In an upbeat trading statement, the builder said it planned to start work on 40 sites in the second quarter on top of the 50 sites started in the first three months of 2010.
Presently, the UK’s largest house builder by market value has 375 sites on the go.
“We have recently acquired some excellent sites including some from our strategic land portfolio upon which we have now received residential planning consents,” said Mike Farley, group chief executive.
“This new land will generate higher margins as development commences during the next 12 months.”
He added that weekly sales volumes have remained consistent despite a backdrop of continued uncertainty regarding the wider economic outlook and the forthcoming General Election.
Total sales including legal completions since January stood at about £1.15bn, 20% higher than last year.
Sales volumes are 11% ahead, including a higher content of private sales at firm prices.
Persimmon continues to eat away at its debt pile, now down from £680m this time last year to £265m. It said as the year progresses net debt would reduce further.