Monthly construction output slipped by 0.6% in May as falling repair and maintenance activity dragged the overall figures down.

The dip follows three straight months of growth, including a 0.8% rise in April, but was driven entirely by a 2.1% fall in repair and maintenance work. New build activity held up, rising 0.6% in the month.

Biggest falls came from non-housing repair and maintenance, down 2.4%, and private housing R&M, which dropped 1.8%.

Despite the May setback, the three-month picture remains positive. Total construction output grew by 1.2% in the period to May 2025, with new work up 0.9% and repair and maintenance rising 1.5%.

Clive Docwra, managing director of property and construction consultancy McBains, said: “After last month’s figures showed the construction sector outperformed the overall economy in April, today’s news will disappoint the industry and increase doubts that growth is on an upward trajectory.

“The fall in growth in May was down to less repair and maintenance work, as new work order increased.

“However, growth is still relatively sluggish and order books are still playing catch up, so the hope is that recent announcements such as the £39bn funding to build more affordable homes will provide a confidence boost when the sector most needs it, given the ongoing uncertain global economic picture.”