Taylor Wimpey sees FY in line despite Brexit worries

(Sharecast News) - House builder Taylor Wimpey said it would report 2018 full year results in line with expectations as the housing market remained stable despite uncertainties caused by Brexit."During the year, we saw good levels of demand, which converted into strong sales rates across the business.," the company said in a trading statement.Total home completions increased by 3% to 14,947, including joint ventures."Whilst it is clearly too early to give a definitive view on 2019 trading, we continue to see solid forward sales indicators and start the year with a very strong order book.The company said it ended 2018 with a total order book valued at £1.78bn, representing 8,304 homes, against £1.62bn in 2017. Taylor attributed the growth to more affordable housing."Employment trends also remain at healthy levels and customers will be able to benefit from the government's Help to Buy scheme until 2023," the company said."However, we will continue to closely monitor market conditions for any potential impact on customer confidence in light of the wider political and economic uncertainty."The Spanish market saw 342 completions, up from 301 at an average selling price of €344k, down from €352k in 2017."Spain will deliver an improved operating profit in 2018, (up from £26.8m in 2017) and is well placed to continue to progress in 2019," the company said.