Top UK Cities for Contractors Accommodation in 2025

Finding the right contractors accommodation UK wide has never been more important. With major infrastructure projects, expanding tech hubs, and increased demand for skilled labour across the country, businesses need reliable places to house their workforce. Hotels are costly and impractical for long stays, so companies increasingly look to tailored contractor accommodation solutions that combine affordability, comfort, and location.

In this guide, we highlight the top cities in the UK for contractors accommodation in 2025. From the regeneration hotspots of Birmingham and Manchester to the energy centres of Aberdeen and the innovation hubs of Cambridge, these cities stand out for their mix of opportunity, affordability, and practicality for teams on assignment.

What Makes a City a Good Choice for Contractors Accommodation?

Before looking at individual locations, it helps to understand the criteria that make certain cities ideal for contractors:

• Major projects and economic activity – More projects mean higher demand for contractors and supporting accommodation.

• Transport links – Rail, road, and airport access are essential for teams travelling across the UK.

• Affordability – Companies want cost-effective housing without sacrificing comfort.

• Availability of furnished housing – Fully serviced apartments and shared contractor houses save time and reduce admin.

• Amenities for teams – Kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi, and parking are vital for longer stays.

The cities featured below combine these factors, making them hotspots for contractor housing in 2025.

1. Birmingham

Birmingham remains one of the UK’s leading destinations for contractor accommodation, driven largely by HS2 construction and ongoing regeneration projects. Its central location in the Midlands also makes it accessible for workers travelling from across the country.

Why Birmingham is a hotspot for contractors:

• HS2 and city regeneration boosting demand for skilled labour

• Affordable compared with London while still offering urban convenience

• Strong supply of serviced apartments and shared housing

• Excellent motorway and rail connections

2. Manchester

Known as the “Northern Powerhouse”, Manchester is experiencing growth in construction, media, and digital industries. Large regeneration schemes, including those around MediaCityUK, have increased demand for long-stay housing for contractors and professionals.

Why Manchester works for contractors:

• Large-scale projects creating steady demand

• Wide choice of serviced apartments at lower rates than London

• Strong rail and air connections

• Attractive for both short and long-term contractor housing

3. London

London continues to draw contractors from across the UK and overseas. While costly, it has a huge range of furnished accommodation options and ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology.

Advantages of London for contractors:

• Endless project opportunities in multiple industries

• Broad selection of serviced and shared contractor accommodation

• Ideal for overseas teams entering the UK workforce

• Access to major airports for international contractors

  
  

4. Leeds

Leeds has become one of the strongest regional economies in the UK, with major growth in finance, health, and technology. Large construction projects, especially in the South Bank regeneration area, make it a prime location for contractors.

Why Leeds stands out for contractors:

• South Bank and city centre development increasing demand for skilled labour

• Large student and professional rental market creates a steady supply of serviced accommodation

• Strong transport links across Yorkshire and to London

• Lower costs compared to Manchester and Birmingham

5. Glasgow

Glasgow is a key city for contractor accommodation, with strong demand in construction, healthcare, and the public sector. Large infrastructure projects, including housing developments and transportation upgrades, make it an attractive hub for contractors.

Why Glasgow is a good choice:

• Affordable housing stock for temporary stays

• Busy healthcare sector with consistent contractor demand

• Expanding tech and public sector presence

• Close links to Scotland’s energy sector

6. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is known for finance, tourism, and tech. It attracts many contractors, especially for infrastructure and seasonal projects. While housing can be expensive, there are strong options for short and long-term workforce stays.

Why Edinburgh makes sense for contractor housing:

• High demand for contractors in public sector and tech

• Excellent transport links to the rest of Scotland and London

• Wide choice of serviced accommodation, ideal for teams and individuals

• Strong international business presence

7. Aberdeen

Aberdeen remains central to the UK’s offshore and energy industries. Teams working in oil, gas, and renewables regularly need flexible and affordable housing near the coast.

Why Aberdeen is a contractor hotspot:

• Offshore industry keeps demand for contractor accommodation high

• Strong links to energy sector firms

• Good supply of guest houses and short-let apartments

• Practical location for overseas specialists flying into Scotland

8. Cambridge

Cambridge has seen rapid growth in science, research, and technology. Contractors supporting labs, data centres, and tech facilities need flexible accommodation solutions.

Why Cambridge is important for contractors:

• Strong demand from tech and science parks

• Proximity to London but more affordable for long stays

• Growing stock of serviced apartments and shared homes

• Popular with overseas engineers and research contractors

9. Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes is a logistics and business hub, with strong demand for contractors in infrastructure, retail, and housing development. Its central location makes it a great choice for workforce housing.

Why Milton Keynes is on the list:

• Expanding logistics and infrastructure projects

• Affordable compared to London and Cambridge

• Easy access to the Midlands and South East

• Wide selection of family homes and apartments available as contractor housing

10. Exeter

Exeter has grown as a hub for infrastructure and digital services. It has been ranked as one of the best places for freelancers and contractors to work, thanks to its connectivity and quality of life.

Why Exeter is worth considering:

• Expanding digital economy and infrastructure investment

• High demand for flexible contractor housing solutions

• Affordable compared to larger cities

• Good access to the South West and transport links

11. Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent is experiencing regeneration, including the £60m Goods Yard development, making it attractive for contractor teams.

Why Stoke-on-Trent is emerging:

• Large-scale regeneration projects driving demand

• Affordable housing stock for contractors

• Strong connections to Birmingham and Manchester

• Options for long-term furnished housing

Comparing Regions for Contractors Accommodation

Region	Why It Works for Contractors	Things to Consider
Midlands (Birmingham, Stoke, Leicester)	Central location, strong projects, accessible	Traffic congestion
North (Manchester, Leeds)	Affordable, regeneration projects, transport	Weather, urban density
Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen)	Energy sector, affordable housing, public sector demand	Travel distance from London
South (London, Cambridge, Exeter, Milton Keynes)	Tech, finance, infrastructure, global links	Higher housing costs

How to Choose the Right Location

When deciding where to book contractors accommodation UK, businesses should consider:

• Project location – Keep your workforce close to sites to save travel costs.

• Team size – Larger groups benefit from shared housing over serviced apartments.

• Length of stay – Longer bookings often mean better rates.

• Budget – Balance cost with comfort to keep staff motivated.

• Amenities – Kitchens, Wi-Fi, and parking can save time and money.

Conclusion

The demand for contractors accommodation UK wide is only going to grow in 2025. From London’s large projects to Aberdeen’s energy sector and Birmingham’s regeneration, every city has unique opportunities and challenges. The key is finding the right base for your workforce that balances location, cost, and comfort.

Ready to find the best accommodation for your contractors? Contact our team today to get fast, affordable options tailored to your project.

FAQs

What is contractors accommodation?

Housing designed for workforces, offering furnished, flexible and affordable stays compared with hotels.

Is everything included in the cost?

Yes, bills, furniture, Wi-Fi, and services are covered in one rate.

Can you book for short and long stays?

 Yes. Many properties are available for a week, month, or several months.

Do you cover smaller cities?

Yes, if you don’t see your city listed, contact us for local availability.