The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report shows January’s builders’ merchant like-for-like total value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading day differences) were -2.6% lower than the same month in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales fell -7.2% while prices increased +5.0%.
Year-on-Year
With one less trading day this January, total value sales (unadjusted for trading day differences) were -7.0% lower than January 2025. On an unadjusted basis, volumes were down -11.4%. Prices rose +5.0%. Only one of the twelve categories sold more by value: Renewables & Water Saving (+8.5%). One of the two biggest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (-2.2%) fell less than Total Builders Merchants, but Heavy Building Materials fell -11.0%. Landscaping (-13.4%) was the weakest category.
Month-on-Month
January’s like-for-like value sales were +3.0% ahead of December 2025, with like-for-like volume sales increasing +2.0% and prices up +0.9%. With three additional trading days in January, unadjusted value sales were +20.2% up month-on-month. Unadjusted volumes increased +19.0% and prices rose +0.9%.
All categories sold more by unadjusted value, with Renewables & Water Saving (+27.0%) up most, followed by Tools (+26.5%), Workwear & Safetywear (+25.8%) and Ironmongery (+25.2%). Timber & Joinery Products increased +23.6%, Heavy Building Materials by +20.5%.
Latest 12 months
In the 12 months from February 2025 to January 2026, like-for-like value sales were up +1.0% compared to the previous 12-month period (February 2024 – January 2025). Like-for-like volume sales increased +1.4% and prices decreased -0.4%. With two less trading days in the most recent 12-month period, unadjusted value sales were +0.2% higher with volumes up +0.6% and prices down -0.4%.
Nine of the twelve categories sold more (by unadjusted value), with Renewables & Water Saving (+6.4%) up the most. Timber & Joinery Products (+1.8%) was ahead of Total Builders Merchants; Heavy Building Materials -1.2% behind.
Gordon Parnell, Sales Director, British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, and BMBI Expert for Drylining Systems, comments…
“The UK construction industry remains in a period of adjustment. Economic pressures, cost volatility and subdued activity across residential and commercial sectors continue to shape short-term conditions and the sluggish economy is restricting the immediate opportunity for growth, with project starts decreasing across Q4 2025 in the commercial sector. However, there are clear indicators of long-term opportunity as confidence gradually rebuilds and investment begins to align with future demand.
“Infrastructure, public sector and energy-related projects continue to provide resilience, underpinned by sustained government commitment and the drive to modernise the built environment. At the same time, regulatory change and evolving client expectations are sharpening the focus on performance, quality and sustainability, particularly within internal fit-out and interior systems.
“From a drylining perspective, these priorities place increased importance on solutions that deliver reliable fire protection, acoustic performance, durability and reduced environmental impact. Whether in new build or refurbishment, internal systems play a critical role in achieving compliant, high-performing buildings, and demand remains strong for products and systems that offer certainty throughout the build process.
“Forecasts for 2026 suggest that confidence is expected to improve as infrastructure programmes progress and modern methods of construction continue to gain traction. These approaches offer opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and support more consistent build quality across the sector. We also wait for the government to consider further growth initiatives.
“While 2025 has been a period of transformation, it has laid the foundations for a more skilled, sustainable and confident construction sector as we move into 2026 and beyond.”
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.
Launched in 2015, the award winning monthly Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report is the only reliable measure of repair, maintenance & improvement (RMI) 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.
