UK construction shrinks faster in October as housebuilding slumps
Source: S&P Global, "Weaker housing activity weighs on UK construction sector in October", published 5 November 2026.
What the source says
UK construction activity fell faster, headline PMI 43.6 from 46.1. Housing 35.1, civil engineering 45.9, commercial 46.3. Input cost inflation reached a four-month high, with 48% of firms reporting higher costs.
Allbase view
UK building work is shrinking faster, yet input costs are still rising, so weaker demand isn't pulling material prices down. Expect suppliers to hold their price lists this winter, even as order books thin out.
Our reading of the release, not a statement from the source. Checked against the release on 10 Nov 2026.
Figures from this release
- S&P Global UK Construction PMI commercial activity 46.3, Oct 2026Index · Oct 202646.3Down
- S&P Global UK Construction PMI 43.6, Oct 2026Index · Oct 202643.6Down
- S&P Global UK Construction PMI residential activity 35.1, Oct 2026Index · Oct 202635.1Down
- S&P Global UK Construction PMI civil engineering 45.9, Oct 2026Index · Oct 202645.9
Related records
Specifying materials for a construction project?
Schedule a consultation to talk through what this means for your project, or request access to browse and specify from the catalogue.
Schedule a consultation
Arrange a call with a specialist to discuss materials for your construction project.
Choose a timeConstruction materials
Explore the roofing, reinforcement and structural systems in our catalogue.
View products