The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show total value sales for July 2025 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were up +4.1% compared to July 2024. Volume sales dropped -2.1% though, while prices rose +6.3% year-on-year. There was no difference in trading days.

Month-on-month, July value sales increased +9.7% compared to June. Volume sales hit double digits (+10.0%), while prices were down -0.3%. With two extra trading days in July, like-for-like value sales (which take the trading day differences into account) were up +0.2%.

Total value sales in the latest three-month period from May to July 2025 were +3.2% higher than the same period a year ago (May to July 2024). Volume sales were down -1.7% but prices increased +5.0%. There was no difference in trading days.

Value sales in the three months from May to July 2025 dropped -6.6% compared to the previous three month period, February to April 2025. Volume sales were -1.4% lower, and prices were also down -5.2%. With three less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like value sales decreased -10.9%.

Year-to-date value sales in the first seven months (January to July 2025) were up +3.2% on the same seven months last year.

Plumbing & Heating merchants’ value sales in the 12-month period from August 2024 to July 2025 increased +1.8% compared to the previous 12-month period (August 2023 to July 2024). Volume sales grew +2.7%, while prices were down -0.9%. With one less trading day in the most recent period, like-for-like value sales were +2.2% higher.

July’s PHMI index was 103.7. With two additional trading days compared to the Index base period, like-for-like value sales Index was 93.2.

Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “We are expecting to see the publication of the long-awaited Future Homes Standard (FHS) this Autumn, which will bring with it new opportunities for specialist heating and plumbing merchants.

“In June it was announced by the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband that solar panels will become default for new build homes as part of the FHS. He also confirmed other proposed changes including support for low-carbon heating solutions – such as heat pumps – in new builds would be included in the legislation, which is timetabled for a phased introduction starting in 2026.

“We are approaching a watershed for sustainable building, and as a key part of the supply chain, plumbing and heating merchants must adapt to ensure they too are focused on the commercial opportunities that energy efficient products offer.”

The Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) is the first to analyse point of sales data collated from specialist plumbing & heating merchants with combined annual sales of £3bn, to chart their performance month-to-month.

Based on data from NIQ GfK’s Plumbing & Heating Merchant Panel, which represents over 70% of the market by value, the report provides reliable data and a platform and voice for the industry, as well as for leading plumbing & heating brands. It is produced by MRA Research for the Builders Merchants Federation. There is no overlap or double counting between PHMI and the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) sales data.