Builder Crest Nicholson says UK election result may bring uncertainty

LONDON, June 13 (Reuters) - British builder Crest Nicholson (Frankfurt: A1KCZN - news) said the inconclusive outcome of Thursday's national election could result in uncertainty in the housing market as the firm posted a 5 percent rise in first-half pre-tax profit to 76.2 million pounds ($97 million).

Prime Minister Theresa May failed to secure an outright majority in the national vote and is seeking to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party to support her administration.

"The outcome of the UK General Election may introduce some uncertainty in the short term but we expect the new build housing market to remain robust," said Chief Executive Stephen Stone.

Crest (BSE: CREST.BO - news) also said forward sales stood at 540 million pounds by mid-June, 4 percent ahead of last year. ($1 = 0.7896 pounds) (Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Kate Holton)