HOUSEBUILDER Persimmon said today it had made a positive start to 2013 with visitors to its developments up by 5% compared to last year.

In a trading update at its annual general meeting, the company said weekly private sales in the first 15 weeks of the year were around 4% up on the same period in 2012

Total forward sales, including legal completions already achieved for the current year, were 11% ahead of last year at £1.38billion against £1.24bn.

Persimmon, which also includes the Charles Church brand, said the Government-backed NewBuy and Help to Buy schemes were supporting demand.

And it said it was working with the Government to develop the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, due to be launched on January 1, 2014.

Andrew Fuller, managing director for Persimmon Homes Anglia, said: “Government schemes including NewBuy and the recently launched Help to Buy are all supporting new home buyers in our region.

“Help to Buy is proving particularly popular and we’re currently seeing incoming enquiries to our Persimmon Homes and sister-brand, Charles Church, websites increase by 30% compared to last year.”

Persimmon’s current developments in Suffolk and north Essex include sites in Ipswich, Colchester, Hadleigh and Great Cornard, with a scheme is Clare also due to be launched this year.

Mr Fuller added: “Our success in the region leads to more employment locally, an increase in much needed homes for people living in the community as well as providing our shareholders with a return on their investment. My team is committed to continuing to deliver on all three levels.”

Mike Farley, group chief executive, formally retired from Persimmon at the AGM and is succeeded by Jeff Fairburn, currently the company’s group managing director.