Bellway says it is on track to meet previous guidance for underlying operating profit, despite reporting a decline in demand in recent weeks.
In a trading update for the period from 1 February to 29 May 2026, chief executive Jason Honeyman said customer demand had “moderated in recent weeks” in response to rising mortgage rates, after a “positive start to the spring selling season”.
But the housebuilder said it remained on track to deliver FY26 underlying operating profit within the previously guided range of £320m-£330m.
The housebuilder’s private reservation rate decreased by 6.2% to an average of 151 per week, compared with 161 in the equivalent period the year prior.
Its forward order book at 29 May 2026 was also down from the same point last year, from 5,759 homes (£1.65bn) to 5,345 homes (£1.57bn).
It also said higher fuel and energy input costs were creating inflation in building material costs, with “certain supply chain partners” introducing surcharges.
Bellway said it was managing cost pressures through “disciplined procurement, the introduction of new standard house types, and close control of site production and overheads”.
Bellway reiterated its guidance for volume output of between 9,300 and 9,500 homes for the year.
The firm will release full-year results for the 12 months to 31 July on 13 October.
Source: www.building.co.uk/news/bellway-holds-profit-forecast-despite-dip-in-demand/