The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report shows February’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading days) were -4.3% lower than the same month in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -10.6% while prices increased +7.0%.
Year-on-Year
With no difference in trading days, total unadjusted value sales were also -4.3% lower, with volumes down -10.6% and prices up +7.0%. By value, six of the twelve categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving increasing the most (+19.6%). Decorating declined -0.8%. Of the two biggest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (+0.3%) performed better than Total Builders Merchants, but Heavy Building Materials decreased -8.4%. Landscaping (-8.5%) proved to be the weakest category.
Latest three months
Like-for-like value sales for December 2025 to February 2026 were -3.3% lower than the same three-month period from the year before. Like-for-like volumes were down -8.2%, but prices were up +5.3%. There was no difference in trading days. Nine categories sold more by value with Renewables & Water Saving (+14.8%) again the strongest category. Timber & Joinery Products (+1.6%) performed better than Total Builders Merchants, while Heavy Building Materials (-7.2%) underperformed as a whole. Landscaping (-9.3%) was once again the weakest category.
Latest 12 months
In the 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026, like-for-like value sales were up +0.4% in comparison to the previous 12-month period (March 2024 to February 2025). Both like-for-like volume sales (+0.2%) and prices (+0.3%) increased. With one less trading day in the most recent 12-month period, unadjusted value sales were flat (0.0%) with volumes down -0.2% and prices up +0.3%.
By value, ten categories sold more, led by Renewables & Water Saving (+8.3%). Timber & Joinery Products (+2.2%) were ahead of Total Builders Merchants, while Heavy Building Materials (-1.7%) lagged behind. Decorating was weakest (-1.9%).
Jamie Barber, UK & Ireland Sales Director Trade, Dulux Trade and BMBI’s Expert for Paint, comments:
“The UK Trade Decorative Paint market delivered a broadly stable performance in 2025, demonstrating resilience against a backdrop of mixed economic conditions and continued pressure on construction activity.
“Despite a number of headwinds, the category achieved a +1.2% increase for the full year 2025, compared to the previous year, confirming a gradual return to growth following a period of subdued demand.
“A key driver behind this positive trajectory has been the sustained performance of Premium Emulsions, particularly products positioned around durability and elevated aesthetic finish. Ranges offering enhanced washability, long-lasting colour, and superior application quality such as Dulux Trade Diamond Matt and Dulux Heritage continue to drive the market with appliers and clients seeking performance, longevity, value and reliability even in cost-conscious segments.
“Alongside premium products, second-quality emulsions also contributed to market growth. This segment benefited from incremental improvements in the new-build and RMI extensions sector, where activity, though still below historic norms, showed slight improvement in 2025. Fragile optimism remains in the New House Build market for showing recovery and growth this year.
“The forecast for 2026 indicates a small but positive level of growth, with expectations that incremental recovery in construction activity will support continued momentum. Premium Emulsions are expected to remain the primary value driver, while improvements in new-build starts and home improvement sentiment may further benefit the wider emulsion category.
“Overall, the UK Trade Decorative Paint market is cautiously optimistic, with modest growth anticipated, strengthened by ongoing demand for premium performance coatings and a gradually improving backdrop in the building and renovation sectors.”
BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For all the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, be sure to head over to the Builders Merchant Building Index website at www.bmbi.co.uk.
