The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in July, shows May 2026’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading days) were essentially flat, -0.1% lower than May 2025. But like-for-like volume sales were down -5.8% year-on-year.
Year-on-Year
With one less trading day in May 2026, year-on-year unadjusted value sales were -5.1% lower. Volumes were down -10.5% while prices increased +6.1%. By value, only two of the twelve categories sold more: Workwear & Safetywear (+7.5%) and Services (+3.3%). Of the 10 categories selling less, Renewables & Water Saving (-10.7%), Decorating (-6.8%), Ironmongery (-6.7%) and Heavy Building Materials (-6.4%) recorded the largest decreases.
Latest three months
Like-for-like value sales for the three months March to May 2026 were -1.6% lower compared to the same three months in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -5.9% but prices increased +4.5%. With no difference in trading days, unadjusted value sales were also -1.6% lower, with volumes down -5.9% and prices up +4.5%. By value, five categories sold more, with Workwear & Safetywear (+5.8%) and Services (+5.8%) increasing the most. Of the two largest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (+0.2%) did better than Total Builders Merchants, while Heavy Building Materials (-3.3%) was the weakest category.
Latest 12 months
In the 12 months from June 2025 to May 2026, like-for-like value sales were down -1.2% compared to the previous 12-month period. With no difference in trading days, unadjusted value sales were also -1.2% lower, while volumes declined -3.2% and prices were up +2.1%. By value, seven categories sold more, with Renewables & Water Saving (+10.4%) out in front. Of the two largest categories, Timber and Joinery Products grew +1.4% while Heavy Building Materials fell -3.4%.
Krystal Williams, Managing Director at Pavestone and BMBI’s expert for Natural Stone & Porcelain Paving, comments:
“An extended monsoon season in India flooded quarries in the north and production had ground to a halt. On a visit in March, we saw that production had resumed but the months lost have caused major shortages, pushing up sandstone prices.
Unfortunately, Indian porcelain supplies have also been impacted this year. Not by rain, but by the fuel shortages caused by the blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. Production ceased completely for a short time. Now the factories are open again the production price for porcelain has gone up. We have good supplies of European mid-range porcelain, and the price points between this and what used to be an entry level offer from India is now narrowing.
Difficulties in getting stock from India have been compounded by the challenges we are facing due to the Iran war. Shipping costs have doubled, and while we are a long way short of the peaks we saw during COVID, container prices remain volatile and will be throughout the year.
Some landscapers tell us they have full order books for 2026; others are in a desperate situation. Merchants too are finding the market to be boom or bust.
The next few months will be telling. We could see more people staying at home this summer, with holidays abroad subject to fuel surcharges and cancellations. With money in the bank, homeowners might be more inclined to spend on their gardens. This of course hinges on the weather! If it’s a washout, holidays abroad will be back in, and home improvements out.
What the rest of 2026 looks like depends on so many variables – none of which are in suppliers’ control. All we can do is our best to ensure the paving products customers want are on the ground, in stock when they need them.”
BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit the BMBI website at www.bmbi.co.uk.
