Bathrooms - Bathroom demand to dip in 2008

19/05/2008

New research suggests that the demand for bathrooms in the UK is set to show a small decline due to the credit crunch, it has been reported.

The Bathroom Market UK 2008-2012 report from AMA Research predicts that there will be three per cent fall in the value of the bathroom market as customer spending is hit by tightening on borrowing, according to Buildingtalk.co.uk.

Reasons given in the report include the increased preference of the construction industry to building flats and apartments, which require fewer bathrooms than larger houses and their en-suite features.

Also noted is the rise of self-build homes, with the demand for more compact bathrooms.

However, the research does contain some good news.

"The trend towards a bathroom 'sanctuary' dedicated to wellness and relaxation is expected to continue with wider ranges of more innovative products and aesthetic designs," states the report.

Another recent trend is the growing numbers of single-person homes, which AMA Research believes will increase the demand for more water-efficient products, such as macerator pumps.