How geopolitics, regulation, and construction trends affect demand.
Analysis from our forecasting team on demand for building products.
France: Building Sector Sentiment Stuck Below Average for a Fifth Straight Month
According to Insee, the French National Institute of Statistics, the business climate indicator for the building sector has moved in a narrow band of 95 to 97 points for five
Germany: Construction Orders Accelerate for Third Straight Month, Civil Engineering Leads
Order intake in Germany's main construction sector has accelerated for three consecutive months, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
France: Mortgage Rates Turn Higher as Summer Plateau Ends
According to mortgage broker Pretto, French home loan rates rose in September 2026, ending a summer plateau that had held through August.
United Kingdom: Construction Insolvencies Rise for Second Straight Month, Year-to-Date Total Still Below 2025
Construction insolvencies in England and Wales have risen for the second consecutive month, according to the latest official figures from the Insolvency Service cited by
Italy: First 700 Million Euro Tender Launches Piano Casa Public Housing Overhaul
According to Idealista News, Italy's Piano Casa (Housing Plan), which became law in July 2026, is set to enter its operational phase in September with the first tender worth 700
Netherlands: Largest developer BPD sees home sales fall by more than 40% in first half of 2026
According to Cobouw, developer BPD sold 40% fewer new-build homes in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
United Kingdom: Construction Activity Extends 20-Month Slump as Housebuilding Slides Further
According to S&P Global, the UK construction sector contracted for the 20th consecutive month in August 2026, with the seasonally adjusted Construction Purchasing Managers'
Spain: Housing Ministry Adds 90 Million Euros for Rent-Capped Zones as Tensioned Districts Reach 317 Municipalities
The Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda (Ministerio de Vivienda y Agenda Urbana) will channel an additional 90 million euros to regional governments that have declared
Denmark: Business Climate in Construction Stagnates in August
Statistics Denmark has published the latest data from its sentiment indicators for the construction sector.
Argentina Launches Pension-Fund Auction to Rebuild Long-Term Mortgage Funding After Steep Credit Slump
According to La Nación, thirteen banks were awarded the first tranche of funding from ANSES's Sustainability Guarantee Fund (Fondo de Garantía de Sustentabilidad, or FGS) on 7
Türkiye: New Building Permits Fall Sharply as Completions Keep Climbing
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), new construction permits fell across every measure in the April to June quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter a
Sweden: Starts for Apartment Buildings Up 8% in First Half of 2026
According to Statistics Sweden (SCB), construction of new homes started on roughly 15.350 apartments in the first half of 2026, an increase of 8% from the same period in 2025.
Norway unveils package to halve grid build-out times
The Norwegian government presented on 7 August 2026 what Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called the most comprehensive package of measures in years to speed up the expansion of
South Africa: R1,2 billion Welmoed Estate housing project breaks ground in Cape Town
In Cape Town construction has started on the Welmoed Estate affordable housing development in Eerste River.
Netherlands: Suspension of Two Building Inspectors Halts 1.300 Housing Projects
According to VG Visie, the Toelatingsorganisatie Kwaliteitsborging Bouw (TloKB, the Dutch admission body for building-quality assurance) suspended two quality assessors at the end
Argentina: Registered Construction Jobs Fall for Third Straight Month, EMERC Signals a Fourth Decline in July
Registered employment in Argentina's construction industry has declined for three consecutive months after peaking in March, according to the Institute of Statistics and
Brazil: Construction Cost Inflation Reaccelerates as Labour Expenses Drive 12-Month Rate Above 6,5%
According to FGV IBRE (Fundação Getulio Vargas), Brazil's National Construction Cost Index (Índice Nacional de Custo da Construção, INCC-M) rose 0,85% in August, up from 0,62% in
Mexico: Construction Output Extends Three-Month Growth Run as Public Works Lead Recovery
According to the Cámara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcción (CMIC, the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry), citing INEGI's Encuesta Nacional de Empresas
Mexico: Querétaro Contractors Push for a Bigger Share of Pipeline as Mexico City-Querétaro Rail Reaches 19,22%
Construction of the Mexico City-Querétaro passenger rail line has more than doubled its completion rate since the start of 2026, moving from 9,80% in February to 19,22% at the
Brazil: Abecip Lifts 2026 Mortgage Credit Forecast to R$411 Billion After Strong First Half
According to the Brazilian Association of Real Estate Credit and Savings Entities (Abecip), the country's mortgage credit market is now expected to close 2026 with approximately
Swedish Riksbank: policy rate remains unchanged at 1.75
On 20th August the Swedish Riksbank (Swedish Central Bank) decided to leave the policy rate unchanged at 1.75 %.
Sweden: Construction Sentiment Returns to Normal in July
The Swedish Konjunkturinstitutet (the National Institute of Economic Research) reported that the sentiment among Swedish construction companies improved in July and is now to be
Canada: Institutional Projects Push Building Permits to a Second-Quarter Record
According to Statistics Canada, the total value of building permits issued across the country climbed to $40,4 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up $1,4 billion or 3,7% from
Mexico: Ciudad Juárez builders' association expects construction rebound in second half of 2026
According to Fernando Suárez, president of the Ciudad Juárez chapter of the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry (Cámara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcción, known
Argentina reopens national road concessions as Milei negotiates infrastructure handover with governors
According to El Cronista, the national government accelerated the concession process for national highways this Tuesday while in the middle of negotiations with provincial
United States: Construction Spending Down 3,2% Year on Year as Weakness Broadens Beyond Data Centers
Total construction spending in the United States was down 3,2% in June compared with the same month a year earlier, according to U.S.
