Construction Market Research

Decline in new work output in 2025 According to ONS data, office construction output experienced a significant decline of 20% in 2025, dropping to £10.2bn from a record high of £12.8bn in 2024 – the sector’s strongest performance in sixteen years. This downturn is primarily attributed to increased caution among developers and investors due to … Read more

Economic uncertainty, rising costs, planning challenges, skills shortages and geopolitical tensions have all contributed to a steady stream of cautious forecasts and downbeat headlines. Our own latest UK Construction Forecast Bulletin reflects these pressures, with the near-term outlook proving more challenging than many anticipated at the start of the year. But while the headlines focus … Read more

The UK lighting market continues to evolve at pace, driven by changing legislation, sustainability requirements, advances in LED and smart lighting technologies, and shifting construction activity. New UK building regulations due over the next 18–24 months will change how lighting is specified, manufactured and sold. The Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHBS) and the 2026 … Read more

The roof’s traditional purpose – and why it’s no longer enough For decades, the primary function of a roof was relatively straightforward: protect a building from the elements while providing durability and weather resistance. While these fundamentals remain essential, the role of the roof is evolving rapidly as sustainability targets, energy efficiency requirements and renewable … Read more

AI reshaping the UK electronic security market Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the most significant forces shaping the UK electronic security market. While CCTV cameras, access control systems and intruder alarms have been established features of commercial, public sector and residential buildings for decades, the latest generation of security technologies is moving beyond simple … Read more

Outlook: positive, with stronger growth from 2026 The UK EV charger market experienced a moderate 3% increase in retail selling prices in 2025, following several years of strong expansion. The slowdown in market growth in 2025 reflects several influences, including the wait to gain substation upgrades from a District Network Operator and the wider bureaucracy … Read more

The UK volumetric modular building market is increasingly being shaped by strong public sector investment and long-term procurement frameworks. These mechanisms are providing greater visibility, stability and pipeline certainty for suppliers operating across the modular construction sector. Government Programmes Driving Demand for Modular Solutions In Barbour ABI’s latest UK Volumetric Modular Building Market Report, healthcare, … Read more

The UK door and window fittings market is estimated to be worth around £638m in 2025, but the distribution of value across the sector is far from even. One of the most striking structural characteristics of the market is the dominance of door hardware, which accounts for approximately 75% of total market value, while fittings … Read more

Commercial washrooms are no longer simply part of a building’s interior fit-out. Increasingly, they are becoming compliance-driven assets shaped as much by regulation, safety and sustainability targets as by design preference. Regulatory Changes Driving Specification Decisions The introduction of Part T has formalised requirements around single-sex provision in new non-domestic buildings in England, influencing layout, … Read more

Demand for care homes in the UK is strong and rising, driven by an ageing population, longer life expectancy and more complex health needs. As of 2025, there are 17,088 care homes providing just under 550,000 bed spaces. Construction contract awards increased from about £416m in 2021 to £1,034m in 2025, and 2024/25 saw a … Read more