UK Roofing Market Outlook 2026: ONS Trends Analysis

The ONS New Dwelling Completions Q4 2025 release showed UK’s construction market grew 20.4% year-on-year. What does this mean for roofing demand in 2026?

2025 Baseline: Record Growth

• Total completions: 36,284 dwellings (+20.4%)
• Apartment share: 33.2% (12,047 units, +38.7%)
• Urban concentration: 86.7% of all completions
• London dominance: 37.7% of national output

Source: ONS New Dwelling Completions Q4 2025

2026 Roofing Market Forecast

1. Continued Apartment Growth

Flat roofing specialists will see above-average demand as apartment completions outpace houses. Expect:

• EPDM/TPO membrane installations to dominate urban projects
• Increased multi-unit maintenance contracts
• Higher safety compliance requirements (roof access)

2. Urban Market Concentration

With 86.7% of completions in urban areas, roofers serving London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester will capture the majority of new-build work.

Rural projects (13.3%) will focus on renovations rather than new builds.

3. Material Supply Chain Stabilization

ONS inflation data shows construction material prices moderating after 2022–2023 spikes. This means:

• More competitive pricing for homeowners
• Larger project volumes as affordability improves
• Potential for deferred maintenance work to resume

4. Regulatory Tightening

Building Regulations Part L (energy efficiency) continues to evolve. Expect stricter insulation standards for roof assemblies, particularly in:

• EPC A-rated new builds
• Deep retrofit grant projects (Energy Saving Trust)
• Planning permission conditions for extensions

Regional Variations to Watch

High-Growth Counties (2026 Forecast)

• London: Sustained demand from apartment construction
• Mid-East (Meath, Kildare, Wicklow): Commuter belt expansion
• Birmingham: Second-largest urban market

Stable/Moderate Growth

• Glasgow, Manchester: Steady urban infill
• Mid-West, South-East: Regional town growth

Lower Activity

• Border, West: Rural areas with slower dwelling completion rates

What This Means for Homeowners

If you’re planning a re-roofing project in 2026:

✅ Book early: High demand in urban areas means longer lead times
✅ Compare quotes: Material price stabilization = competitive market
✅ Consider grants: Energy Saving Trust roof insulation grants still available

Need a quote from a local verified roofer? Find roofers in your area

What This Means for Roofers

Opportunities:

• Specialize in flat roofing (apartment market growing fastest)
• Focus on urban counties (London, Birmingham, Meath)
• Offer Energy Saving Trust grant-compliant insulation upgrades

Challenges:

• Labor shortages continue (FMB reports)
• Safety compliance costs rising (PSDP requirements)
• Customer expectations higher (EPC ratings, warranties)

👉 Want to join UK’s top roofing network? Work with us

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Data Sources

1. ONS New Dwelling Completions Q4 2025 – https://www.ons.gov.uk/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-ndc/newdwellingcompletionsq42025/
2. ONS Housing Hub Regional Data – https://www.ons.gov.uk/en/releasesandpublications/hubs/p-hh/housinghub/
3. Energy Saving Trust Energy Performance Certificate System – https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy/building-energy-rating-ber/