London, Jan 19, 2026, 14:36 GMT — Regular session
- Vistry shares slipped in mid-afternoon London trading following a new buyback announcement
- Rightmove’s report of a sharp rise in asking prices kept UK housing sentiment in the spotlight
- Investors are gearing up for Vistry’s upcoming results and its 2026 outlook
Vistry Group PLC shares dipped on Monday after the housebuilder announced it repurchased 77,600 shares via Peel Hunt, paying between 632.0 pence and 651.4 pence per share. The repurchased shares are set for cancellation. By 1436 GMT, the stock was down 0.6% at 648.6 pence, valuing the company at roughly £2.1 billion. (London South East)
The filing matters because buybacks cut the number of shares outstanding, which can boost earnings per share if profits stay steady. This comes at a time when the market has been driven almost solely by housing data and interest-rate forecasts.
Since last week’s updates, company news has been sparse. Investors are debating if 2026 volumes will actually rise or merely shift into the back half of the year. Even a minor capital-return announcement can influence positioning when trading is light.
Other UK housebuilders dipped slightly. Persimmon slipped 0.35%, while Taylor Wimpey eased 0.23%, with prices delayed by 15 minutes. (London South East)
The tone shifted early Monday after Rightmove reported a 2.8% jump in asking prices for new listings in the four weeks to Jan. 10 — the biggest monthly increase since 2015. “It’s an encouraging start to the year,” said Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert. The company also noted that the number of homes for sale hit its highest level for this time of year since 2014. (Reuters)
For housebuilders, stronger asking prices boost sentiment and can drive private sales. Yet, an uptick in supply quickly ramps up competition. More listings usually lead to tougher negotiations, especially for builders relying on first-time buyers to maintain moving chains.
Vistry last outlined its fundamentals on Jan. 14, projecting an adjusted profit before tax near £270 million. Revenue was expected to hold steady around £4.2 billion, with net debt roughly £145 million by year-end. CEO Greg Fitzgerald expressed satisfaction with meeting full-year guidance despite ongoing hurdles in the open market — sales to private buyers — and delays in partner-funded projects caused by budget uncertainties. (Vistry Group)
Buybacks won’t shift the bigger variable: demand. If mortgage rates climb or affordability worsens, a slight uptick in asking prices might not speed up completions. Deals backed by partners can still stall if funding or refinancing dries up.
Vistry’s full-year results, due March 4, will serve as the next major trigger. Investors will focus on cash flow, debt levels, and the management’s outlook for demand in 2026. (Vistry Group)
