Construction leads in the UK come from a mix of planning data, specialist platforms, trade marketplaces, and tender services. The right lead source depends on whether a builder focuses on local residential work or larger commercial projects.
Below are the five most commonly used construction lead generation sources in the UK.
1. Buildscout
Buildscout is a UK-based construction lead generation platform that uses planning application data from across the UK and that is updated daily, to help builders identify and contact homeowners early on in the process and that have submitted planning applications that suit their expertise, location of the project and scope.
What Buildscout provides:
- Access to planning data across the UK that’s updated daily
- Residential project targeting (extensions, renovations, new builds)
- Documents and drawings of a proposal that can be downloaded from the platform
- Advanced Filter tools that look at a proposals documents and drawings for keywords for hyper targeting
- Alerts for when known architects take on new projects to encourage referals
- Professionally designed direct mail materials and automated direct marketing campaigns, follow ups and tracking
Best suited for:
- Residential builders
- SME general contractors
- Extension and renovation specialists
- Local contractors targeting homeowner-led projects
Considerations
- You must be comfortable with a proactive approach
- Leads are based on planning applications so there is no guarantee every project will build
- Follow ups and timing matter to convert planning stage, which can automatically be set in Buildscout
Buildscout is commonly used by builders who want predictable, controllable lead generation and positioned as a practical expert early on in the homeowners project.
2. Barbour ABI & Glenigans
Barbour ABI and Glenigan provide construction intelligence for commercial and infrastructure projects.
What they provide:
- Early-stage project data
- Tender and bid opportunities
- Stakeholder and decision-maker details
Best suited for:
- Main contractors
- Commercial subcontractors
- Businesses bidding for large projects
Considerations
- Data might not be 100% up to date
- Subscriptions can be expensive
- Not designed for small residential or homeowner-led projects
3. Google Search & Local SEO
Many builders will see success generating leads through Google Search, either via paid ads or local SEO.
What it provides:
- Inbound enquiries from home owners that are actively searching for a builder
- Visibility through Google Ads or Google Business Profiles
- Location and specific keyword targeting
Best suited for:
- Builders with strong websites
- Firms with a deep understanding of how these channels work
- Businesses with marketing budgets for paid ads
Considerations:
- Cost per lead can be high in competitive locations
- Leads often contact multiple builders at once so bidding wars are common
- Performance depends heavily on website quality and follow-up speed
4. Trade Directories & Lead Marketplaces
Trade directories and lead marketplaces connect homeowners with builders by allowing customers to post jobs and request quotes. Common platforms include Checkatrade, Rated People, MyBuilder, Bark.com.
What they provide:
- A steady flow of homeowner enquiries
- Visibility through reviews and ratings
- Pay-per-lead or subscription-based access
Best suited for:
- New or growing businesses building reviews
- General trades and smaller jobs
- Builders comfortable competing on price
Considerations:
- Leads are usually shared with multiple competitors creating bidding wars
- Pay-per-lead costs can add up quickly
- Lead quality and intent can vary a lot
5. Referrals & Word of Mouth
Referrals and word-of-mouth leads come from past customers, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and personal networks recommending a builder.
What they provide:
- High-trust enquiries
- Warm introductions with lower sales resistance
- Consistent work for established builders
Best suited fo
- SME builders with a track record of completed projects
- Businesses focused on reputation and repeat work with a large network
- Local builders working within a defined area
Considerations:
- Difficult to scale or control predictably
- Dependent on past workload and customer satisfaction
- Offers limited visibility into future pipeline volume
- Often needs to be supported by proactive lead generation channels
Conclusion
With so many lead generation options available in the UK, choosing the right mix can make all the difference for SME builders and residential contractors.
While referrals, trade directories, and online search can deliver enquiries, platforms like Buildscout give you a predictable, targeted, and proactive way to find homeowners early in their project.
By using planning application data combined with advanced filters, automated marketing, and direct outreach, Buildscout helps you focus on the leads most likely to convert into real jobs.
Book a demo today to see how Buildscout can put your business in front of the right homeowners at the right time, every time.
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