<p><span>Berkeley’s trading has been “resilient” since the start of its financial year, with the business expecting a more even profit split between the first and second halves of the year, it said today (September 4). </span><span></span></p> <p><span>Reporting on the period from May 1 to August 31 2020, the housebuilder said that its production levels had been “better than initially anticipated” and its decision not to furlough staff in response to the pandemic had also helped its position. </span><span></span></p> <p><span>Berkeley’s efficiency levels are at around 90% “of normal”, but with new protocols continuing to affect production. </span><span></span></p> <p><span>The company saw strong sales pricing during the period - “above our business plan levels” - driven by demand in undersupplied markets and the benefits of the stamp duty holiday and Help to Buy extension. </span><span></span></p> <p><span>It is maintaining its guidance of £500 million of pre-tax profit for its full year, and its commitment to its shareholder returns programme of £280 million per annum. </span><span></span></p> <p><span>During the period, Berkeley started construction at “a number” of its more than 25 regeneration schemes, including the 3,800-home Twelve Trees Park in East London and the site of the old </span><span>Horlicks factory in Slough which will produce 1,300 …