The DIY market is undergoing a phase of restructuring. After several years driven by ambitious renovation projects, sales in large DIY stores notably declined in 2024, according to the Inodata barometer from FMB and Inoha. Consumers are increasingly favoring routine maintenance and necessary repairs over major projects. This context is reshaping the products that sell, the technologies that emerge, and the strategies of retailers.
Repair and routine maintenance: the shift the market has already made
The slowdown in real estate and purchasing power constraints have led to a shift towards small maintenance DIY rather than heavy renovations.
Retailers observe that the best-performing aisles are those related to emergency plumbing, simple domestic electricity, and surface finishes (painting, plastering, sealing). Repair kits and versatile tool sets are taking precedence over high-end specialized machines.
This shift also explains why private label brands (MDD) are gaining ground. Several French retailers have recorded real growth in their own ranges, which offer robust basic tools at reasonable prices. To keep up with the news from Monsieur Bricoleur, this repositioning towards accessible ranges is one of the most significant dynamics at the moment.
Universal batteries and cordless tools: where does compatibility really stand
Cordless tools have dominated catalogs for several years. The trend in 2026 is no longer about the transition to cordless itself, but about the battery ecosystem. Brands like Bosch and Makita have developed platforms where a single battery powers a drill, screwdriver, circular saw, or blower.
The problem remains interoperability between brands. A DIY enthusiast equipped with Makita 18V batteries cannot use them on a Bosch Professional tool, and vice versa. Each brand locks its battery ecosystem, which strongly influences the initial choice and subsequent purchases.
For consumers, the selection criterion has shifted. Rather than comparing the features of an isolated drill, it is now about assessing the depth of the range compatible with a given battery format. Here are a few points to check before committing to an ecosystem:
- The number of tools available in the same platform (power tools, garden, lighting), which determines long-term versatility
- The availability of batteries with different capacities (compact for light work, high capacity for power-hungry machines like a saw or grinder)
- The price of the battery + charger pack sold separately, often underestimated when initially purchasing a tool sold “bare”
European regulation on repairability: what changes for tools
European regulatory pressure is beginning to impact the power tool sector. The right to repair, supported by several recent directives from the European Union, imposes new obligations on manufacturers.
Manufacturers will have to guarantee access to spare parts and repair information for a minimum duration after the product is placed on the market. This requirement directly targets consumer electronic and electrical products, a category that includes drills, screwdrivers, and cordless saws.
For DIY enthusiasts, the practical consequence is twofold. On one hand, tools from compliant brands should remain repairable longer, which changes the purchase price versus total cost of ownership calculation. On the other hand, importers of low-cost non-compliant products may see their offerings restricted in the European market, with stricter WEEE registration and GPSR compliance obligations.
Field reports vary on this point: some retailers are already anticipating by expanding their spare parts offerings, while others are waiting for the implementing decrees before adapting their catalogs.
Multifunction tools and compact screwdrivers: the products dominating sales in 2026
Despite the overall market decline, certain product categories continue to progress. The oscillating multifunction tool is the most purchased product in 2026, driven by its versatility (sanding, cutting, scraping) and its compact format suitable for small spaces.
The compact impact screwdriver is experiencing comparable success. Its reduced size allows work in hard-to-reach areas, and its power meets the majority of domestic needs, from furniture assembly to deck fastening.
In terms of selection, combined packs (drill + screwdriver + batteries + case) remain the preferred sales format for consumers. The price per pack is often significantly lower than purchasing the same components separately, making it a logical entry point into an ecosystem.
- Battery-powered routers and trimmers are gaining popularity among intermediate DIY enthusiasts, where they were previously reserved for professionals
- Entry-level electric screwdrivers (around the compact format with integrated lithium battery) appeal to novice users
- Battery-powered workshop vacuums complete the ranges and enhance interest in multi-tool platforms
Quiet DIY and online sales: two underlying trends
The issue of noise is becoming a real purchasing criterion, particularly in collective housing. Brushless motors significantly reduce noise levels compared to carbon motors, while improving tool autonomy and lifespan. This is no longer a marketing argument reserved for professional ranges: Bosch and Makita’s entry-level products now incorporate this technology in their consumer drills and screwdrivers.
Online sales of DIY equipment continue to grow. Physical retailers are strengthening their click-and-collect and home delivery services, while pure players offer aggressive prices on major brands. The challenge for consumers remains to verify the compliance of products purchased online, especially for tools imported outside the European Union.
The DIY market in 2026 is not just about a race for technological novelty. The underlying trend is a refocus on the durability of tools, the compatibility of battery ecosystems, and price accessibility. European regulations on repairability will accelerate this transformation in the coming months, with concrete effects on the available offerings in stores and online.
