened), but will be selling overall on a lower average number of sites than last year, with fewer sites in H1 than H2.

“Gleeson Homes will continue the positive momentum of site openings from FY2026 targeting a net 10 new sales sites per year.

“As the wider market improves, we remain confident in Gleeson Homes’ ability to fulfil this ambitious programme of site openings which will drive the exciting sector-leading growth planned for FY2026 and beyond.”

On Gleeson Land, thre group said: “Gleeson Land continues to promote several exciting opportunities. The prospective reform of the National Planning Policy Framework is expected to beneficially impact the timing of certain sites.

“Strong demand for consented land from large and medium-sized developers continues to give the Board confidence that Gleeson Land will deliver a full year result materially ahead of last year, with a number of significant sales expected to be completed in H2.

“A Trading Update for the 6 months to 31 December 2024 will be issued on 14 January 2025.”