For every 10,000 homes built, requires around 30,000 skilled workers across twelve trades. To meet Labour’s target of 1.5 million new homes by 2028, the UK will need nearly a quarter of a million additional recruits at a time when over 350,000 workers have left the industry since 2019.
The housebuilding and property sector must attract 251,500 new workers by 2028 just to meet demand. Yet, too few people are entering the industry, and too many are slipping out. And it’s not just young people we’re missing – the biggest gaps sit between graduates and the boardroom, people with the skills to lead and the ambition to progress. It’s not a new challenge for the industry, but it’s one that’s becoming harder to ignore.
Despite these pressures, the sector offers better pay than most people realise. 57% of the public underestimate construction salaries, thinking they fall below £36,000 – the real average is £39,000-£42,000, over £3,000 more than the UK average. The issue isn’t just attracting talent, it’s changing the narrative around what a career in housebuilding looks like. And beyond construction roles, careers in housebuilding and property can be surprisingly rewarding – how much you earn often comes down to how far you go. From site management to development and sales, there’s real potential to earn well above the national average. If you’re curious about what professionals across the industry are actually making, take a look at our latest 2025 salary guide here.
Housebuilders are stepping up. From technical roles and commercial teams to planning departments and site leadership, skilled workers are in demand, and leading companies are investing in long-term solutions. Keepmoat has reached thousands of students through education partnerships, offering hands-on learning outside the classroom. Redrow has built a university-linked construction management degree blending academic training with on-the-ground experience. Other housebuilding heavyweights like Vistry and Taylor Wimpey are scaling apprenticeship programmes and intensifying outreach to draw in more diverse candidates earlier.
The industry goes beyond building houses. Every home involves planners, engineers, surveyors, marketers, buyers, and finance teams. It’s one of the most multi-disciplinary sectors in the economy. But if the industry is to push on, it needs clearer entry points, more consistent outreach, and visible career pathways. If Labour is to meet its goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes by the end of next parliament, the urgency to invest in skills and close workforce gaps has never been greater.
While talent shortages remain a major challenge for housebuilding, the sector is responding with purpose. From expanding training routes to building stronger partnerships, there’s a clear drive to attract and develop talent. The future trajectory will likely be shaped by sustained efforts in upskilling, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration to meet demands.
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