Construction Confidence Check 2025

Australia's largest family-owned equipment hire company, released findings from its latest Construction Confidence Check, revealing that confidence in the industry remains high across both Australia and New Zealand – even as rising costs, productivity challenges, and global pressures reshape day-to-day operations.

The findings point to a sector in transformation, one that's moving away from fixed-cost models and toward more flexible, sustainable, and circular ways of working to meet shifting expectations and maintain momentum.

Now in its fourth year in Australia – and expanding to include New Zealand for the first time – the 2025 report surveyed over 600 senior decision-makers from mid to large construction businesses. Nine in ten leaders (91%) expressed confidence in the industry's performance over the next five years. However, it comes as no surprise that economic pressures remain top of mind, as almost all (99%) respondents are either actively implementing or exploring cost-saving strategies to maintain their competitive edge.

"We're seeing an industry that's optimistic, but also realistic," said Tom Kimber, General Manager of Sales at Kennards Hire. "Construction leaders understand that sustained growth requires transformation. While confidence in the industry remains high, so does the pressure to optimise – whether through cost reduction, tackling productivity challenges, or future-proofing their business operations. Across the board, we're seeing a clear shift toward smarter and more agile ways of working".

Some of the key highlights from the survey include:

• 91% of construction business leaders believe the industry is stable
• 70% of decision-makers say training & upskilling are key to attracting new talent
• 60% invest in technology to manage projects more efficiently and effectively
• 51% outsource specialist expertise to help with project management
• 36% rent more equipment from hire companies than they did last year

When reflecting on the results of the survey, Stuart Dean CEO of Kennards Hire said, "Our fourth annual Construction Confidence Check survey provides unique insights into a sector that's of critical importance to the national economies of Australia and New Zealand.

"With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic now behind us, this detailed report of the survey findings provides an update of the challenges influencing leaders and key decision-makers and identifies the innovations, technology and workforce trends shaping the construction and infrastructure industries now and into the future."