'As the economic, political and lending environments have stabilised, there has been some recovery in customer demand and we have seen solid reservation activity since the start of January, building a strong forward sales position,' remarked Barratt's chief executive, David Thomas.
Mark Crouch, market analyst at eToro, remarked: 'With UK housebuilders battling numerous challenges in recent months, this morning's update will come as a relief to investors, as Barratt bucks the trend of disappointing sector earnings.
Britain's biggest housebuilder, which was formed after Barratt Developments bought Redrow for £2.5billion, told investors full-year adjusted pre-tax profits will be towards the top end of a £506million to £588million guidance range.
Barratt said trading had remained strong since the period ended, with its net private reservation rate in the five weeks to 2 February flatlining at 0.60 per week.
The business was formed last year after Barratt Developments finalised its £2.5billion takeover of rival Redrow, the largest UK housebuilding sector merger for 17 years.
