0922 GMT - For U.K. housebuilders, the recent reduction in mortgage rates, improvements to affordability and an upbeat trend on Boxing Day's website traffic support expectations of a healthy demand pickup into spring, Citi says. Still, it is too early to get a confirmation of this trend and January's adverse weather conditions might imply that near-term site traffic might be less exciting, analyst Ami Galla says in a note. Activity indicators into February are likely to offer a clearer sign on early spring trading, Galla says. "Planning still shows little signs of improvement... and its progress in 2026 will be keenly followed to gauge the effectiveness of the policy changes," she says. Bellway shares are down 0.8% followed by Crest Nicholson, down 0.1%. (anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 12, 2026 04:22 ET (09:22 GMT)

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