<p><span>Barratt Developments has delivered a “strong performance” since the start of 2019, it said today (May 9), with the housebuilder experiencing good customer demand aided by a stable market backdrop.</span></p> <p><span>During the period from January 1 to May 5 2019, the company’s net private reservations per active outlet per average week were 0.79 against 0.80 during the equivalent period in 2018.</span></p> <p><span>It operated from 388 outlets, which matched the same period last year, launching 47 new developments (2018: 33). Barratt said it continued to anticipate average active outlet numbers for the full year being similar to 2018.</span></p> <p><span>It added that it was progressing well with its medium term targets, with its focus on driving margin improvements through the firm.</span></p> <p><span>And in improving its cost profile, Barratt said that this financial year it had refined its new housing ranges further with the ranges being rolled out across the business, “providing us with the flexibility to replan sites to suit market conditions and meet consumer demands should the need arise”. It added that the new ranges were compatible with modern methods of construction.</span></p> <p><span>As of May 5 2019, Barratt’s total forward sales were 2.4% ahead of the same point last year, at …