Persimmon's half-yearly results have surpassed expectations: the company has reported a 47% rise in profits to £214.9 million, up from £146.3m during the same period last year. Chief executive John White has emphasised the company's optimism about the market: “Visitor levels remain good and there has been no significant increase in the use of sales incentives. "The majority of our homes are sold to owner occupiers whose confidence is underpinned by strong employment prospects and we are not therefore reliant on the investor market. "As a result of the slow planning process, which is delaying site openings across the country, demand continues to exceed supply and is likely to do so for the foreseeable future.”