# Ibstock profit warning deepens concerns over UK housebuilding slowdown

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/brickmakers-woes-deepen-the-uk-housebuilding-gloom/
- Published: 2026-11-02T17:23:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T17:52:53+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2026/nov/02/brickmakers-woes-deepen-the-uk-housebuilding-gloom
- Topics: Art, Business, Culture, Markets, UK, World

## Key points

- Ibstock’s third-quarter sales were 22% below expectations.
- The brickmaker cut planned production by a fifth.
- The planned homebuyer scheme may offer only modest support.

## Summary

Ibstock, the UK’s biggest brickmaker, has warned that profits will fall as weak demand deepens the slowdown in housebuilding. The warning suggests the sector is facing an entrenched downturn, putting pressure on the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes during this parliament.

UK brick market volumes fell 17% year on year in July and August, while Ibstock’s third-quarter sales were 22% below expectations. The company cut planned production by a fifth and expects 2026 earnings in the mid-£40m range, against City forecasts close to £60m; its shares fell 11%. Housebuilders cite higher borrowing costs and regulation, while the planned Your First Home scheme, due next April, may lead some buyers to wait and is expected to offer only modest support.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.