Redfern added that there has been good demand for larger family properties, with people wanting more space since the first lockdown.
Taylor Wimpey, which has also been reducing costs, said its order book stands at £3 billon, up from £2.7 billion a year earlier.
Profits this year will be towards the upper end of a £242 million- £292 million forecast. Operating profits for 2021 will be “materially above” the current consensus range of £359 million- £626 million.
The figure for next year is still lower than 2019 pre-pandemic, but much better than the group had been expecting in July.
Housebuilders were hit when the housing market in March was effectively shut down as people were urged to avoid moving and a number of construction sites temporarily closed.
But restrictions were eased in May and the stamp duty holiday came in. Estate agents have reported bumper pent-up demand following the lockdown.
The housing sector is allowed to operate throughout the latest lockdown. Taylor Wimpey said: “The early signs suggest that customers wish to continue to progress purchases, with forward sales indicators at healthy levels.”
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity are expecting a bounce back in second half profits at Persimmon, and the City is expecting an upbeat trading update from Vistry.
There are concerns the industry could be hurt when the stamp duty holiday ends at the end of March, amid worries about the wider economy. impacting demand.
William Ryder, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “The builders have done considerably better than we expected. It’s not over yet, but so far the housebuilders have been one of the more positive surprises.”
