ONS Construction Output Report Summary - September 2026
The latest construction figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a change in direction for the industry, with output declining across the three months to July 2026 following four consecutive periods of growth.
While July itself delivered a small monthly improvement, the wider three-month picture highlights softer activity across both new projects and repair and maintenance. Private housing was particularly influential, with contrasting movements across new work and maintenance during the latest month.
Monthly Performance Analysis
Construction output edged up by 0.1% in July 2026, bringing an end to two consecutive monthly declines. Output had fallen by 0.1% in June and by a more substantial 0.8% in May.
July’s improvement was entirely driven by repair and maintenance, where activity increased by 0.8%. Private housing repair and maintenance made the strongest contribution, rising by 1.7% during the month.
New work moved in the opposite direction, declining by 0.4%. Private housing new work was the largest factor behind this fall, with output dropping by 4.9%.
The latest monthly figures therefore present a divided picture for residential construction, with increased maintenance activity contrasting with a significant reduction in new housing work.
Three-Month Trends
Looking across the three months to July 2026 provides a more cautious picture for the industry.
Total construction output decreased by 0.5% compared with the previous three-month period. This marks a break from four consecutive periods of growth and follows particularly strong increases of 1.3% and 1.5% in the three months to April and May respectively.
Both major categories of construction contributed to the slowdown. New work declined by 0.4%, while repair and maintenance fell by 0.7%.
The weakness was also relatively widespread, with six of the nine construction sectors recording lower output over the period.
Sector Performance
Housing activity played a significant role in the latest results.
Private housing repair and maintenance was the largest negative contributor across the three-month period, declining by 1.7%. This is particularly notable given its 1.7% rebound during July alone, demonstrating how individual monthly improvements can sit within a weaker broader trend.
New housing activity also remains an area to watch. The 4.9% monthly decline in private housing new work during July placed considerable pressure on overall new work despite growth elsewhere in the industry.
The contrasting figures reinforce the uneven nature of current construction activity, with performance varying considerably between project types and individual sectors.
Sector Outlook
After several periods of sustained improvement, the latest figures suggest momentum within UK construction has softened. The 0.5% three-month decline indicates that earlier growth has not continued into the summer at the same pace, with both new work and repair and maintenance losing ground.
July’s return to marginal monthly growth offers a more positive signal, but the underlying split is important. Repair and maintenance supported overall output, while weaker new work – particularly private housing construction – continued to create pressure.
For businesses operating across construction and the built environment, the coming months will provide a clearer indication of whether July represents the beginning of renewed momentum or a temporary improvement within a more subdued period for the sector.
Source: Construction output in Great Britain – Office for National Statistics (ONS)
