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(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was up 0.5% at 8,873.96 in afternoon trade on Tuesday.
Housebuilders Persimmon, Barratt Redrow and Taylor Wimpey all gained after FTSE 250 peer Bellway said trading had been "robust" through the spring selling season and lifted its full-year outlook for completion volumes and average prices.
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "The latest numbers from Bellway offer evidence of an improving outlook for UK housebuilders.
"Borrowing costs have eased a touch and the industry continues to benefit from strong market dynamics as the UK struggles to build the number of homes it needs to meet the demands of its population.
"There are a couple of caveats to the positive headlines. The increased guidance for average prices reflects a change in the mix - amid robust demand for larger, more expensive homes - rather than a broader uptick in values. The reservation rate was also boosted by an increase in bulk sales rather than selling more to individual purchasers.
"The company still has some way to go to build back margins and volumes to the levels seen in 2022 and 2023. However, this is still an encouraging update from Bellway, with its growing order book providing some visibility on future revenue, with the company also enjoying a strong balance sheet and land position.
"Bellway and its peers will be hoping for some clarity on further rate cuts to help unlock demand."
Marks & Spencer was also in the black as the retailer said it was starting to take some online orders again six weeks after it was rocked by a major cyber attack.
The high street chain said a selection of fashion ranges were now available to buy online for home delivery in England, Wales and Scotland.
More items, including beauty and homeware products, will also be made available "in the coming weeks", it confirmed.
On the downside, banks were among the worst performers, with Standard Chartered, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest and HSBC all weaker.
FTSE 100 - Risers
Persimmon (PSN) 1,369.50p 5.14%
Barratt Redrow (BTRW) 469.50p 4.33%
Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 373.30p 3.75%
Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 120.65p 3.70%
SEGRO (SGRO) 708.00p 3.51%
Shell (SHEL) 2,574.00p 2.75%
Rentokil Initial (RTO) 360.50p 2.53%
Rightmove (RMV) 779.20p 2.36%
Centrica (CNA) 164.30p 2.24%
Melrose Industries (MRO) 495.00p 2.15%
FTSE 100 - Fallers
Standard Chartered (STAN) 1,151.50p -2.58%
Next (NXT) 12,590.00p -1.95%
Barclays (BARC) 327.35p -1.53%
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 75.98p -1.30%
NATWEST GROUP (NWG) 521.40p -0.99%
3i Group (III) 4,292.00p -0.97%
Airtel Africa (AAF) 176.50p -0.90%
GSK (GSK) 1,496.50p -0.83%
HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 879.30p -0.78%
Kingfisher (KGF) 272.40p -0.73%
