Hiring activities in the construction and property industry are expected to remain stable in 2025. The recruitment landscape will likely be characterised by "musical chairs," a term used to describe talent mobility without net job creation.
Download the 2025 Job Market and Salary Guide report to find out more about the key trends influencing the job market, in-demand technical and soft skills as well as the latest salary benchmarks to attract top talent in construction, property and engineering.
As large infrastructure projects, such as the three-runway system (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport, near completion, a talent surplus may arise. Despite initial excitement, the Northern Metropolitan project—the largest infrastructure endeavour in Hong Kong—has been progressing slowly.
Green sustainable practices, although critical globally, may take a backseat in 2025. With an oversupply of properties and revenue concerns at the forefront, sustainability has become a "nice to have" rather than a priority for many organisations. However, some larger, forward-looking construction companies will likely continue to hire talent with green skills to advance their sustainability strategies and meet their commitment goals.
talent expectations and bonus expectations trends in construction and property
Due to a lack of robust project pipelines, job seekers are prioritising stability when looking for new employers. They prefer companies with sufficient ongoing construction projects to ensure long-term employment.
In this employer-driven market, candidates have adjusted their expectations in tandem. Work flexibility is now seen as a "good to have" rather than a must-have benefit. Bonus expectations have also decreased — from 2 to 3 months in real estate to just 1 to 2 months; and in the construction sector, receiving any bonus is now considered fortunate.
Middle to senior-level professionals often hold traditional expectations shaped by economic conditions and trends, prioritising steady careers that meet their minimum job satisfaction criteria. In contrast, junior and mid-level professionals — more sought after due to tighter hiring budgets — tend to have higher expectations regarding career development and growth opportunities.
higher demand for creative, technical and transferable skill sets
There is an increasing demand for Electric and Mechanical Engineers and Building Services professionals due to their highly transferable skills. Even during this lull period without new projects, companies can reassign construction professionals with the right technical skills to retrofit and enhance work or facilities management.
On the leasing and property front, there is heightened demand for proactive sales and marketing talent. Those innovative and creative in engaging customers — especially those who can generate excitement for commercial projects before their official launch — are particularly sought after. This trend pressures other property developers to hire professionals with the mindset to adopt similar strategies in media engagement, digital marketing, and offering special discounts to enhance project appeal.
Employers aim to recruit top salespeople with relevant working experience and proven track records but remain cautious about hiring someone who may lack passion for the project or fit poorly within their organisational culture. During recruitment, it is recommended that employers focus on candidates' potential, motivation, and willingness to contribute positively, as these factors will likely lead to successful integration into the company.
download randstad hong kong’s 2025 job market and salary trends report
Our 2024 Job Market and Salary Trends report cuts through the complexity to deliver actionable insights and expert analyses for companies in the property and construction industry.
In our report, you can find the salary range to more than 150 construction, property and engineering roles ranging from sales and asset management; to civil engineers and quantity surveyors. Download the report to find out whether your company is offering a competitive salary to attract the best talent Hong Kong has to offer.
The report examines key talent expectations as well as current industry trends and salary benchmarks in the following industries:
- Accounting and finance
- Banking and financial services
- Business support
- Construction, property and engineering
- Human resources
- Insurance
- Legal
- Life sciences and healthcare
- Luxury and retail
- Supply chain and logistics
- Sales and marketing
- Technology
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