The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has warned that tougher economic conditions are likely to place further pressure on the home improvement and housebuilding markets during 2026.
The warning follows publication of the Construction Products Association (CPA) Spring 2026 Forecasts, which predict total construction output will fall by 2.5% this year. Private housing output is forecast to decline by 7.0%, while private housing repair, maintenance and improvement work is expected to fall by 8.0%.
The forecasts cite higher energy prices, inflation, borrowing costs, weaker consumer confidence and affordability pressures as key factors affecting the market.
Chris Beedel, Head of Public Affairs at the GGF, said members would recognise the increasingly difficult trading conditions.
“We’re facing a number of economic headwinds. The Middle East crisis is pushing up energy prices, while higher mortgage rates, and interest rates are slowing the housing market and with it home improvement,” he said.
“People are hanging on to their savings, and the Government’s big new house building programme is still not feeding through at the volumes we expected.”
According to the GGF, the private home improvement market is likely to remain under pressure as homeowners remain cautious about discretionary spending.
However, Beedel said replacement windows and doors would continue to play an important role where homeowners are focused on energy efficiency, comfort, security and essential maintenance.
“With the prospect of higher energy prices from July with the increase in the energy price cap, home energy efficiency should move up the agenda as we move into the autumn,” he added.
The CPA forecast also points to more stable conditions within social housing repair and maintenance activity, where output is expected to increase by 2.0% across 2026, 2027 and 2028.
The GGF said it would continue to press government on support for the sector, including recognition of replacement windows and doors within energy-efficiency policy and measures to support UK manufacturing and investment.
