As the UK’s construction and property sectors continue to face skilled labour shortages, competitive pay has become a powerful lever in attracting and retaining talent. According to recent industry insights, 78% of employers increased salaries in the past year just below last year’s figure of 81%. Yet, with 96% of employers reporting ongoing skills shortages, competitive compensation remains more vital than ever.
The outlook for 2025 remains stable, with 83% of employers planning to recruit, up just slightly from 82% in 2024. Salary remains one of the most influential factors behind job moves 59% of professionals anticipate switching jobs in the next 12 months, and over a third (35%) cite better pay and benefits as their main motivator. Even those not actively seeking a move could be persuaded: 46% would consider a new role for improved compensation.
What’s Driving Salary Increases in the Industry?
The Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2025 report gathered insights from over 1,000 professionals across the construction and property landscape, highlighting key salary movements, hiring trends, and what’s next for the sector.
Salaries in construction and property grew by an average of 2.5% over the last year slightly outpacing the UK average of 2.4%. Some sub-sectors saw more substantial rises:
- Social housing roles experienced a 4.3% increase, partly due to adjustments in the National Living Wage.
- Construction roles rose by an average of 2.9%.
- General practice roles saw a 2.8% increase.
Top 10 Construction and Property Salary Increases for 2025
Here are the roles experiencing the most significant salary growth this year:
- Housing Support / Project Worker
- Assistant Quantity Surveyor
- Housing Officer
- Site Manager
- Interior Designer (Midweight)
- Graduate Surveyor (Commercial)
- Technologist (Recently Qualified)
- Graduate Surveyor (Property Management)
- Assistant Planner
- Facilities Director
These roles reflect rising demand across both entry-level and mid-career positions, driven by talent shortages, project volume, and evolving employee expectations.
Will Salary Growth Continue?
Yes 77% of employers expect to increase salaries again in 2025. Encouragingly, 69% of professionals say they’re satisfied with their current pay, suggesting employers are starting to close the expectations gap. However, salary alone is no longer enough to retain top talent.
What Else Matters to Construction and Property Professionals?
Beyond pay, today’s professionals value:
- Purpose-driven work: 84% consider an organisation’s mission important when job hunting.
- Sustainability commitments: 76% say this influences their decision.
- Inclusive cultures: 75% look for diversity and inclusivity when evaluating employers.
Flexibility is Key
Flexible working continues to reshape the job market:
- 56% of professionals are still based fully in the workplace.
- 30% work hybrid roles.
- 14% are fully remote.
The four-day workweek is gaining traction 41% of professionals say it’s an important consideration in a new role. Hybrid (34%) and remote (31%) options are also in high demand.
Interestingly, only 6% of professionals are seeking more office-based roles in the next year, while 27% are looking to increase their hybrid working arrangements. For employers, offering flexible working models will be essential in remaining competitive.