<p>A lower forward order book brought into the year and the weighting of completions from higher margin sites into the second half of the year have combined to constrain trading at McCarthy &amp; Stone.</p> <p>In a trading statement released on March 7 for the half year to the end of February 2017, the firm revealed completions in the period of 866 against 923 last year with revenue at £238 million (£250 million).</p> <p>However the retirement housebuilder said that trading conditions remain stable with sales lead indicatiors ahead of last year and that it is "well-placed" to deliver full year results in line with expectations. The firm said the period had been good for planning with detailed planning consents achieved on 34 sites representing around 1,314 units (2016: 19 sites, around 780 units). Average selling price increased 1% to £260,000 with further increases expected in the second half of the year.</p> <p>McCarthy &amp; Stone ceo Clive Fenton said: “We have delivered a solid performance during this half year despite the headwinds created by the lower forward order book brought into the year and the weighting of expected completions from higher margin new sites into the second half of the year. Our …