The UK Construction Market Forecast Report Covers Industry Trends and is Segmented by Sector (Commercial Construction, Residential Construction, Industrial Construction, Infrastructure Construction, and Energy and Utility Construction) and by Key Regions (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). The Report Offers Market Sizes and Forecasts in Value (USD Billion) for all the Above Segments.

The construction industry in Great Britain, including value of output and type of work, new orders by sector, number of firms and total employment.

Housing and non-housing repair and maintenance were the segments with the largest construction output in the United Kingdom in 2024. Those two sectors together amounted to over ** percent of the industry. Meanwhile, the output of new private housing construction amounted to **** percent. The output volume of infrastructure in the past five years has been higher than in previous decades. A look at the construction output index for new private housing shows that output increased in 2021 and 2022, but it has fallen after that. Construction GVA increasingAn increased output also translated into a growing contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP). In the fourth quarter of 2024, the construction industry had a gross value added of nearly ** billion British pounds. That value reached a low point during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In comparison, the overall GDP of the United Kingdom was valued at over **** trillion British pounds. Private housing construction expected to declineThe output of the private housing sector was forecast to increase significantly in 2025. The few years after that, the output of private housing construction is expected to keep increasing but at a slower rate. The average price of houses in the UK increased noticeably in 2024, higher demand for and higher prices of housing generally incentivize the housing sector.

In 2024, the UK Construction Market reached $316.38 billion, and it is projected to surge to $439.04 billion by 2030 due to surge in infrastructure sector

The UK construction market size was valued at GBP 398.68 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.19% from 2025 to 2033. The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, as well as government initiatives to support the construction industry. Key drivers of the UK construction market include the rising population, increasing urbanization, and need for new infrastructure. The government's focus on infrastructure development, such as the High Speed 2 (HS2) project, is also expected to boost market growth. Additionally, the growing adoption of sustainable construction practices and the increasing use of technology in the industry are expected to drive market growth. The market is expected to be supported by the government's initiatives to increase investment in infrastructure and the construction of new homes. However, the market is also facing some challenges, such as rising costs of materials and labor, and the impact of Brexit. Recent developments include: December 2022: The Access Group has announced that it has successfully acquired Construction Industry Solutions (COINS), enhancing its capacity to offer international software and services to businesses engaged in the construction industry., March 2023: The Department of Transport, UK, has announced over £40 billion of capital investment in transport across the next two financial years, which will drive significant improvements to rail and roads across our country.. Key drivers for this market are: Transport Infrstructure Investment. Potential restraints include: Shortage of Skilled Labor. Notable trends are: Increase in GVA of construction Industry.

The Residential Construction Market Report is Segmented by Type (Villas and Landed Houses and Condominiums and Apartments) and Key Cities (London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, and the Rest of the UK). The Report Offers Market Size and Forecasts for UK Residential Construction Market in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

The number of employees working in the construction industry in the United Kingdom has fluctuated significantly between 2019 and 2024. The most recent data shows that there were 2.06 million people working in the construction sector. Most employees in the UK construction industry are men, according to the same source.

Quarterly non-seasonally adjusted type of work and regional data at current prices, Great Britain.

Quarterly new orders at current price and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted by public and private sector. Quarterly non–seasonally adjusted type of work and regional data.

As of the first quarter of 2025, there were approximately *****million people employed in the construction sector in the UK, compared with just over ****million in the first quarter of 2000.

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Construction Market Size 2025-2029

The construction market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,288.3 billion at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rise in residential and commercial infrastructure projects worldwide. This trend is fueled by increasing urbanization, population growth, and economic development in various regions. One key trend is the increasing adoption of green buildings, which are in the Innovator's stage in some regions and the Early Majority in others, leading to varying adoption rates and penetration levels. Furthermore, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the construction sector is revolutionizing the industry, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and safety. As the industry evolves, companies must navigate this obstacle by exploring cost-effective solutions, such as shared equipment ownership models or renting, to remain competitive.
To capitalize on the market's potential, businesses should focus on innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence, ensuring they deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget. By addressing these challenges and embracing the opportunities presented by the market, companies can effectively position themselves for long-term success. Another key driver is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the construction sector, which is revolutionizing the industry by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety.

What will be the Size of the Construction Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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In the dynamic market, securing permissions for building projects remains a crucial aspect of the industry. Cold storage facilities, a niche segment, continue to gain traction in the hospitality and leisure sectors, driven by innovative technologies and consumer demand. Smart cities are at the forefront of integrating sustainability regulations into commercial buildings, leading to increased usage of eco-friendly construction materials and raw resources. Site preparation and worker safety regulations are under constant scrutiny, ensuring compliance and adherence to industry standards.
The retail sector is also embracing technology, with the integration of automation and smart systems becoming increasingly common. Innovative technologies continue to shape the construction landscape, from 3D printing to modular construction, streamlining processes and reducing costs. Regardless, the industry's focus on sustainability and safety regulations ensures a responsible and forward-thinking approach to construction projects. However, the high cost of construction machinery poses a substantial challenge for market participants.

How is this Construction Industry segmented?

