Markit's and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply's construction purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. rose to 57.8 in December from 55.3 in November, exceeding expectations for an increase to 56.0.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the construction sector.

The index was driven by a rise in commercial construction.

"UK construction companies finished 2015 in a positive fashion, as overall output growth recovered from November's seven-month low. Commercial building was the main engine of growth, with this area of activity expanding at the strongest pace since autumn 2014. There was also a rebound in house building activity in December, but momentum was still much softer than the post-crisis highs achieved during 2014," Senior Economist at Markit, Tim Moore, said.