The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in December, shows total builders’ merchants’ value sales in October 2025 were up +0.2% compared to the same month a year before. Year-on-year volumes were up +0.8% but prices were down -0.6%. There was no difference in trading days.

Five of the 12 categories sold more in terms of value compared to October 2024, led by miscellaneous (+7.7%) and landscaping (+6.7%). Of the two largest categories, timber and joinery products was up +1.7%, but heavy building materials was down -1.3%. Renewables and water saving was the weakest performing category (-7.6%).

In the three months from August to October 2025, total value sales were -0.1% lower than the same three-month period a year before. Total volume sales increased +0.7% but prices were -0.8% down. Eight categories sold more in terms of value led by miscellaneous (+6%). Timber and joinery products (+1.8%) grew more slowly.

Compared to September, October’s like-for-like value sales (which take trading day differences into account) were down -1.7%. Without the trading day adjustment, total value sales were +2.8% higher month-on-month, with total volumes up +1.7%, and prices up +1%. Looking at month-on-month value sales, 10 categories sold more with work wear and safety wear (+8.3%) and plumbing, heating and electrical (+8.2%) doing best. Timber and joinery products (+2.5%) fell behind total merchants.

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Source:  ttjonline.com