Confidence has rebounded across the UK real estate sector, according to a major survey of built environment professionals undertaken by the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in partnership with Holistic Insight.
The survey of 10,874 professionals attending UKREiiF 2025 this week in Leeds found positive sentiment has risen from 52% to 70% – an 18-point increase. Negative sentiment has dropped from 17% to just 6%, while neutral views have declined from 31% to 24%.
Every UK region recorded a significant increase in positive sentiment, with particularly strong gains in Scotland (47% to 67%), the South West (55% to 74%), the South East (52% to 70%) and Wales (53% to 71%). London (52% to 69%) saw a marked uplift of 17 percentage points, matched by Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North West.
The public sector, reported the highest level of negative sentiment at 8% followed by developers (7%). The five most frequently cited challenges facing the sector were: geopolitical instability (48%); inflation and increasing costs (41%); the UK planning system (35%); the UK political landscape (33%); and the cost and availability of finance (30%).
Nathan Spencer, managing director of UKREiiF, said: “UKREiiF is in its fourth year and brings together professionals from across the real estate and infrastructure sectors. In 2025, it is expecting approximately 16,000 attendees, which gave us the perfect opportunity to undertake a sector-wide sentiment survey. The findings send a clear message.
“After a period of prolonged uncertainty, confidence has returned to the UK real estate market. Nearly 70% of professionals we surveyed are optimistic about the year ahead, and that positivity runs right across the country and every part of the industry. We hope this research helps drive meaningful conversations at the UKREiiF event in Leeds this year.”
Nicola Hanser, director of Holistic Insight, added: “What’s particularly powerful about this survey is that it captures sentiment from across the full breadth of the sector. It shows not only where confidence is growing, but what’s driving it – and where challenges remain.
“Through the survey, we now have clear insight into the areas that need attention such as planning reform, policy clarity, access to finance, ESG delivery and long-term talent development. It’s a great resource for the property industry as it navigates an uncertain market and plans ahead.”
