Builders and estate agents suffered in March when viewings stopped, many construction sites closed and people were urged not to move, as part of government efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Restrictions in the housing market were lifted in May and buyers have returned in a flurry since then. Many have been enticed by a stamp duty holiday that was launched in July.
Persimmon said “reflecting the group's continuing strong performance”, a further interim dividend of 70p per share will be paid in December, which together with the interim dividend of 40p per share paid in September, replaces the previously postponed 110p per share final dividend declared for 2019.
Finch replaced Dave Jenkinson at Persimmon. Jenkinson tried to help improve Persimmon’s reputation following a turbulent period. The firm had faced complaints about construction quality and former chief Jeff Fairburn left after a backlash over his £75 million bonus.
