In 2026, the construction industry in Singapore is moving beyond traditional brick-and-mortar expertise to embrace a digital-first foundation. Companies in the built environment looking to strengthen their talent strategies need to understand the interplay between regulations and technological advancements to attract in-demand and specialised talent.
There is an increase in adoption of practices such as Design for Maintainability and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), both of which are now essential for regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
At the same time, hiring practices are being reshaped by sustainability imperatives, with firms actively seeking talent capable of delivering green engineering solutions and navigating the requirements associated with Singapore’s Green Mark certification and national climate action commitments.
Building a future-ready workforce starts with understanding the current market trends, in-demand skills, and salary benchmarks. Download your copy of the 2026 Construction & Property Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide to make more informed workforce decisions for the year ahead.
in-demand skills for 2026: meeting the demands of a modern built environment.
While core technical skills like technical drawing and engineering design remain foundational, the industry is increasingly looking beyond these fundamentals to prioritise expertise in data analytics and digital process management.
As digital transformation reshapes the sector, organisations are moving at varying speeds to integrate advanced tools such as building information modeling (BIM), digital twin technology, and advanced remote monitoring.
Sustainability expertise is increasingly being integrated into existing roles rather than treated as standalone functions, for both new developments and retrofit projects. Employers are seeking talent skilled in environmental sustainability management and sustainable engineering to navigate tightening regulations, decarbonisation targets, and rising client expectations.
At the same time, there is also a rising demand for project risk management professionals, as increasing complexity and compliance obligations accompany the adoption of advanced technologies throughout the sector.
While technical expertise remains important, employers are also prioritising talent who have management competencies, such as critical thinking and effective communication. This is especially pronounced within the professional consultancy services, as projects demand high-value advisory capabilities, sophisticated engineering design, and integrated digital delivery.
emerging roles within construction & property in 2026.
The construction and property sector in Singapore remains highly people-centric, even as automation and digitisation change the way teams work. Routine tasks such as measurement, data handling, and document preparation are set for increasing automation, allowing employees to focus on higher-value responsibilities such as data-driven cost planning, project analytics, and integrated lifecycle management.
In response to these technological shifts, roles that blend traditional expertise with digital and analytical capabilities are also emerging. Specialists in digital facilities management and data-driven engineering are in growing demand, as organisations seek professionals who can translate data and technology into actionable insights and support sustainable and efficient practices.
how organisations can attract and retain their talent
To meet the demands of a modern built environment, employers must prioritise upskilling local professionals. Organisations that invest in upskilling their teams with digital, analytical, and strategic capabilities can prepare their workforce to take on higher-value responsibilities.
At the same time, retaining and attracting skilled talent remains a challenge for companies. Salary continues to be a primary concern for employees, while flexible working practices and improved work-life balance are quickly becoming important factors.
Organisations that can commit to transparent compensation frameworks and clear career development pathways will not only strengthen employee engagement but also position themselves as employers of choice in a competitive market.
download singapore’s 2026 construction and property job market outlook report.
Navigate Singapore’s evolving labour market with confidence. Our 2026 Construction and Property Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide offers valuable insights to strengthen your talent strategies:
- Salary benchmarks across in-demand roles
- Most sought-after skills that impact hiring priorities
- Actionable strategies to attract, retain and upskill talent
partner with randstad
At Randstad, we connect employers with specialist talent that can help them meet their workforce needs, while helping talent find in-demand roles that prioritise growth and digital agility.
Looking to hire? Get in touch with us for a confidential discussion, or browse our jobs here if you’re ready for your next job opportunity.