Latest UK builders merchants sales figures show business remained flat, according to the most recent Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report.
The BMBI report, which looks at sales data from 88% of generalist builders’ merchants’ sales across Great Britain, 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.
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. 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. Timber & Joinery fell -4.7%.
In the three months March to May 2026, like-for-like value sales were -1.6% lower than 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.
In the year to date (January to May 2026 – latest period for which stats are available), like-for-like value sales were -2.1% lower than the first five months of 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -6.8% and prices were up +5.0%.
With one less trading day in the most recent year, unadjusted value sales were down -3.1%. Volumes fell -7.7% and prices increased +5.0%. Timber & Joinery Products (-0.2%) declined less than Total Builders Merchants, but Heavy Building Materials was down -5.6%, and the weakest category.
For the latest reports and expert comments visit www.bmbi.co.uk. The BMBI is a brand of the BMF. The BMBI report, which is produced and managed by MRA Research, uses NiQ GfK’s Builders Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data.
