<p>Persimmon has released a positive statement on its business and the market today, revealing that weekly private sales rates since the start of September are 19% up on the same period last year.</p> <p>The firm has experienced improved sales rates in the traditionally strong autumn period, but since July has also seen a surge in first time buyer visitors, 35% up year on year. Persimmon says it is now taking "good reservations" from first time buyers keen to participate in the government sponsored FirstBuy shared equity scheme.</p> <p>The firm is fully sold up for this year and now has around £460 million of sales beyond 2011, 7% higher than last year at this stage. </p> <p>In the second half of the year, the firm has opened 63 of the 70 new sites anticipated and is experiencing encouraging levels of visitors and pent up demand.</p> <p>Persimmon expects full year sales to reach 9,300, similar to last year.</p>