THE Federation of Master Builders (FMB) says small builders’ ‘worst fears have been confirmed’, with new forecasts predicting the construction sector will shrink 2.5% as the recent events in the Middle East drive up costs and dampen demand.
The Construction Products Association (CPA)’s spring forecast warns that overall construction activity will fall 2.5% in 2026 – with the private housing repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) sector facing the steepest decline.
The new forecasts are also predicting an 8% fall in repair and maintenance work this year. This news follows recent FMB and HomeOwners Alliance research, which found the economy has missed out on £11.2 billion as one in five homeowners are delaying having domestic building projects carried out.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said, “Since the situation in Iran our members have been sharing their concerns about the impact on material costs and oil prices – combined with the threat of work potentially drying up. This CPA forecast of an 8% fall in repair and maintenance work will hit small, local firms like our members the hardest.
“Economic turbulence makes consumer protection more important than ever. Furthermore, our research proves homeowners are being put off doing building work due to a lack of trust in the industry, a mandatory licensing system would give homeowners confidence to hire trustworthy and legitimate builders – which is what the sector desperately needs right now.”
The CPA downgraded its forecast from winter predictions, pointing to rising oil and energy costs as the primary driver. The trade body warned of ‘sharp cost increases’ in the second half of 2026 and falling confidence among homeowners.
The outlook echoes concern across the industry, with separate research showing nearly seven in ten UK construction companies fear ‘severe’ impacts from the Middle East situation over the next six months.
