LONDON -- I sometimes wonder if I'm the only person who thinks the U.K.'s housebuilders are a steal right now, as I look over their trading updates, forecasts, and valuations, and see shares that seem just too cheap to me.
Well, I know I'm not actually alone, as only last week, fellow Fool writer David Holding was talking bullishly about them, and he went for an interesting one in his pick of the sector.
And this week, Motley Fool Share Advisor senior analyst Nate Weisshaar has been talking positively about three in the sector that he thinks are looking good.
Why are the markets not snapping them up? Well, some sectors are cyclical, and many institutional investors with eyes only for year-end results seem to be avoiding such uncertainties right now, which leaves bargains for long-term Fools.
If you want to learn about some other sectors that are being snubbed by the markets and are looking like decent long-term investments right now, I'd recommend you have a look at the Motley Fool's special report "Top Sectors Of 2012", while it's still free. But let's look more closely at the builders.
Builder updates
Last week we had an interim update from Persimmon
Add to that Persimmon's publishing of its dividend targets for the next nine years -- giving a 12% yield for 2013 -- and it's surely a bargain, isn't it? I thought it was, as I chose it for the Fool's Beginners' Portfolio last week.
On Monday it was the turn of Bovis Homes Group
Margins are looking good, and the firm expects the half year to bring in a 10% operating margin, against 7.5% for the first half of last year.
Then today, we had full-year updates from two others, with Barratt Developments
And a full-year update from Galliford Try
Don't miss out
With results like these coming in, and considering the landbanks that all these builders built up while it was dirt cheap at the depths of the recession, I really can't see these shares going anywhere but strongly upward over the next five years.
Another good way to find sectors like this which are offering good value is to have a look where the country's best investors are putting their money. That's why we have put together our free "8 Shares Held By Britain's Super Investor" report, which looks at the sectors chosen by ace investor Neil Woodford.
Are you looking to profit as a long-term investor? "10 Steps To Making A Million In The Market" is the latest Motley Fool guide to help Britain invest. Better. We urge you to read the report today -- while it's still free and available.
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