The housebuilder reported a 6% rise in private sales per outlet over the first quarter, while it said average sale prices in the private market lifted 6% to around £283,000 since the start of the year.

The firm said its forward order book was up 18% year-on-year in the first quarter, keeping it on track to complete between 10,000 to 10,500 homes over the full year.

However, it is still having to offer incentives on prices, at around 4% to 5% to boost demand.

Last week Taylor Wimpey said the housing market was stabilising, though it still reported a dip in its sales rate.

Dean Finch, group chief executive at Persimmon, said: “We saw an improvement in sales rates alongside firm pricing.

“Trading over recent weeks has been encouraging with robust visitor numbers and enquiries, giving us confidence for the remainder of the year.”

Persimmon, which has sites across Scotland, cautioned that the build cost, inflation and lower selling prices seen at the start of 2024 will impact first half figures, with the current pick up in demand being reflected in second half trading.