This follows an increase of 1.5% in March 2026, and an increase of 0.5% in February 2026.

The increase in monthly output in April 2026 came solely from an increase in repair and maintenance, which grew by 0.6%, while new work fell by 0.3%.

Data also reveals that total construction output is estimated to have grown by 1.6% in the three months to April 2026.

This marks the second consecutive increase in the three-monthly series.

Over the three-month period, data shows that both new work, and repair and maintenance, grew by 0.3% and 3.4%, respectively.

At the sector level, six out of the nine sectors grew in the three months to April 2026.

The main positive contributor to the increase was non-housing repair and maintenance, which grew by 3.5%.

Commenting on the latest figures, McBains managing director of property and construction consultancy Clive Docwra says: “Growth of 0.1% in April is proof of the industry’s resilience in the face of ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. But the fact that growth came from repair and maintenance work, with new orders falling, is evidence of a difficult few months ahead. Total new private housing work fell by 3.3%, which is a particular worry.”

“After March’s figures were better than expected, contraction in April was perhaps inevitable as inflationary pressures kick in and fuel and energy costs clearly start to bite in earnest from the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. With the ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East on top of domestic worries, caution remains as regards to the longer-term outlook.”

Meanwhile, Shawbrook managing director of development finance Terry \woodley adds: “Any sign of momentum in the construction sector is welcome, particularly given the challenges many developers have faced. Despite ongoing planning constraints and wider economic uncertainty, developers have continued to find opportunities to progress projects and bring forward much-needed housing supply.”

“While the improvement is encouraging, challenges remain. Planning delays, cost pressures and wider market uncertainty continue to shape decision-making across the sector. To maintain momentum, developers will need access to flexible funding structures that can support projects at every stage, making early engagement with specialist brokers increasingly important.”