British homebuilder shares slump on lack of clarity over first-time buyer plan in budget

Shares in British homebuilders slumped on Wednesday after finance minister John Healey's maiden budget left key questions unanswered on the timeline and funding of a much-awaited scheme to help first-time home buyers.

The homebuilders sector index fell more than 4% after the speech, reversing a 2% rally in the run-up to the budget.

Shares of Barratt Redrow, Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon declined more than 5% each, placing the companies among the biggest losers on the European benchmark STOXX 600 index.


Healey said 'Your First Home' scheme would be introduced next spring, funded with £4.7 billion ($6.24 billion) of government-backed lending.

Analysts, however, flagged that the timeline looks later than ideal, with the first equity loans not expected to be issued until April 2027 - likely missing the start of the crucial spring selling season.

"The biggest issue is more around the level of funding and the consequent duration of the scheme," said Investec analyst Aynsley Lammin.

The level of funding pointed to a scheme lasting only a couple of years rather than five or more, Lammin noted, and could deter builders from committing to new sites.