Figures released in the latest BMF Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) confirm sales growth for Q2, following two years of consistent declines, but the outlook is far from certain.
Stats released show total year-on-year value sales in Q2 2025 grew by +2.8% compared to the same period in 2024. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like value sales (which take account of trading day differences) were +4.5% higher.
Volume was the key driver, with total volume sales increasing by +4.0%, while prices fell -1.1%.
Value sales increased in nine of 12 product categories. The performance of the largest category, Heavy Building Materials (+2.7%) was in line with the overall market, with volumes up by 4.2%, and average price declining by 1.4%. Timber & Joinery Products, the second largest category, outperformed the total market with sales value increasing by +3.7% against Q2 2024.
A comparison of value growth in Q2 2025 with Q1 2025 shows total value sales in Q2 were +11.7% higher than in the previous three months. Total volume sales increased by +13.9%, and prices were down by -2.0%.
The Seasonal category of landscaping saw value sales increased by +46.8%. Fencing & gates and decking were the best-performing sub-categories here. The performance of two largest categories, Heavy Building Materials (+11.1%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+11.0%) was slightly behind the market average.
Emile van der Ryst, Key Account Manager – Trade & DIY at NiQ GfK, said builders merchants’ recent performance had been promising.
“Conditions, however, are still challenging,” she said. While there has been cautious optimism around the sector, the reality and impact of economic pressures could erode expected growth for the remainder of 2025.”
John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF, said his recent visits to merchants revealed current trading conditions as “tough”.
“Business is out there, but there is a lot of competition to win it, and the market is treating signs of recovery as tentative,” he said. “It seems that everyone is waiting for the confidence to commit to new projects. When consumers and businesses feel optimistic about the economy, they are more likely to spend and invest, fuelling growth and job creation. The current climate of uncertainty is constraining the conditions required for sustained growth.”