The construction industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Buildings construction
  Heavy and civil engineering construction
  Land planning and development
  Specialty trade contractors


End-user

  Private sector
  Public sector


Product

  Traditional
  Sustainable


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Indonesia
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The buildings construction segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market encompasses various sectors, with buildings construction being a prominent and evolving segment. This segment includes residential, commercial, and multifamily buildings, each contributing significantly to the market's growth. For instance, Egypt's ambitious project to develop a new administrative capital, the New Administrative Capital (NAC), is a notable example. Located approximately 45 kilometers east of Cairo, NAC is designed to alleviate overcrowding and pollution in the current capital. A key player in this transformation is the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), a Chinese state-owned enterprise. Meanwhile, smart cities are emerging as a significant trend in the construction industry.

Economic development and retail activities are integral to the market, with developers focusing on creating vibrant and sustainable communities. Civil engineering plays a crucial role in the development of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water supply systems. Climate change is a pressing concern, and the construction industry is responding by incorporating green and energy-efficient practices into their projects. Sustainability regulations are becoming increasi

An all-work summary of monthly construction output in Great Britain at current price and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted by public and private sector.

The United Kingdom Data Center Construction Market is Segmented by Tier Type (Tier 1 and 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4), Data Center Type(Colocation, Self-Built Hyperscalers (CSPs), Enterprise, and Edge), and Infrastructure (Electrical Infrastructure, Mechanical Infrastructure). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

UK Construction Market size was valued at USD 372.95 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 512.37 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.05% from 2026 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Government Infrastructure Investment: Government infrastructure investment and major railroad projects are fueling significant development in the UK construction industry. According to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), the UK government's National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline calls for £650 billion in investment across over 400 major projects by 2030, with HS2 alone contributing £100 billion. The extensive scope of these infrastructure projects continues to drive demand across many construction subsectors.

The UK construction industry was severely impacted in 2020, due to the disruptions caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the subsequent lockdown measures. The industry contracted by 14% in real terms last year, following growth of 1.8% in 2019. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the construction industry contracted by 1.2% year on year (YoY) in the first quarter of 2021, following year-on-year (Y-o-Y) declines of 5.9% in Q4, 10% in Q3 and 36.2% in Q1 2020. Read More

Economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures have spurred a degree of instability in the UK economy in recent years. This has spurred a reluctance among private investors to dedicate significant spending towards capital ventures, weighing on lead generation in commercial building construction markets. High construction costs and rising interest rates have led to further apprehension among property developers to engage in new ventures, though long-term government capital procurement frameworks have provided some resilience to wavering provate investemt. Revenue is slated to rise at a compound annual rate of 0.5% over the five years through 2024-25, reaching £22.8 billion. Aided by the release of pent up demand and a stronger than anticipated initial economic recovery from the pandemic, the industry recorded a strong rebound in new orders from pandemic-induced lows in 2021-22, particularly in private commercial and private industrial markets. However, capacity constraints and the impact of reduced new work volumes secured during the height of the pandemic limited output growth. Growth in new order volumes slowed in 2022-23, as economic uncertainty compounded and rising tender prices reduced the propensity of investors to commit to commercial real estate ventures. High borrowing costs continued to weigh on investor sentiment in 2023-24. However, a steady stream of work on projects procured through capital procurement frameworks, including Procure23 and the School Rebuilding Programme, is set to maintain revenue growth through the current year. Revenue is expected to increase by 6.6% in 2024-25. Revenue is slated to climb at a compound annual rate of 0.3% to reach £23.2 billion over the five years through 2029-30. The effects of the UK's economic slowdown will continue to bite in the near term, as weak order books limit remuneration. Input price inflation is set to continue to ease in the medium term. However, material costs are likely to remain elevated and a construction worker shortage will pressure profit. Commitments made by the government as part of capital procurement frameworks will continue to support demand for commercial building contractors in the coming years, while private sector order books should improve as borrowing costs come down.

Contractors required to provide ancillary civil engineering solutions have been impacted by trends in the wider construction sector in recent years. Following a period of robust growth, decaying housebuilding activity has had a knock-on effect on demand for enabling works. Along with the impact of economic uncertainty on commercial construction markets, this has offset the impact of government infrastructure investment to spur a contraction in revenue. Over the five years through 2024-25, contractors' revenue is forecast to tumble at a compound annual rate of 2.2% to £40.1 billion. Following a slump in revenue and profitability during the pandemic, work rebounded to drive strong revenue growth in 2021-22. This was aided by renewed infrastructure stimulus to get spades back in the ground and the release of pent-up demand following intermittent lockdowns. Ongoing supply chain disruption and soaring input costs throughout the construction sector have maintained cash flow difficulties. The wider economic slowdown and subdued housing market conditions has hit new orders, as downstream clients have displayed a degree of risk aversion. Revenue is forecast to decline by 4.1% in 2024-25. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 0.9% to reach £42 billion over the five years through 2029-30. Housebuilding activity is forecast to remain subdued in the short term, as high borrowing costs and unfavourable economic conditions encourage investors to steer clear of the housing market. However, planning reform introduced by the government in pursuit of lofty housebuilding targets is intended to lead to new housing developments in the medium-term, boosting demand for enabling works. Private and public sector infrastructure investment is set to be increasingly geared towards the UK’s net zero agenda in the coming years, with the expansion of offshore wind farms set to drive demand for marine and coastal construction.

In the first quarter of 2025, the gross value added (GVA) of the construction industry in the United Kingdom was slightly higher than in the same period of the previous year. In the first quarter of 2025, the GVA of construction in the UK amounted to ***** billion British pounds. Out of its various segments, private housing constituted the biggest share of the UK construction industry based on output.

Construction output work types and their percentage of all construction work in Great Britain. Contains monthly, quarterly and annual data.