<p>Persimmon has announced it intends to start work on 50 sites in the second half of the year and says prospects and forward sales are better than this time last year. Forward sales stand at £700 million compared to £650 million this time in 2008 despite falling prices.</p> <br><p>The firms says it has seen a 4% decline in house prices so far this year, but that prices are stabilising in some areas.</p> <br><p>"We are encouraged by the improvement in sales rates when compared to last year," said the Persimmon statement, "but will remain cautious until mortgage availability improves further and employment prospects stabilise."</p>