Total Builders Merchants’ value sales in February 2025 decreased by 2.7% year-on-year, while tool sales up 2.6% compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report.
Only three categories posted year-on-year growth in February – Services (+3.0%), Tools (+2.6%), and Miscellaneous (+2.3%). Meanwhile, Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (-1.3%) and Heavy Building Materials (-1.6%) outperformed the overall market despite still recording declines.
Accounting for one fewer trading day this year, like-for-like sales actually grew 2.2%. Volume sales remained broadly flat (-0.1%) while average prices dropped by 2.6%.
Compared to January 2025, the sector saw an encouraging uplift. Total merchant value sales rose by 4.4%, with three categories outperforming the market: Landscaping (+15.1%), Services (+6.1%), and Heavy Building Materials (+5.4%). At the other end of the spectrum, Workwear & Safetywear saw the sharpest monthly fall, down 8.3%. With two fewer trading days this February, like-for-like sales were up a notable 14.8%. Volume climbed 8%, while prices dropped 3.4%.
The BMBI’s overall index for February stood at 104.6, with 10 of the 12 tracked categories recording scores above 100. Workwear & Safetywear led the pack at 133.3, followed by Renewables & Water Saving (118.9), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (118.4), Kitchens & Bathrooms (112.8), and Tools (109.8).
Looking at the rolling 12-month period from March 2024 to February 2025, total value sales were down 4% compared to the previous year. Volume was also down 3.5%, with prices edging 0.4% lower. So far in 2025, value sales for January and February are tracking 2.5% behind the same period in 2024.
MRA Research Managing Director Mike Rigby noted that any hopes of a post-crisis recovery are being clouded by geopolitical uncertainty. “If we thought construction was over the worst – with Covid, the energy crisis and last year’s general election behind us – Trump’s trade war has put us back into uncertain waters,” he said.
“A pick-up in homebuyer demand would be a much-needed boost for housebuilding, which has struggled to gain momentum,” Rigby added. “2025 looks set to be an unpredictable year, with progress likely shaped by decisions coming out of the White House.”
