Based on construction starts under £100m, residential construction activity dropped 13% in the three months to the end of March.

Overall, construction activity — across all sectors — declined by 17% compared to the end of 2025.

This was largely led by a sheer fall in civil work, with onsite activity plummeting by 37% from the fourth quarter and down 34% from the previous year.

Within residential construction, Glenigan data shows that private housing construction starts declined by 9% against the preceding three months and by 34% against the previous year.

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Social Housing starts were similarly depressed, dropping by roughly a quarter (-24%) against the preceding three months and by 16% against the previous year.

According to Glenigan’s regional data, the performance picture was inconsistent.

London was the standout performer, rising 26% against the preceding three months to stand 69% up against the previous year. This was underpinned by a strong performance from the Office sector, which helped drive growth in the region.

North East construction activity dropped 27% against the preceding three months to stand 16% up compared to 2025 levels.

Meanwhile, in the South West performance fell 47% against Q4 to stand 54% down against the previous year.