The latest report from GfK shows an increase in average prices lead to a 2% value growth across decorative categories during the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period last year, but that "most sectors remain in volume decline."
The current state of the housing market, coupled with general economic conditions and low consumer confidence were not conductive to the category's growth, according to the research body. "However, categories such as emulsion and trim paint have experienced value growth," it added, "serving as the stalwarts of not only decorative but also DIY."

While emulsion paint declined by 6% year-to-date in litres, rising prices ensured value growth of 4%. This supersedes the 4% value decline of total durables, according to GfK. In addition, the rate of decline in trim paint almost halved in quarter three compared to the second quarter, with 7% and 12% declines respectively.

The wallcoverings market reported its most improved quarterly performance for over a year, with a volume decline of only 7% in Q3. Pre-decorative categories were described as nearly flat, with sealers and waterproofing having the strongest growth. "This was likely driven by consumers undoing the damage of the deluge in 2012."

GfK senior account manager Sara Lynn Smith said: "Looking at the mix of products which have been doing well suggests that consumers are looking to complete essential maintenance work, particularly keeping homes dry, rather than elective projects.

"The question which emerges is, given how many factors were counterbalancing one another in this quarter, can we take these results as a bellwether for what the DIY and garden industry will look like with ongoing limited property transactions?"