Housebuilder Barratt Developments has reported higher visitors levels to its properties since the new year but the number of purchases is falling.

The company, which bought Wilson Bowden last year, said forward sales currently stand at £1.61 billion, a 7% drop on a year-on-year basis.

Chief executive Mark Clare said he was 'optimistic' that growing interest in its homes would continue through the rest of the spring selling season.

The update came as Barratt reported a 14.% rise in underlying pre-tax profits to £201.8 million for the second half of 2007.

Shares in Barratt advanced 2% to 433.5p.