Inclusive kitchen and bathroom products to grow by 20% to 2018

With the ageing UK population and the increasing number of people with disabilities, inclusively designed bathroom and kitchen products have been progressively installed in UK homes. In 2014, the inclusive bathroom and kitchen products market was estimated to be worth around £150 million at Manufacturers Selling Prices (MSP). This represents an increase of around 2% compared to the market size in 2013.

Between 2009 and 2012, the UK inclusive bathroom and kitchen products market was comparatively volatile in line with the uncertain economic situation at this time. However, since 2013 the market for these inclusively designed products has seen a notable increase, with demand picking up as the economy improves. This growth can be partly attributed to several changes in legislation that have been introduced by the Government in recent years and also the growing number of elderly and disabled people. In addition there has been a trend towards multi-generation households in the UK.

The showering facilities sector dominates the industry's sales as many baths are now being replaced by easy-access shower enclosures and wetroom areas. This is followed by bathroom accessories, toilet facilities, bathroom brassware and baths. In addition, inclusive kitchen facilities (excluding appliances) are estimated to be worth around £30m at MSP.

A significant proportion of the inclusive bathroom and kitchen products market represents direct sales from the specialist manufacturer or supplier to the end-user, which is common practice with specialised products. Other channels include merchants and distributors plus DIY multiples, many who offer own branded goods. In addition, the level of inclusive bathroom and kitchen products sold via online retailers has seen significant growth in recent years.

Key drivers for growth include the aging UK population and the number of multi-generation households in the UK increasing. The trend towards care in the community has resulted in increasing numbers of elderly and disabled people that remain living at home. These people require inclusive adaptations to assist them with their everyday requirements.

“The number of people aged 65 and over has increased by 17.3% since 2003 and the fastest growing household type in 2013 was households containing two or more families” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “The shortage of affordable housing and the increase in elderly relatives in need of care are driving more families to house three generations in one property and this could lead to specialist kitchen and bathroom equipment being installed in a wider range of properties.”

The inclusive bathroom and kitchen market has been positively impacted the trend towards product solutions that are suitable for all users. As such, inclusive bathroom and kitchen products have become much more aesthetically pleasing. The focus is on functionality but style is also now an equally important consideration. With revisions to Part M of the Building Regulations and the Lifetime Homes Standard, inclusive products have been progressively installed in a wider range of end-use applications. These include domestic homes and commercial environments such as hospitals and schools.

The outlook for the UK inclusive bathroom and kitchen products market in Q4-2014 remains positive, with the continuing recovery in the UK economy and the related upturn in housebuilding and consumer confidence. However, with the election in mid-2015, uncertainties do exist regarding Government policy after this time.

 

By 2018 it is estimated that the UK inclusive bathroom and kitchen products market will be worth in excess of £180 million. This represents an increase of around 20% when compared to the estimated market size in 2014.

The ‘Inclusive Bathroom and Kitchen Products Market Report –UK 2014-2018 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.