House builder Persimmon increased pre-tax profits by 30% to £457.4 million in the first six months of the year.

The company, which has a dozen active developments across Kent, increased average selling prices for its Charles Church brand by 9.4% to £347,819.

Its Persimmon homes sold for an average of £213,982, up 3.7%, helping its half-year revenues grow by 12% to £1.66 billion.

It sold 7,794 houses in the period, up 8%.

Chief executive Jeff Fairburn said: “The market remains confident.

“Customer interest in our developments remains strong with encouraging levels of interest through both our websites and our sales outlets as we trade through the quieter summer weeks.

“Whilst we remain vigilant to changes in market conditions we also recognise we are in a strong position to take advantage of opportunities that arise. We are looking forward to a good autumn sales season.”

Persimmon has houses for sale at Downs View in Swanley, Cross Quays in Manston, Sandpipers in Minster On Sea, Timperley Place in Deal, Manor Park in Ashford and Aylesham Village.

It is developing homes in Newington and two site in Maidstone.

Charles Church has houses for sale at Limes Place in Canterbury, Castle Hill in Ebbsfleet and a new development at Paddock Wood.