Key Trends and Future Growth Prospects in the UK Domestic Garden Hard Landscaping Market

AMA Research has launched a comprehensive new market research report analysing the UK domestic garden hard landscaping market. This in-depth report offers valuable insights into the sector’s performance, current trends, and future growth projections through to 2028. The findings provide crucial information for industry professionals, trade associations, and suppliers seeking a competitive advantage in this evolving landscape.

The UK domestic garden hard landscaping market, valued at £357 million in 2024, has weathered significant fluctuations over recent years. The Covid-19 pandemic hit the sector hard in 2020, leading to an 11% decline. However, the market rebounded in 2021 with a 6% growth, driven by heightened demand for residential projects, both from DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople.

Market Influences: Economic Shifts and Housing Sector Dynamics

The report reveals that while the market initially recovered from the pandemic downturn, economic turbulence—including rising inflation and interest rates—has slowed growth. Nevertheless, there is cautious optimism, especially given the Labour government’s ambitious housing sector plans and signs of economic improvement on the horizon.

Key Insights from the Report:

• Dependence on Residential Construction: The market is closely tied to residential construction, with both housebuilding and repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) activity being critical drivers of demand.
• Market Composition: The landscape is made up of national suppliers offering broad product ranges and smaller regional companies. Imported materials continue to play a significant role as consumers seek a variety of products influenced by international design trends.
• Cautious Optimism: While consumer confidence remains fragile, growth is expected to pick up in 2025, with a notable 8% increase forecast by 2027. This will push the market’s value to £418 million by 2028.
• Outdoor Living Trend: The outdoor living trend is still fuelling demand, though the growing prominence of the rental housing market may challenge RMI-driven landscaping activities, as renters are less likely to invest in significant home improvement projects.

Supply Chain Challenges and Consumer Behaviour

Supply chain disruptions, particularly for imported timber and stone, impacted the market in 2021. While competition among suppliers remains fierce, price increases may be moderated in the short term. The report also identifies a shift in consumer behaviour, with many homeowners tackling their own garden projects during the pandemic. This DIY movement has had a lasting impact on the market, spurring demand for accessible and affordable hard landscaping materials.

Future Outlook

The report provides a positive long-term outlook, with moderate growth projected between 2025 and 2026 (2-4%), followed by a more significant market expansion in 2027 (+8%). An improving economic environment, along with continued demand for outdoor living spaces, is expected to drive this growth.

For industry professionals, suppliers, and trade associations, this report is an essential resource, offering detailed market analysis and forecasts to inform strategic planning and investment decisions.