<p>Persimmon today reports that sales rates have improved over the first part of the year, increasing by 12% when compared to this time last year. </p> <p>In a statement to the City, the firm said that visitor levels are encouraging and it expected to see a year on year increase in legal completions in the second half of 2011.</p> <p>The statement said the Budget measures were "helpful" and "whilst an improvement in the mortgage supply would improve market conditions, we are operating successfully at the current levels of activity."</p>