Top Opportunities for Quantity Surveyors in the UK Construction Sector in 2025

The UK construction industry is full of momentum in 2025, with Quantity Surveyors in high demand across multiple sectors. From infrastructure megaprojects to green building initiatives, the opportunities are diverse and rewarding. Here's a breakdown of the top areas offering the most promising prospects—along with real examples of projects shaping the QS landscape this year.

1. Infrastructure Boom: Transport and Energy Projects

Government investment in infrastructure is continuing to surge in 2025, with major transport and energy projects pushing forward despite economic uncertainty.

Key Projects:
HS2 (High Speed 2) – The high-speed rail line connecting London to Birmingham and Manchester remains a major employer for commercial teams, with QSs playing a vital role in managing multi-billion-pound budgets.
Lower Thames Crossing – Set to be the longest road tunnel in the UK, this National Highways project is demanding a high volume of pre- and post-contract QS support.
Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm – As part of the UK's renewable energy drive, this project is expected to power over 3 million homes. QSs with experience in marine infrastructure and renewables are in high demand.

Opportunity: Strong demand for Quantity Surveyors with NEC contract experience and infrastructure backgrounds. Ideal for those looking to work on nationally significant, long-term projects.

2. Green Construction and Net-Zero Targets

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s embedded in planning policies and client expectations. As buildings move toward net-zero standards, QSs are key to assessing cost-effective green solutions.

Key Projects:
The Forge, London – The UK’s first net-zero commercial office development, built to meet UK Green Building Council targets.
Energiesprong Retrofit Schemes – Large-scale social housing retrofit programs in Nottingham and other cities, using offsite manufacturing to achieve energy efficiency.
Edinburgh BioQuarter Expansion – A major life sciences and innovation district with sustainability at its core.

Opportunity: QSs with experience in whole-life costing, sustainable procurement, and carbon accounting will have a competitive edge.

3. Housing and Regeneration Schemes

The UK housing crisis is driving investment into both new builds and regeneration initiatives across urban centres.

Key Projects:
Old Oak and Park Royal Development, London – One of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, delivering 25,000+ new homes.
Manchester Victoria North – A £4bn partnership project creating over 15,000 homes, plus schools, parks, and transport upgrades.
City of York Housing Delivery Programme – A key example of local councils pushing forward with modular, affordable homes.

Opportunity: Strong pipeline of residential and mixed-use work for QSs with housing or developer-side experience, particularly those familiar with JCT contracts and affordable housing frameworks.

4. Digital Transformation and BIM Integration

Digital tools are reshaping how construction is delivered, and Quantity Surveyors who embrace this shift are better positioned for future success.

Key Projects:
Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station – BIM Level 2 integration is being used to manage one of Europe’s largest construction sites.
National Digital Twin Programme – Led by the Centre for Digital Built Britain, this initiative is influencing how public sector clients approach data-driven cost management.
Network Rail – Digital Railway Upgrade – Combining digital surveying, AI-based modelling, and real-time data to manage asset lifecycles.

Opportunity: QSs fluent in digital tools like CostX, CATO, or BIM 360 are increasingly sought after. Ideal for tech-minded professionals ready to lead in the digital transformation space.

5. Freelance and Consultancy Growth

With more professionals seeking flexibility, and many firms operating leaner commercial teams post-COVID, freelance Quantity Surveyors are thriving.

Example Scenarios:
SME Developers and Main Contractors – Many are outsourcing QS functions due to rising workloads but limited internal resources.
Dispute Resolution and Final Account Consultancy – Freelancers with claims experience are supporting Tier 1 contractors on major final account settlements (especially on delayed infrastructure schemes).
Remote Pre-Construction Support – QSs are offering freelance estimating, cost planning, and tender analysis services remotely across the UK.

Opportunity: The freelance market is particularly strong in the South East, Midlands, and North West, with rates often exceeding permanent salaries for experienced QSs.

With opportunities spanning high-profile infrastructure builds, climate-conscious developments, and flexible freelance work, QS professionals are more essential than ever. Those who are tech-savvy, sustainability-aware, and commercially sharp will find themselves in high demand across the sector.

Looking for your next move as a QS? Or trying to hire experienced commercial professionals? We specialise in connecting construction talent with the right projects. Get in touch with our team today to see how we can help. hello@approachpersonnel.co.uk