Construction output in the UK continued to recover over the three months to May, despite activity falling during the latest month, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The ONS estimates that total construction output increased by 1.6% in the three months to May 2026, marking the third consecutive rise in the rolling three-month measure.
Growth was driven by gains in both major areas of the industry, with new work increasing by 1.1% and repair and maintenance rising by 2.1% over the period.
Seven of the nine construction sectors recorded growth during the three months to May. The strongest contribution came from non-housing repair and maintenance, which increased by 3%.
However, the latest monthly figures point to a slowdown in activity. Construction output is estimated to have fallen by 0.8% in May, following a revised 0.1% decline in April. The April figure was previously reported as a 0.1% increase. March saw output rise by 1.4%.
The monthly decline in May was entirely driven by weaker repair and maintenance activity, which fell by 2.1%. New work continued to edge higher, rising by 0.2%.
Within repair and maintenance, private housing work was the biggest drag on performance, with output in the sector falling by 5.0% during the month.
Despite the monthly decline, the broader three-month trend suggests the construction sector has continued to expand, supported by sustained growth in repair and maintenance activity.
Shawbrook managing director, development finance, Terry Woodley said: “Higher costs, skills shortages and planning delays are still weighing on activity, making it difficult for developers to maintain momentum.
“That said, the long-term demand for new homes and infrastructure hasn’t gone away. The Government’s reforms to speed up approvals are a positive step, with continued support and access to finance, the sector will be better placed to build confidence and get projects moving.”
Last week figures from Glenigan found UK construction starts fell in July, with a recovery in H2 looking more unlikely.
