ONS Construction Output Report Summary - April 2026
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) Construction Output data provides insight into industry performance for February 2026, highlighting a continued downturn in overall activity despite stronger monthly growth. This summary outlines the key trends shaping the construction sector, including movements across new work and repair and maintenance.
Monthly Performance Analysis
Construction output increased by 1.0% in February 2026, marking a second consecutive monthly rise following an upwardly revised 0.5% increase in January. This follows a decline of 1.3% in December, suggesting some short-term recovery in activity.
Unlike previous months, growth in February was more balanced. Both new work and repair and maintenance contributed positively, rising by 1.0% and 0.9% respectively. This indicates a broader uplift across project activity and ongoing maintenance work.
Quarterly Trends
Looking at the three months to February 2026, total construction output fell by 2.0% compared with the previous three-month period. This represents the fifth consecutive quarterly decline, underlining persistent weakness across the sector.
The fall was primarily driven by a drop in new work, which declined by 3.4% over the period. Repair and maintenance activity showed no overall growth, remaining flat, and therefore offered little support to offset the wider downturn.
At a sector level, six of the nine construction sectors recorded declines. The most significant drag on output came from private new housing, which fell sharply by 6.5%, continuing to reflect subdued conditions in the residential market.
Construction output rose in February 2026, supported by growth in both new work and repair and maintenance. However, the wider trend remains negative, with a fifth consecutive quarterly decline driven largely by ongoing weakness in new work — particularly within private housing.
Source: Construction output in Great Britain – Office for National Statistics
