2025 UK Construction Hotspots – Where to Find Work

The UK construction sector in 2025 is bursting with real opportunities for those who know where to look. In this blog we’ll explore why demand is rising, where the hotspots are across the UK and how you can position yourself to tap those opportunities.

Why the buzz around construction?

Several intersecting trends point to strong demand:

• According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the UK construction workforce faces a significant shortfall, with over 250,000 skilled workers needed by 2027.
• The rise of retrofit and green-construction work is notable, with more than £3 billion allocated for retrofitting under schemes like the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
• Regional growth differences are emerging, with rental growth in the North East hitting 9.7% in 2025, hinting at under-supply and construction demand. Even though overall construction activity saw contraction (for example, a major PMI drop earlier in the year) this doesn’t mean there is no demand, rather it highlights that certain types of work (infrastructure, green retrofit, regional development) are stronger than others.

In short: if you’re looking to find work in construction in 2025 in the UK, you need to be in the right place and targeting the right kinds of projects/roles.

Where are the hotspots in the UK?

Here are the top regional areas and examples where construction work is more likely to be available. You’ll find that different regions have different dynamics (housing vs infrastructure vs retrofit).

1. The North of England: Manchester, Leeds & the wider “Northern Powerhouse”

•  According to recruitment-analysis, the North West and Yorkshire are seeing strong construction job growth, Leeds alone saw job postings up 25% in Q1 2025.
• Infrastructure, regeneration and commercial builds are leading and the focus isn’t just housing but urban renewal and transport links.
• Especially for trades, skilled workers and those familiar with modern tools or BIM (Building Information Modelling), there’s demand.

Tip: If you live in or can commute to cities in the North (Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool), check for roles in large regeneration projects or modular housing builds.

2. The Midlands (including Birmingham)

• The region is getting a boost from major infrastructure such as HS2 and related urban development.
• Recruitment trends show not just permanent roles, but a rise in contract and temp roles linked to big infrastructure phases.

Tip: Site management, civil/structural engineers, transport infrastructure roles are more likely here than purely domestic house-building trades.

3. South East / South West England (outside London)

• Some areas in the South East are among the top thriving locations for construction when you adjust for size. For example, according to The Property Daily towns like Tunbridge Wells and Redhill show more activity per capita than many.
• The South West is also notable: CITB says the annual average output growth rate forecast for construction through to 2029 is around 2.2% in the South West.

Tip: If you prefer to work closer to the South of England (still outside London), then look at towns with growing residential or retrofit demand, often less competition than London, but good demand.

4. Major cities where trades are in short supply

• Some areas in the South East are among the top thriving locations for construction when you adjust for size. For example, according to The Property Daily towns like Tunbridge Wells and Redhill show more activity per capita than many.
• The South West is also notable: CITB says the annual average output growth rate forecast for construction through to 2029 is around 2.2% in the South West.

Tip: If you prefer to work closer to the South of England (still outside London), then look at towns with growing residential or retrofit demand, often less competition than London, but good demand.

How to approach this market: Your action checklist

 1. Identify your skill-set & certifications

•  If you’re a tradesperson: ensure you have the relevant card/cert (CSCS, NVQ Level 2/3, CISRS for scaffolders etc.).
• If you’re in management, project planning, surveying: highlight experience with BIM, digital tools, infrastructure.
• Highlight green/retrofit experience if you have it.

 2. Target the right region(s)

• If relocation/commuting is possible, aim for regions with strong growth.
•  Consider cost-of-living vs pay trade-off: some hotspots may pay slightly less but have cheaper housing.
• Use job-boards filtered by region.

 3. Check company & project leads

• Large infrastructure and regeneration projects often drive bulk recruitment, keep an eye on major project announcements.
• Keep an eye on retrofit programmes and smaller developments which may be less visible but need many workers.

 4. Adapt your CV/application to the 2025 market

• Emphasise digital/sustainability/green-construction skills (even for trades, mention heat-pump installs, energy-efficient retrofits).
• Show flexibility for regional roles (e.g. willing to relocate or commute).
• If skilled but less experienced in UK context, show willingness to up-skill (training, certifications).

 5. Use networks, job-boards, agencies

• Specialist construction job boards are useful.
• Local recruitment agencies in hotspot regions will know the demand.
• Attend relevant trade shows or job-fairs in the region you’re targeting.

 6. Be realistic about trends.

• Yes, there is demand, but not all work is equal. Residential house-building is under pressure in some regions.
• Some roles (especially entry-level labouring) will be competitive, consider specialist trades or certifications to stand out.

 7. Consider relocation or commuting flexibility.

• If you live in an area with few construction projects, being open to relocating to a hotspot can make a big difference.
• When doing so, factor in housing costs, travel time and whether the role supports relocation.

Final Thoughts

For those looking for work in the UK construction sector in 2025, the opportunity is real, but you’ll maximise your chances by being strategic:

• Choose the right location: some regions are growing faster than others.
• Choose the right role/skill-set: trades and specialist roles, digital & sustainability-conscious roles are in demand.
• Be prepared and flexible: certifications, willingness to relocate, good CV, understanding the project types.

At Cavendish Professionals, we hire for a range of construction roles nationwide, check out out construction job board here