Shares in Vistry have fallen by almost 7% despite the firm stating that its profit before tax is set to be in line with expectations in the year to 31 December.

The housebuilder said its profit in this period will increase by 2.4% year-on-year to £270m, while its revenue is expected to remain flat at £4.2bn.

The firm stated that these figures demonstrate the resilience of its differentiated strategy in a challenging private sales market.

However, Vistry's total completions dropped by 9% annually to around 15,700, while its full-year partner funded units reduced by 8% to 11,600, which the company said reflects its partners’ uncertainty in the first half of the year.

Chief executive officer at Vistry, Greg Fitzgerald, said: "I am pleased that we delivered on our full-year guidance, with a particularly strong second half performance despite continued challenges in the open market and the uncertainty related to the November Budget, which delayed the timing of some partner funded deals.

"Strong margins enabled us to mitigate top line headwinds and reflects the focus within the business on driving improved site mix and cost management over the last 12 months."

In its outlook for 2026, the housebuilder said it is “uniquely positioned” as a provider of affordable, mixed tenure housing. It said that it entered the new year with a forward sales position totalling £4bn.

Vistry also stated that while market conditions remain uncertain in the near term, further benefits of its cost, productivity and mix enhancements initiatives will support the delivery of good year-on-year financial and strategic progress.

Head of markets at AJ Bell, Dan Coastworth, said that the firm has fallen a victim of delays thanks to the timing of last year’s Budget.

He concluded: "This overshadowed some modest progress on debt reduction and margins and put the company in the market doghouse.

"Vistry does not have a huge amount of credit with shareholders after issues around the understatement of costs in its south division which came to light in 2024.

"It needs to show a focus on regeneration and affordable housing can deliver the goods. The expectation for a second half weighting to 2026 performance may inspire a bit of trepidation among investors."

Vistry will announce its full-year results for the year to 31 December on 4 March.

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