Our History
Building homes and communities for over 50 years
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1972
Established
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Head office opened in York
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1976
Began expansion
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1984
First acquisition
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1985
Publicly quoted
Our History
Established
Persimmon was founded by Duncan Davidson in 1972.
Through his determination, integrity and pioneering spirit, Duncan grew Persimmon from a small regional builder into one of the nation’s leading housebuilding companies.
Duncan retired as Executive Chairman in 2006 but remained Life President, continuing to take an interest in the Company and the wider industry.
Duncan passed away in October 2025, but his legacy lives on.
Our History
Head office opened in York
Initially operating in York, where we still have our head office today, Persimmon has steadily grown both organically and through acquisitions to become one of the UK's leading housebuilders.
Our History
Began expansion
We began our expansion in 1976, when the Anglia business was established. This was followed by the establishment of offices in the Midlands and the South West in 1979, Wessex in 1983 and the North East in 1985.
Our History
First acquisition
Our first acquisition was in 1984, with the purchase of Sketchmead, a Yorkshire based housebuilder. This was followed by three major acquisitions; Ideal Homes in 1996, Beazer Homes in 2001 and Westbury Homes in 2006. Other smaller acquisitions include Hillreed Homes in 2012, Merewood Homes in 2003, Tilbury Douglas Scottish Homes operation in 2000 and Laing Homes in 1998.
Our History
Publicly quoted
Persimmon Plc has been publicly quoted since 1985 and today is one of the UK’s leading 5 star housebuilders.
Duncan Davidson (1941–2025)
Duncan Davidson founded Persimmon in 1972 and led the business until his retirement as Executive Chairman in 2006. On retiring, Duncan was appointed Life President of the Company. Duncan passed away in October 2025, but he leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
Through his determination, integrity and pioneering spirit, Duncan grew Persimmon from a small regional builder into one of the nation’s leading housebuilding companies.
Duncan was a man of great vision and entrepreneurship; he was pivotal to every stage of Persimmon’s growth. Duncan is also remembered for his warmth, humility and his belief in doing things the right way. Duncan’s values continue to shape who we are today.
Duncan’s legacy lives on in the thousands of homes Persimmon has built, the communities we continue to serve and the people whose lives he helped shape.
Our Locations
With headquarters in York, we operate from 29 regional offices throughout the UK.
Our LocationsBoard of Directors
Our Board of Directors sets the Group’s purpose, defines the Group’s values, sets the strategy and monitors and assesses the Group’s culture.
Board of Directors