Bristol Construction Market & Jobs Update 2025/2026 

The construction landscape in the Greater Bristol area is showing several promising signs, and for construction professionals seeking new construction jobs in Bristol, now is a time to explore opportunities in this dynamic market. 

 The market as a whole is navigating a complex UK-wide landscape of economic uncertainty and fluctuating costs. Explore all our current construction job opportunities in Bristol.   

Bristol Property Market 

Commercial Market Driving Activity 

Bristol’s commercial office sector remains a key job-driver in 2025. In the first half of the year, office take-up exceeded 118,000 sq ft which is around 21% higher than the five-year average. Meanwhile, availability dropped to 1.97 million sq ft by the end of Q2, down 4% from the previous quarter, and the vacancy rate fell to 9.5%, showing strong demand and limited supply. 

Prime office rents also climbed to around £49 per sq ft in Q2, a 2% increase quarter-on-quarter, with further growth expected as space becomes harder to find. 

This sustained commercial momentum means more construction and fit-out job opportunities in the office-refurbishment, new build and project management space. If you’re exploring roles such as site manager jobs, project manager jobs, fit-out estimator jobs or quantity surveyor jobs in Bristol, we’d encourage you to explore Bristol construction job opportunities with us at Atkins Search. 

Residential Housing Market Remains Cautious  

While the residential market in Bristol is seeing signs of recovery, movement is cautious. After a strong end to 2024, Bristol house prices have shown modest growth in 2025. The average price in Bristol was £349,000 in July 2025, up 1.4% year-over-year. This aligns with national trends where average house prices are predicted to rise 2-4% throughout 2025 and into 2026.   

While mortgage rates are higher than in previous years, they have become more stable. Some mortgage lenders are also relaxing affordability tests, which could help boost transaction volumes in 2025 and 2026. However, the market remains cautious due to higher prices and fluctuating mortgage rates which continue to be a challenge for first-time buyers. 

From a construction jobs perspective this means opportunities in residential site roles may grow, but likely at a measured pace compared to commercial sectors. If your interest is in construction residential jobs (assistant site manager, building surveyors, contracts manager), now is the time to position yourself and explore residential construction roles in Bristol with our specialist construction recruitment team. 

Major construction projects and regeneration in Bristol 

Multiple major regeneration and infrastructure schemes across Bristol add to the depth of construction job opportunities throughout the South West: 

• The 25-year Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration (135 hectares, up to 10,000 new homes, 22,000 jobs and new university campus)  
  Focus for 2025: Work continues on detailed plans for the area surrounding Temple Meads. This includes a new eastern entrance for the station, directly linking it to the new University of Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. 
  Commercial catalyst: The university campus is expected to be a major catalyst for commercial growth, encouraging the refurbishment of older buildings and unlocking new office developmen

• The Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter ( new sports facilities and other amenities next to Ashton Gate stadium) 
  Mixed-use development: This project is part of a larger plan that includes a new urban village, hotels, office space, and additional residences nearby 

• The Broadmead redevelopment (former Debenhams/M&S buildings)  
  Bristol City Council granted planning permission in April 2024 to demolish the former Debenhams department store and replace it with a mixed-use development. 
  The former M&S building is not set for immediate demolition. Instead, it has been transformed into Sparks Bristol, but it expected to be permanently redeveloped in 2026.  

• The Western Harbour masterplan (draft plan in February 2025 details a vision for improving public access, reducing road impact, and delivering new homes) 
  Flood defence: Construction of new flood defences will accompany up to 1,200 new properties. 
  Road changes: The plan involves keeping the Brunel Way dual carriageway but simplifying the connecting roads to reduce the area’s motorway feel. 

For professionals in construction, regeneration and infrastructure, these projects mean a steady demand for roles including project engineers, site managers, health & safety advisors and quantity surveyors. If you’re ready to progress in your construction career in Bristol, contact our Bristol team to discuss how these programmes can match your next career step.  

Wider Market Context & Outlook 

The UK construction sector continues to navigate economic headwinds with subdued growth, costs inflation and labour constraints. However, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic. 

According to the Construction Products Association (CPA), UK construction output is expected to rise by 1.9% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, in line with their Spring 2025 forecast. That said, wider economic risks and uncertainty continue to shape the sector’s performance.  

In the South West, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasts an average annual growth rate of 2.5% in construction activity, with private housing set to play a key role in driving this expansion. Similarly, BCIS reports that private construction remains the fastest-growing areas with private housing output forecasted to rise by 4.0% in 2025 and 7.0% in 2026, though smaller builders may face ongoing challenges due to regulatory delays. 

For job seekers exploring their next move in construction, this means competition is strong, but opportunities remain, particularly across well-managed projects and high-demand areas such as Bristol’s office sector. Our advice: 

• Keep your CV focused and tailored to each role. 

• Highlight leadership experience and digital or construction-tech skills (e.g., BIM). 

• Emphasise any regeneration or large-scale project experience. 

• Partner with a specialist recruiter like Atkins Search to stay ahead in a competitive market. 

Why Partner with Atkins Search?  

At Atkins Search, we specialise in recruitment for the construction and property sectors, connecting skilled professionals with top employers across Bristol and the South West. 

Here’s what sets us apart: 

• Extensive local market knowledge: we understand the Bristol construction scene, from commercial builds to regeneration and residential projects. 

• Access to exclusive opportunities: many of our roles aren’t advertised publicly, giving our candidates a genuine competitive edge. 

• Personalised career support: Our service includes CV advice, interview preparation and salary benchmarking to ensure we’re here to help you secure the right opportunity for your next career move. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, contact Atkins Search today to explore the latest construction jobs in Bristol.