The market for bathroom products experienced good value growth in the period 2015-16. Stability in the UK economy stimulated housebuilding activity and levels of house moving and renovation. There was also a strong performance across a number of commercial end-use sectors, including entertainment, offices, education and health.
The UK bathroom market continued to grow steadily in 2017, although at a slower pace than 2016. With uncertainty surrounding the Brexit negotiations in 2018, a more modest performance was experienced, with only marginal growth of 2% that year.
With growing concerns about the environment and water usage, the requirement to save water has become more important. In addition, with building regulatory requirements and the widespread use of the European Water Label, there is high demand for water-efficient bathroom products. Modern, digital and advanced technology is becoming more widely used as homeowners are now widely aware of the benefits of digital control. For example, digital taps and sensors to control water temperature and flow, mirrors that incorporate LED lights, cabinets with Bluetooth speaker systems and USB chargers, whirlpool baths with chromotherapy, aromatherapy, voice activated controls etc.
Looking forward, it is anticipated that the value of the UK bathroom market will recover, albeit at a slow to moderate pace in the short term. The market value will not only be influenced by the rippled effects of COVID-19 but also by rising cost of imports, given the current and further expected weakness of Sterling as a result of Brexit proceedings from the start of 2021; stronger market performance is expected towards the end of the forecast period.