Stable hiring seen in Hong Kong construction, property sectors in 2025

Companies remain cautious about adding new headcounts due to an oversupply in both the commercial and residential sectors.

The construction and property sectors in Hong Kong are expected to experience stable hiring activity in 2025, which will be marked by talent mobility without net job creation, Randstad said.

As large infrastructure projects, such as the three-runway system (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport, near completion, talent is likely to transition to upcoming projects, the firm noted.

Companies remain cautious about adding new headcounts due to an oversupply in both the commercial and residential sectors, whilst organisations are focusing on ongoing projects that can guarantee long-term employment for existing staff.

Randstad noted a high demand for technical roles, especially Electric & Mechanical Engineers and Building Services Professionals, which are valued for their transferable skills, allowing professionals to move between retrofitting, enhancement work, and facilities management.

In the leasing and property sector, there is a growing demand for proactive sales and marketing professionals. Candidates who excel in media engagement, digital marketing, and innovative customer engagement strategies are particularly sought after.

Candidates are also prioritising job stability, seeking employers with robust pipelines of ongoing projects. In an employer-driven market, work flexibility is now considered a "good to have" rather than a necessity.

Whilst sustainability practices are globally significant, they are a lower priority in Hong Kong’s 2025 construction market. Revenue concerns and property oversupply have made sustainability a "nice to have" rather than a key focus.

However, larger, forward-thinking companies are more likely to hire talent with green skills. These organisations are committed to long-term sustainability strategies and are working to meet ESG commitments.

On the other hand, salary expectations for key roles vary across the sector. For instance, Property Directors can expect $80,000 to $130,000 per month, whilst Construction Managers may earn between $60,000 to $80,000 monthly.

In engineering and technical services, Civil & Structural Engineers typically earn $25,000 to $50,000, whilst Building Services Managers can expect between $55,000 to $88,000 per month. Electrical Technicians may earn $20,000 to $32,000.

Sustainability-related roles also reflect competitive compensation. Heads of Environmental Sustainability can expect $75,000 to $110,000, whilst Sustainability Officers may earn between $23,000 to $33,000.