Markit's and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply's construction purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. fell to 55.3 in November from 58.8 in October, missing expectations for a fall to 58.2. It was the lowest level since April.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the construction sector.

The index was driven by a decline in all three broad areas of construction activity.

"The UK construction recovery is down but not out, according to November's survey data. Aside from a pre-election growth slowdown in April, the latest expansion of construction activity was the weakest for almost two-and-a-half years amid a sharp loss of housebuilding momentum," Senior Economist at Markit, Tim Moore, said.