BMBI August 2025 Figures Show Complete Value Sales Fall

The latest figures from the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI), published in October, show total value sales in August 2025 were down -5.0% compared to the same month a year before. Year-on-year volume decreased -4.1% while prices were down -1.0%. With one less trading day in 2025, like-for-like value sales were -0.3% lower.

Only one category sold more in terms of value compared to August 2024 – Workwear and Safetywear – which was up +2.7%. The worst performing categories were Ironmongery (-6.4%), Heavy Building Materials (-6.6%) and Decorating (-7.8%). Timber & Joinery Products (-3.0%) performed better than Total Builders Merchants.

Value sales in August were -12.7% lower than in July. Volume sales fell -13.4% and prices increased +0.8%. All categories sold less, but Ironmongery (-14.5%) and Miscellaneous (-15.0%) declined the most. Timber and Joinery Products was down -12.3%. With three less trading days in August, like-for-like value sales were +0.3% higher.

In the three months from June to August 2025, total value sales were +0.2% higher than the same three-month period a year before. Volume sales increased +1.0% but prices were down -0.9%. Eight categories sold more in terms of value with Renewables & Water Saving (+5.5%), Plumbing, Heating and Electrical (+3.2%), Kitchens and Bathrooms (+2.8%) and Timber and Joinery Products (+2.5%) ahead the most. There was no difference in trading days.

Total value sales in the 12 months from September 2024 – August 2025 were up just +0.1% compared to the previous 12-month period. Volume sales were up +1.9% but prices were down -1.8%. Five categories sold more by value, with Services (+3.1%), Tools (+2.9%) and Landscaping (+2.3%) performing best. Timber and Joinery Products fell -0.6%. With one less trading day in the most recent period, like-for-like value sales increased +0.5%.

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