Building materials market in Poland: buyers hold the advantage

Stabilization with a Slight Downward Trend

Data from June indicates that building material prices have remained stable for a year, with a minimal downward tendency.

According to PSB Handel S.A., which monitors prices of key construction materials, in June 2025 compared to June 2024 there was a slight overall price decrease of 0.8%.

In the retail segment, prices fell by 0.4%, while in the wholesale trade they dropped by 1.1%.

From January to June 2025, compared to the same period in the previous year, the overall price level decreased by 0.8%. Both retail and wholesale channels recorded a 0.7% decline.

The market remains mixed in terms of direction and scale of price changes:

Between January and June, price increases were recorded in only 4 product groups:

OSB boards, timber (+5%),
home surroundings (+3%),
cement, lime (+2%),
paints, varnishes (+1%).

Prices remained unchanged in: walls, chimneys, joinery, construction chemicals, garden, hobby, installations, heating, and automotive products.

Meanwhile, prices decreased in 10 groups. About 1% declines were noted in: tiles, bathrooms, kitchens, decorations, equipment, household appliances, and tools.

Larger drops occurred in: roofs, gutters (–2%), waterproofing, lighting, electrical goods, and finishing materials (–3% each). The steepest decline was recorded in: drywall and thermal insulation, where prices fell by 4%.

FACTORS DETERMINING THE CURRENT SITUATION:

Decrease in investment activity – fewer new residential and commercial projects are limiting demand.
Stabilization of energy costs – no strong cost-push pressure in the production of energy-intensive materials.
Cautious importer policies – limiting inventory in anticipation of better exchange rates and lower raw material prices.

6-MONTH OUTLOOK:

The baseline scenario assumes prices will remain within a ±2% y/y range.

Potential trend-shifting factors:

Upward driver – launch of major infrastructure projects (including those funded by KPO), which could boost demand and prices in selected segments.
Downward driver – further slowdown in construction activity and persistently high project financing costs.

Conclusion: under current conditions, buyers hold the bargaining advantage. Stable or slightly declining prices benefit investors; however, in the medium term, the market could enter a recovery phase in which suppliers will have greater freedom in setting prices.