Bellway Shares (LON: BWY) Up Early As Firm Raises Average Selling Price Outlook

Bellway plc (LON: BWY) reported a positive trading update for the period from February 1 to June 2, 2024, indicating stronger demand and an improved outlook for the housebuilder. The Bellway share price has traded up on the guidance this morning, with 1.65% gains bringing the stock back towards the realms of 52 week highs.

Bellway's trading performance benefitted from increased affordability due to a moderation in mortgage interest rates, consumer price inflation, and rising wages.

This resulted in a sustained improvement in private reservations throughout the spring selling season. Customer confidence and reservation rates compared to the first half of the financial year were also stronger. The private reservation rate per outlet per week increased by 6.9% to 0.62, with overall headline pricing remaining firm.

The improved market conditions led to a rise in the private reservation rate to an average of 152 per week, with the overall reservation rate reaching 192 per week. Bellway's forward order book has grown to 5,346 homes.

Looking ahead, the company said it is encouraged by the recent period of relative stability in trading and is now fully sold for the current financial year.

The average selling price is now expected to be around £305,000, primarily due to changes in product mix, including higher-value private completions anticipated in the final quarter.

Bellway remains on track to deliver its full-year volume target of around 7,500 homes, albeit with a reduced operating margin compared to the prior year. The company is well-positioned for growth in FY 2025, supported by a strong outlet opening program, a healthy forward order book, and a robust balance sheet.

Despite potential short-term headwinds from political campaigning, Bellway expresses confidence in the long-term housing market fundamentals.

This morning, Halifax released its latest house price index, showing the annual rate of house price growth increased by 1.5% last month from +1.1% in April.

Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, stated: “A period of relative stability in house prices and interest rates should give a degree of confidence to both buyers and sellers.”