Shares in Crest Nicholson have increased by over 9% after the housebuilder recorded a "sustained improvement" in its sales rate since the middle of January.

The firm said that in the 10-week period to 20 March, its open market sales rate, excluding bulk, stood at 0.64 properties, compared to 0.61 in the 2025 financial year.

Crest Nicholson also said it has been supported by encouraging levels of customer enquiries. It added that it made strong progress repositioning the business from a volume builder to a “mid-premium, customer-focused developer” in the past year, and progress has continued in reshaping its landbank, processes and governance.

The company stated that its customer experience has remained a key focus in this period, with continued investment in its sales capability, digital tools and customer engagement.

While the house developer is yet to see any material trading impact from the "wider macroeconomic shock of recent weeks", it is alert to potential risks and will respond accordingly to any changes in the trading environment.

Investment director at AJ Bell, Russ Mould, said that the group is "unlikely to get much outside help" given the housebuilding sector’s current backdrop, so investors would be encouraged by the firm’s latest update.

He stated: "The company has seen sales rebound from the depressed levels seen at the back end of 2025 when a late Budget dampened demand. Crest Nicholson has not seen any impact from the Iran conflict and guidance for the financial year is unchanged.

"The market has acted with relief to this news and the progress seen internally after a tough period for the share price. Inevitably, Crest Nicholson is not being complacent about the risks.

"Historically, the company has run into issues around build quality and work is going on to repair its reputation and get customers back on side.

"After these signs of progress, the hope will be that Crest Nicholson’s turnaround is not knocked off course by recent events and the potential impact on build costs and customer demand."

---