Construction Sales Market Report 2025

Executive Summary

The UK construction industry has experienced significant fluctuations in market size over the past decade, influenced by economic cycles and global events. The market, valued at £119.1 billion in 2015, saw a decline to £99.7 billion by 2020 before rebounding to £120 billion in 2022, with continued growth into 2023.

Projections suggest the market will reach £212 billion by 2025, driven by infrastructure, residential, and commercial sectors, with residential construction holding the largest share. The sector is expected to continue expanding, reaching £281 billion by 2030. This growth will be supported by urban development, green construction, and housing initiatives. However, challenges such as the skills gap, rising material costs, and regulatory pressures remain. Major companies like Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Laing O'Rourke are shaping the industry’s future, with a strong focus on sustainability and technological advancements.

UK construction is comprised of around 142,000 sales professionals in 2025.

We welcome the redistribution or reference to this report, please cite Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment and www.aaronwallis.co.uk as the author.

Construction Market Size and Growth Rate

The Construction market in the UK has seen fluctuating growth over the past decade, with market size shifting due to various factors including economic cycles and global events. From £119.1 billion in 2015, the market declined to £99.7 billion in 2020, then rebounded to £120 billion in 2022, with strong growth continuing into 2023 and beyond.

Projections indicate that by 2025, the market will reach £212 billion, driven by infrastructure projects, residential building, and commercial construction. The residential sector is expected to hold the largest share, followed by infrastructure and commercial building projects.

From 2026 to 2030, the market is projected to continue growing, reaching £281 billion by 2030. This expansion will be supported by investments in urban development, green construction, and new housing initiatives. The construction industry is set to play a key role in the UK’s economic growth over the next decade.

With major government initiatives and increasing private sector investment, the UK construction market is poised for sustained growth, making a significant contribution to the economy.

What makes up the Construction market?

Category	Proportion of Market (%)	Absolute Value (£ billion)
Residential Construction	30%	63.6
Commercial Construction	20%	42.4
Infrastructure (Roads, Rail, Bridges)	15%	31.8
Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities	10%	21.2
Energy & Utilities (Power, Renewables)	10%	21.2
Public Sector (Schools, Hospitals, etc.)	8%	16.96
Repair & Maintenance	5%	10.6
Other Specialized Construction	2%	4.24
Total	100%	212.0

Construction Professionals

In 2025, the UK construction industry is projected to employ around 1.8 million professionals, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, residential development, and commercial construction. Despite this large workforce, the sector faces challenges in addressing the skills gap, particularly in areas like project management and specialized trades.

Construction Sales Professionals

Approximately 142,000 professionals (8% of the workforce) are expected to work in sales roles in 2025. These professionals play a key role in promoting building materials, construction services, and project management solutions as the demand for new developments and renovations continues to rise.

Average sales salaries in construction

Role	Base Salary (GBP)	OTE (GBP)	Sources
Sales Development Representative	£22,470 - £46,010	£32,100 - £55,640	Glassdoor
Sales Executive	£22,470 - £46,010	£32,100 - £55,640	Glassdoor
Account Manager	£37,450 - £53,500	£50,290 - £69,550	Talent.com
Sales Specialist	£34,240 - £65,270	£47,080 - £74,900	Glassdoor
Business Development Manager	£40,125 - £69,550	£50,825 - £85,600	Talent.com
Territory Sales Manager	£42,800 - £53,500	£55,640 - £85,600	Aaron Wallis
National Sales Manager	£49,450 - £59,920	£55,475 - £104,900	Talent.com
Sales Director	£83,500 - £110,950	£130,550 - £207,000	Talent.com

Sales Trends in Construction in the UK

The construction sector in the UK has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors including government spending, housing demand, and infrastructure projects. Residential, commercial, and industrial construction are all experiencing positive trends, with significant investments in urban regeneration and development. The government’s ongoing commitment to building more homes, as well as plans for major infrastructure projects such as HS2 and the expansion of the UK’s transportation network, are expected to drive continued demand for construction services. Additionally, the UK’s focus on modernizing its infrastructure and addressing housing shortages has created a steady pipeline of work for the sector.

Technology is also transforming the construction industry, with innovations such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), modular construction, and advanced materials improving project efficiency and reducing costs. As the industry embraces these technologies, productivity levels are expected to rise, and construction timelines will be shortened. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability in construction, with many projects focusing on energy-efficient buildings, green construction practices, and reducing the environmental impact of construction activities.

Construction Industry Challenges

Despite its growth, the construction industry in the UK faces several challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the ongoing shortage of skilled labor, which has been exacerbated by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. With fewer workers coming from the EU and many skilled tradespeople retiring, the industry is struggling to fill critical roles, which can lead to delays and increased costs. Another significant challenge is the rising cost of materials, which has put pressure on construction budgets. This is partly due to global supply chain disruptions and inflation, which have caused the prices of key materials like timber, steel, and concrete to soar.

Regulatory hurdles are also a concern for the industry, with new building safety regulations and sustainability requirements increasing the complexity of projects. The Grenfell Tower tragedy has led to stricter fire safety measures and the need for more robust oversight, which, while essential, has added to the regulatory burden. Additionally, as the UK pushes towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, there is a heightened demand for greener, more sustainable construction practices, which can be costly and require significant investment in new technologies and processes. The construction industry must balance these challenges while continuing to meet the growing demand for housing and infrastructure.

Top Companies Shaping the Construction Industry

Balfour Beatty: One of the UK’s largest construction and engineering firms, Balfour Beatty is involved in major infrastructure projects, including highways, rail, and energy generation. The company is known for its innovation and commitment to sustainability in construction.
Willmott Dixon: This construction company focuses on delivering high-quality, sustainable buildings across the UK, specializing in education, healthcare, and residential sectors. Willmott Dixon is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable building practices.
Kier Group: A major player in the UK construction market, Kier Group is involved in both public and private sector projects, including housing, transportation, and infrastructure. The company is also focused on increasing efficiency and reducing waste in construction through technology.
Laing O'Rourke: Known for its expertise in large-scale infrastructure and building projects, Laing O'Rourke has been a leader in adopting new technologies like modular construction and robotics to improve project delivery and reduce costs.
Sir Robert McAlpine: With a legacy of iconic projects, Sir Robert McAlpine is a leading construction company in the UK, delivering high-profile developments in commercial, residential, and infrastructure sectors. They are also focused on delivering environmentally-friendly and sustainable construction solutions.
Skanska UK: A division of the Swedish multinational Skanska, Skanska UK specializes in construction and development, with a strong focus on sustainability and green building certifications, including BREEAM and LEED.
McCarthy & Stone: A leading builder of retirement communities in the UK, McCarthy & Stone focuses on creating high-quality, energy-efficient homes designed to meet the needs of older adults. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainable development and green building practices.