Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

UK Construction Output Rises for Third Quarter Despite May Dip

UK construction output increased by 1.6% in the three months to May 2026, marking the third consecutive quarterly rise, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, output fell by 0.8% in May, following a revised 0.1% decline in April.

The ONS reported that growth over the three-month period was supported by both new work, which rose by 1.1%, and repair and maintenance, which increased by 2.1%. Seven out of nine construction sectors recorded growth during this time, with non-housing repair and maintenance making the strongest contribution, up by 3%.

Despite the positive quarterly trend, the monthly figures showed a slowdown. The decline in May was attributed entirely to weaker repair and maintenance activity, which dropped by 2.1%. Within this category, private housing repair and maintenance saw the largest decrease, falling by 5.0% in May. In contrast, new work edged up by 0.2% during the month.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, the continued growth in repair and maintenance over the quarter may signal ongoing demand for property upkeep and related services, even as private housing maintenance saw a notable monthly drop.

The broader three-month trend suggests the construction sector remains on a recovery path, despite recent monthly setbacks. The ONS figures indicate that sustained growth in repair and maintenance has played a key role in supporting overall output.