The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in September, shows July 2026’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading days) were -0.6% lower than July 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -7.6% year-on-year.
Year-on-Year
With no difference in trading days, July’s unadjusted value sales were also -0.6% lower compared to the same month in 2025. Volumes were down -7.6% and prices increased +7.6%.
By value, half of the twelve categories sold more with Workwear & Safetywear (+18.5%) and Services (+7.7%) the standout categories. Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (-4.6%), Tools (-2.5%) and Renewables & Water Saving (-2.4%) were down, with both the largest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (-0.7%) and Heavy Building Materials (-2.6%) selling less.
Latest 12 months
In the 12 months August 2025 to July 2026, like-for-like value sales were down -1.5% compared to the previous 12-month period (August 2024 to July 2025). With no difference in trading days, unadjusted value sales were also -1.5% lower year-on-year, while volume sales declined -5.0% and prices rose +3.7%. By value, seven categories sold more, with Renewables & Water Saving (+7.2%) performing best. Of the two largest categories, Timber and Joinery Products grew +0.8% while Heavy Building Materials slipped -3.8% and was weakest overall.
Matt Williams, Managing Director, Polypipe Building Products and BMBI’s Expert for Plastic Plumbing for Hot and Cold Water Systems:
“Leadership changes at the top of government inevitably bring a wave of anticipation, and for the residential housebuilding sector, a new Prime Minister represents a pivotal moment. The industry thrives on stability, yet it desperately requires decisive political stimulus to overcome the longstanding delivery challenges. As Andy Burnham refocuses the government’s economic growth agenda, planning reform, and environmental legislation will dictate the pace of our sector’s growth throughout this decade and beyond.
“At the heart of this is the tension between ambitious national housing targets, such as the commitment to build 1.5 million homes and the practical realities on the ground. The new Prime Minister can act as a powerful catalyst by streamlining the planning system, empowering local authorities, and unlocking stalled developments. This intent however must be matched with action. The industry needs certainty, swift planning approvals and backing for infrastructure to turn plans into the homes our country so desperately needs. This would benefit all the industries which support housing delivery.
“At the same time as the sector is navigating the most significant regulatory overhaul in a generation, and the Future Homes Standard is coming into sharp focus, manufacturers and developers are pivoting toward low carbon heating solutions such as Underfloor Heating, enhanced air circulation, and solar panels. The new team at the top of government must ensure that implementation timeframes remain tightly enforced. Sudden political shifts or mixed messaging regarding green levies and building regulations risk creating severe supply chain friction and delaying investment further.
“Ultimately, the new Prime Minister has an opportunity to forge a collaborative path forward. By aligning economic stimulus with a pragmatic approach to net-zero regulations, Downing Street can instil the confidence the construction supply chain needs. Integration, innovation, and compliance are our industry’s priorities. With stable political backing, we can finally unlock the true capacity of housebuilding in this country which Polypipe Building Products are brilliantly placed to support.”
BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. Launched as a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), the award winning, monthly Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report is the only reliable measure of Repair, Maintenance & Improvement (RMI) building activity in the UK. Filling an important gap, it can be widely used in construction, and by economists, Government, national media commentators and influencers outside the industry.
For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit www.bmbi.co.uk.
