Technology and AI to shape UK construction growth in 2025
As 2025 gets underway, the UK construction sector faces a number of key challenges and opportunities. Stephen Dobinson, founder of Midlands-based Arc Building Consultancy, explains the ways technology and AI will shape new trends in construction and property this year.
Historically viewed as the bellwether of the UK economy, the construction sector has endured a difficult decade. But following a transitional 12 months, the sector is expected to enter a period of optimism, with increased project starts, advancements in technology, and supportive government policies expected to pave the way for significant growth and transformation.
That is not to say things will be easy. New build output in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors remains constrained by sluggish economic growth, high interest rates, and rising labour costs, all of which have hindered short-term growth. According to Stephen Dobinson, the founder of Midlands-headquartered advisory Arc Building Consultancy, as construction firms look to navigate these challenges, and make the most of their opportunities, technology is positioned to play an even more significant role in reshaping how projects are designed, managed, and delivered.
“Technology is now more important than ever in the world of construction – companies and individuals that leverage it will be one step ahead to those that don’t,” Dobinson noted. “Going into 2025, new technologies are becoming the forefront of building surveying and compliance.”
For a start, he contended that drone technology is set to become even more integral to construction this year. Drones, now commonly used for aerial photography and high-rise building surveys, are evolving with enhanced thermal imaging and real-time data collection capabilities – helping surveyors detect potential structural issues, such as water ingress or heat loss, quicker and more accurately than traditional methods.
"In 2025, we will see drones becoming an essential tool in building surveying, offering speed, precision, and enhanced safety," added Dobinson. "Thermal drones, in particular, allow surveyors to spot potential issues that could take much longer to identify through conventional methods, ultimately reducing costs and improving project timelines."
At the same time, laser scanning technology has continued to evolve, enabling surveyors to capture precise data at a faster rate. In 2025, Dobinson contends that advancements in 3D laser scanning and the use of Point Cloud data will “revolutionise how surveyors capture and analyse building measurements” – enabling surveyors to create comprehensive 3D models that provide in-depth insights into a building’s condition and help project teams visualise design changes, manage resources, and predict construction challenges before they occur.
Most importantly, however, Dobinson foresees major opportunities for the sector to put AI to good use. For example, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is becoming an “increasingly data-centric tool, particularly when combined with AI capabilities”. He explained that AI-enhanced BIM “will enable real-time updates, predictive analytics, and detailed simulations that optimise project management and construction workflows,” saving time and reducing errors as a result.
"As AI and BIM evolve, we can expect a seamless integration of design, construction, and maintenance planning," continued Dobinson. "The ability to predict potential design flaws and optimise construction schedules will significantly improve cost control and reduce delays."
Beyond this, AI will make a significant impact on construction in 2025, as for building surveyors, AI’s ability to analyse data and provide predictive insights is transforming decision-making processes. Such tools will enable surveyors to simulate scenarios, identify risks, and fine-tune designs to improve safety and efficiency on-site.
“AI is allowing us to streamline workflows and analyse massive amounts of data more quickly and effectively,” said Dobinson. “The next few years will see AI taking on a larger role in identifying and resolving problems before they arise, ultimately improving efficiency and minimising risks.”
In particular, this could help drive new innovations in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in 2025. With the UK economy pushing ahead with decarbonisation efforts, energy-efficient tools, such as enhanced thermal imaging and smart sensors, will help building surveyors assess energy consumption and environmental impact.
Dobinson concluded, "With sustainability at the forefront of construction priorities, we’re seeing more projects integrate smart building technologies and green materials. In 2025, energy-efficient and sustainable technologies will play an even bigger role, not just in reducing environmental footprints, but also in delivering long-term cost savings."
