Investors disappointed with UK housebuilders could consider Irish counterparts Glenveagh Properties and Cairn Homes. Ireland's government supports residential construction with measures like a Help-to-Buy scheme offering tax rebates up to €30,000 and shared-equity loans. Demand is buoyant and mortgages are cheaper than in the UK. Cairn's recent half-year figures showed a 60% increase in new homes completed. Glenveagh focuses on the Dublin market and builds for state ownership, with vertically integrated manufacturing facilities giving it greater control over supply chain and build time.

BUY: Glenveagh (GLV) 242¢. First-half results showed a slowdown, with revenues down 30% to €240mn and homes sold down to 155. Pre-tax profit of €1mn kept it in the black. Average sales prices are rising, supporting gross margin. It upgraded 2026 home sales guidance by 150 units to 2,900 and doubled its share buyback scheme to €100mn.

HOLD: Wickes (WIX) 191p. Overall sales grew 2% to £865mn, but retail revenue rose just 0.8% and fell 0.3% like-for-like due to wet weather. Adjusted pre-tax profit rose 1.1% to £27.6mn. Trading improved in Q3, but hitting guidance requires acceleration against a soft consumer backdrop.

SELL: Big Technologies (BIG) 96p. Founder and former chief Sara Murray was dismissed after she was accused...