The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals builders’ merchants’ Q2 2026 like-for-like value sales, adjusted to remove the impact of trading days, -1.2% lower than Q2 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -6.6%, but prices increased +5.8%.
With no difference in trading days, unadjusted Q2 total value sales were also down -1.2% year-on-year. By value, only three of the twelve categories sold more: Services (+7.3%), Workwear & Safetywear (+4.5%) and Miscellaneous (+2.3%). Of the two largest categories, Heavy Building Materials fell -2.6%, while Timber & Joinery Products was flat (0.0%). Renewables & Water Saving (-3.8%) was the weakest category.
Year-on-Year
June 2026 like-for-like value sales were -2.5% lower than June the year before. June’s like-for-like volume sales fell -10.0% while prices increased +8.4%. With one extra trading day in June 2026 compared to June 2025, unadjusted total value sales were +2.2% higher year-on-year. Unadjusted volume sales were -5.7% lower and prices were up +8.4%.
Nine categories sold more by unadjusted value with Services (+11.7%), Workwear & Safetywear (+11.1%), and Miscellaneous (+9.7%) performing best. Heavy Building Materials was up just +0.5%, but Timber & Joinery Products (+3.1%) outperformed Total Builders Merchants (+2.2%). The joint weakest categories were Ironmongery (-1.1%) and Renewables & Water Saving (-1.1%).
Latest 12 months
In the 12 months July 2025 to June 2026, like-for-like value sales were down -1.5% compared to the previous 12-months (July 2024 to June 2025). Like-for-like volume sales were down -4.3% but prices increased +2.9%. With no difference in trading days, unadjusted value sales were also -1.5% lower. By unadjusted value, seven categories sold more, led by Renewables and Water Saving (+8.5%). Timber and Joinery Products grew by +1.0%, while Heavy Building Materials was weakest (-3.7%).
Kevin Bohea, P&D Divisional Director, Brett Martin and BMBI’s Expert for Plumbing & Drainage comments: “The UK construction market presents a mixed and challenging picture in Q2. Housebuilding is under considerable pressure, from affordability constraints, planning delays and subdued consumer and investor confidence. Although the underlying need for new homes is clear, a sustained recovery is required to translate demand into stronger volumes.
“However, RMI is resilient and an important source of stability for builders’ merchants and the supply chain. Britain has a large and ageing building stock that requires continual repair and maintenance, and much of this work cannot be postponed indefinitely. Essential projects—including roofing, drainage, plumbing and general weatherproofing—contribute to demand, even where households and businesses take longer to commit to discretionary improvements.
“RMI is supported by the need to improve the quality, energy efficiency and long-term performance of existing properties. With the replacement rate of UK housing stock relatively low, upgrading homes and commercial buildings will continue to be a significant requirement. Spending fluctuates, but the breadth and depth of RMI make it less exposed than new housebuilding to any single market influence.
“Professional contractors and experienced homeowners are responding pragmatically to the economy. Projects may be phased, specifications carefully considered and decisions made closer to the point of need, but activity persists. This creates a market in which product availability, dependable service and trusted technical support are especially valuable. Builders’ merchants remain central to meeting demand, offering local stock, practical expertise and the flexibility required to serve projects of every size.
“Raw material costs remain high and it’s not clear when meaningful reductions might emerge. Although crude oil prices have fallen from previous peaks, this has not translated into lower prices for many polymer-based raw materials. Energy, labour, transport, packaging and regulatory costs are also elevated, despite what oil price movements might suggest.”
Builders Merchant Building Index Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit the Builders Merchant Building Index website at www.bmbi.co.uk
