The latest construction industry statistics 2026

We work predominantly within the construction sector, supporting a wide variety of construction-related clients. We’re fascinated by the ever-evolving landscape of the industry, whether it’s impressive architecture and major developments or the innovative solutions and impactful results it delivers across society, both in the UK and around the world. This is our take on the most important construction industry statistics 2026.

Over the past few years, the industry has seen significant change driven by various socio-economic factors, making the construction industry statistics for 2026 particularly important for understanding where the sector is heading.

UK construction industry overview 2026

The UK construction industry in 2026 is best described as stable but cost-sensitive.

While rapid post-pandemic volatility has eased, the sector continues to operate above pre-2020 cost levels due to:

• Labour shortages
• Material price increases
• Higher compliance and safety standards
• Strong demand for housing and infrastructure

Infrastructure and residential construction remain the strongest performing sectors, supported by long-term government and private investment pipelines.

Overall construction industry growth statistics 2026

• Although overall UK construction output in early 2026 has remained relatively stable compared with the end of 2025, new work continues to show modest growth across key sectors.
• Infrastructure and housing remain the strongest performing areas, with ongoing demand supporting activity despite wider economic pressures.
• The global modular construction market, valued at approximately $91 billion in 2022, is expected to reach around $120.4 billion by 2027 (Exploding Topics, 2024).
• According to the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline, long-term UK construction investment continues to exceed £160bn across planned programmes (Gov.uk, latest available pipeline data).
• Growth rates remain below the pre-2019 average of around 3.3% annually, reflecting a more stable but slower expansion phase for the industry.

Key Statistics for the UK construction industry 2025-2026

• Construction continues to remain one of the highest-risk sectors for workplace fatalities in the UK, with falls from height still the leading cause of fatal incidents (HSE, latest available data).

• Construction cost inflation has continued to stabilise compared with the volatility seen between 2021–2023, but remains above long-term averages (industry forecasts, 2025–2026).
• Major UK contractors continue to include Balfour Beatty, Costain Group, Taylor Wimpey, Berkeley Group and others (industry listings, latest updates).
• Large-scale infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C continue to represent multi-billion-pound investments in UK construction activity (BBC, latest reporting).
• The most expensive project in the UK is Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station Infrastructure in Leiston, which received its final investment decision in mid-2025 and is expected to cost £38 billion (BBC, 2025)
• Whilst the leading killer of all time within the construction industry remains as asbestos (banned in 1999). The leading cause of worker deaths in the UK construction industry currently remains falls from height. In 2024/25, 35 construction workers tragically died and every one of those fatalities was due to falls from height. (HSE,2025)

Construction industry employment statistics 2025 – 2026

• In 2024, women made up 15.2% of the total UK construction workforce, with 2% working on-site and 1.6% in skilled trades roles. While these figures show progress, they still reflect a significant gender disparity in the sector. (CIOB, 2025)
• Women continue to represent around 15% of the UK construction workforce, with underrepresentation still most notable in on-site and skilled trade roles (CIOB, latest data).
• The UK construction workforce remains one of the largest sectors in the economy, employing over 1.4 million people in paid roles excluding self-employment (ONS, latest available data).
• The sector continues to have one of the highest rates of self-employment across UK industries, reflecting its project-based structure.
• The number of registered construction businesses in the UK remains in the hundreds of thousands, showing a resilient SME base across the sector.

Brexit and the construction industry related statistics 2025 – 2026

• In May 2025, there were 385 construction company insolvencies in England and Wales, accounting for 17.2% of all company insolvencies during that period. Each was attributed to either one or multiple of the following: Post-pandemic adjustments, supply chain issues and/or economic pressures. (BCIS,2025)
• Construction insolvencies continue to reflect wider economic pressures, including labour shortages, supply chain costs and post-pandemic adjustments (BCIS, latest data).
• Material and labour costs remain significantly higher than pre-2020 levels, with long-term increases across steel, timber and cement still impacting project budgets.
• Despite challenges, industry forecasts continue to show steady long-term growth driven by housing demand, infrastructure investment and regeneration projects (Glenigan, latest forecast).

Construction industry trends in 2025 to 2026 – Where are we headed?

• Investment in digital construction tools, including AI-assisted planning and project modelling, continues to increase (Forbes, latest industry reporting).
• Sustainability remains a key driver of innovation, particularly around low-carbon materials and reduced emissions targets across new builds.
• Regulatory pressure continues to push higher efficiency standards in new housing and commercial developments.
• Mental health and workforce wellbeing have become a growing focus across the industry, with ongoing trials around flexible working and improved site conditions.

House building statistics 2025 to 2026

• Provisional estimates indicate approximately 199,300 new net additional dwellings in England, with an additional 42,400 dwellings estimated between 1 April and 15 June 2025. (GOV.uk, 2025)
• As of the year ending March 2025, authorities in England received 335,800 planning applications, reflecting a 4% decrease from the 350,800 applications received in the year ending March 2024. (GOV.uk, 2025)
• Net additional dwellings in England remain close to 200,000 annually, with planning approvals showing slight year-on-year fluctuations (Gov.uk, latest housing data).
• House prices have remained relatively stable, with small fluctuations depending on regional demand and interest rate pressures.
• Major housebuilders continue to dominate delivery, with consolidation across the sector increasing efficiency and scale.
• The merger of major developers has supported long-term housing targets of approximately 20,000–25,000 homes per major group annually.

Davis Trackhire thoughts, here’s what we have to say

We remain positive about where the construction industry is heading in 2026 and what that means for the trackway and ground protection sector.

While challenges remain around costs, labour availability and regulation, the continued demand for housing, infrastructure and events means the industry remains active and resilient.

At Davis Trackhire, we continue to support these projects by providing safe, reliable and practical temporary access solutions that help keep sites moving in all conditions.

If you have found our Construction Industry Statistics 2025 helpful, you can read further industry insights, here. Finally, if you would like to hire trackway for your construction project, you can get in touch with our friendly team.