Housebuilding group Taylor Wimpey today released its latest trading statement informing investors of a 1% share rise, during a time in which the market as a whole started off negatively.

This good performance is underpinned by increased customer demand (up 14%), and good access to mortgages. Helal said the total order book stands at 8,811 homes with a value of £2,168m, up 7% and 16% respectively, compared to the same period last year.

The group said the land market remains stable with acquisitions at similar margins to last year. In this environment acquisitions will be on an ‘as needed basis’ and the current size of the land bank of 78,000 plots remains within the right size range for the business.

Helal added that more good news came on the cost front after Taylor Wimpey reported that build costs inflation had reduced, so investors should note the group anticipate that 2016 costs will only rise by 3-4%.

However housebuilders in general have not rallied to the same extent as the rest of the market since the January/February lows, and some believe this could be linked to the EU Referendum set for June.

But Taylor Wimpey has said there seems to be no sign of this as demand remains strong across all regions, although Helal said the referendum concerns should have more of an effect in the London market.

“We continue to rate the company as a ‘buy’ for investors seeking a balanced return and willing to accept a medium level of risk. However, investors need to be wary that there has been increasing talk in the market that the best for the sector may already be behind us and a Brexit will do a lot of damage to confidence in home buying,” Helal added.

The group declared a final dividend of 1.18p per share and a special dividend of 9.2p.