UK DIY & Gardening Sector Report summary
June 2025
Period covered: Period covered: 04 May – 31 May 2025
3 minute read
Note: This report summary is one or two months behind the current month as standard reporting practice. The content is indicative only and incomplete with certain data undisclosed. Become a member to access this data or take out a free 30 day membership trial now.
DIY & Gardening Sales
DIY and Gardening remained in positive growth territory, with sales rising xx% year-on-year. May’s slower growth reflected unusually warmer weather in March and April, which prompted many consumers to begin outdoor projects earlier than usual.
The warmest spring on record has aided DIY and Gardening between March and May, with a combined xx% growth compared to last year
The housing market picked up in May, which may aid DIY and Gardening sales in June and July if the warmer weather continues.
Competition in the mortgage market ramps up
The Bank of England held the interest rates at xx% in their June meeting following a 6-3 majority vote.
The housing market slowed in April after the end of stamp duty relief, driving slower growth in DIY & Garden sales in May.
However, there are encouraging signs that the housing market may pick up again, driven by growing optimism around potential xxppt base rate cuts in August and November aimed at stimulating the slowing economy.
Additionally, despite unchanged interest rates, lenders increased competitiveness by cutting many 2-to-5-year fixed rates mortgage rates across their product ranges.
The reduction in mortgage rates, especially those products aimed at new buyers should enhance affordability for those looking to step onto the property ladder.
Expectations of declining interest rates are likely boosting near term buyer sentiment, with the sales outlook for the next three-month stabilising after previous declines. Higher sales volumes are expected over the next year. (RICS)
Additionally, Zoopla reported that May was the busiest May since the 2021 pandemic boom.
Cheaper borrowing is likely to continue to support sustained growth in the DIY & gardening sector, as movers invest in their new homes and outdoor spaces.
However, the full impact may not materialise until next year, as some individuals delay decisions in anticipation of the expected rate cuts in August and November, potentially shifting demand into next spring.
Garden centre sales remain robust
Garden centre sales continued to see strong growth, up xx% year-on-year in May, driven by gardening tools & equipment and garden features and structure, which increased by +xx% and +xx%, respectively.
Similarly, non-gardening sales rose by xx%, supported by a strong catering performance, underpinned by improved footfall compared to the previous year due to the warmest spring since records began. (HTA)
May is typically the largest trading month for garden centres, making the absolute YoY sales rise more significant than suggested by the percentage increase. (HTA)
Fran Barnes, chief executive of the HTA, said: “Spring 2025 has delivered on one of the best trading periods in recent memory for garden centres.” However, heightened market volatility, cautious consumer confidence and surging shipping container and labour costs continue to persist.
Economy shows sign of weakness
GDP declined an estimated -xx% in April, driven by falls in services and manufacturing. The fall was partly driven by increased uncertainty from the constantly evolving Trump tariff impositions, causing companies to scale back investment.
DIY and gardening is projected to grow by xx% this year, demonstrating resilience amid broader macroeconomic uncertainty and growing consumer caution.
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DIY & Gardening sales growth slowed down
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Source: Retail Economics Retail Sales Index, value, non-seasonally adjusted
