The latest total value sales figures from Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) show that sales for Q2 2025 were up +2.8% compared to Q2 2024. Volume sales were up +4.0% year-on-year, while prices came down -1.1%. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were +4.5% higher.
Nine of the twelve categories sold more by value in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, with Renewables & Water Saving (+13.0%) increasing the most. Of the two biggest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (+3.7%) performed better than Total Builders Merchants, while Heavy Building Materials (+2.7%) fell just behind.
Quarter-on-quarter
Total value sales for Q2 2025 were +11.7% higher than Q1 2025. Volume sales saw a double-digit increase (+13.9%) while prices were down -2.0%. By value, nine categories sold more with seasonal category Landscaping (+46.8%) well ahead. Heavy Building Materials (+11.1%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+11.0%) also recorded strong value sales growth. With two less trading days, like-for-like value sales for Q2 were +15.3% up compared to Q1.
June sales Year-on-Year
Total value sales for June were up +5.6% year-on-year. Volume sales increased +6.7% and prices were -1.0% lower. All bar one category sold more in terms of value with Renewables & Water Saving (+14.1%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+12.2%), Workwear & Safetywear (+10.5%), Ironmongery (+8.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+7.9%) increasing the most.
June sales, Month-on-Month
June total value sales were -0.9% behind May. Volume sales were down -0.1% and prices fell -0.8%. By value, just four categories sold more: Kitchens & Bathrooms (+6.1%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+3.9%), Workwear & Safetywear (+3.8%) and Ironmongery (+1.9%). With one more trading day in June, like-for-like sales were down -5.6%.
Last 12 months
Total value sales for July 2024 to June 2025 were flat (+0.1%) compared to the same period a year earlier. Volume sales were +1.7% up but prices were down -1.6%. By value, seven of the twelve categories sold more. Heavy Building Materials (-0.1%) was on a par with Total Builders Merchants, while Timber & Joinery Products (-1.4%) was lower. With an additional trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were -0.3% lower.
Jamie Barber, UK & Ireland Sales Director Trade, Dulux Trade and BMBI’s Expert for Paint, comments:
“The trade paint market continues to improve with +2% volume growth when compared to this time last year. Exterior categories like masonry have contributed to this growth as the weather in the first six months has been more favourable than last year.
“We see signs of strengthening in painter and decorator work pipelines, particularly for domestic repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) work, which is driving this year’s recovery. As this area has improved, there’s also been a return to purchases of premium aesthetic brands which are helping to inject value into the market.
“Our outlook for H2 expects the market to remain in growth, especially as housing transactions earlier in the year, brought forward to beat changes to stamp duty, are likely to contribute to more painting and decorating jobs in the coming months.
“Should consumer spending falter in the run up to the Autumn Budget, as it may do given consumers’ weakening confidence in the face of gloomy economic news and warnings of potential tax rises, then we’re likely to see higher savings rates, as those who can save prepare themselves for the risk of increased costs and greater uncertainty. If that happens, our positive outlook could turn south.
“But consumer confidence marches to its own drum and it’s often more resilient and capricious than observers expect. So, we’re sticking with our positive view for now!”
BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit www.bmbi.co.uk.