Canada and Toronto commit $2,7 billion for 5.600 new rental homes
According to the Prime Minister of Canada's office, the federal government and the City of Toronto will invest over $2,7 billion over the next three years to build more than 18
United Kingdom: Construction PMI Climbs to Four-Month High as Downturn Eases in July
According to S&P Global, the UK Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 44,7 in July from 38,4 in June, its highest reading in four months, based on data
Swiss Business Sentiment Rebounds in July, Construction Trails
According to the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich, as reported by Baublatt on 5 August 2026, the Business Situation Indicator for the Swiss private sector rose again in
United States: Senate Funding Extension Locks In Sharpest Federal Highway and Transit Cuts Since 1956
According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), the U.S.
Argentina: Construction Costs Rise 16,7% in First Half of 2026, Developer Margins Stay Negative
According to La Nación, official figures from the Índice de Costo de la Construcción (Construction Cost Index) for Greater Buenos Aires, compiled by the National Institute of
Brazil's Central Bank Cuts Selic to 14%, Fourth Straight Reduction
According to CNN Brasil, the Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) of Brazil's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by 0,25 percentage point to 14% on Wednesday, 5 August
Argentina: Formal Construction Employment Falls Again in May, Early Indicator Points to Further June Decline
According to the Instituto de Estadística y Registro de la Industria de la Construcción (IERIC, Argentina's construction statistics and registry institute), formal employment in
Brazil's Construction Sector Adds 168,962 Formal Jobs in First Half of 2026
According to the Central dos Trabalhadores e Trabalhadoras do Brasil (CTB), citing Novo Caged data released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MTE) on 29 July, Brazil's
United States: Fed holds benchmark rate at 3,50-3,75% for fifth meeting
According to the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Open Market Committee decided by a 9 to 3 vote on July 29, 2026 to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at
Brazil: mortgage lending jumps 23% in first half of 2026, construction loans more than double
According to the Brazilian Association of Real Estate Credit and Savings Entities (Abecip), mortgage lending in Brazil totalled R$180,9 billion in the first half of 2026, up 23%
Mexico: FOVISSSTE relaunches social housing with 100.000-unit pipeline, first 512 homes break ground in Puebla
According to El Cronista, the Mexican government has confirmed a new phase in President Claudia Sheinbaum's housing policy with the launch of a program to build 100.000 social
Japan: construction sentiment slips as broader corporate mood hits multi-decade highs
According to the Bank of Japan's June Tankan survey, released on July 1, 2026 and reported by Nikkei, sentiment among large non-manufacturing companies improved for the fifth
Spain: Seopan urges emergency price-revision measures as Iran conflict inflates works costs
According to Seopan, the Spanish association of construction and infrastructure concession companies, the government must adopt urgent measures to offset the inflationary impact
India: NCLT rules RERA delays and infrastructure gaps cannot block homebuyers' insolvency plea against developer
According to Taxscan, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), New Delhi Bench has held that the pendency of proceedings before the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and
Japan: Top-50 Contractor Orders Fall 6,7% in May After April Plunge
According to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), as reported by Kensetsu Tsushin Shimbun (a Japanese construction industry newspaper) on July
Spain: 1.130 public works tenders left unawarded in H1 2026 as costs outrun fixed prices
According to the National Construction Confederation (CNC), 1.130 public tenders in Spain were left without a bidder between January and June 2026, with a combined budget of more
Beijing sets first 2026 affordable housing batch: 42.000 units due for completion
According to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, as cited by NetEase News, the city has issued its first 2026 batch of the affordable housing
United States: New Home Sales Stabilise in June After Spring Slide, Still Below Year-Earlier Pace
According to the U.S.
Argentina's mortgage lending recovers in June but stays half of 2025 levels
According to the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA), cited by La Nación, mortgage disbursements reached US$150 million in June 2026, the best monthly figure since March, equivalent
Mexico: Construction Output Rises 2,7% in May, Best Monthly Gain Since December
According to Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the value of production of construction companies rose 2,7% in May compared with April, the largest
Mexico: Sheinbaum confirms 1,8 million home build target, 274.000 units under construction
According to PorEsto, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo confirmed on 24 July 2026 that the federal Housing for Wellbeing programme aims to build 1,8 million homes over the course
ECB Holds Rate at 2,25% as Euribor Hits Highest Level Since October 2024
According to Gibobs, the European Central Bank held its three key interest rates unchanged on 23 July 2026, keeping the deposit facility rate at 2,25% after raising it by 25 basis
France creates State Property Company to overhaul management of 96 million m² public estate
According to the French Senate, Parliament definitively adopted on Tuesday 21 July 2026 the bill aimed at modernising the management of the State's real estate portfolio.
Italy: nearly half of construction firms expect revenue growth by year-end despite PNRR wind-down
According to the Osservatorio SAIE, a survey of firms producing, distributing and providing services for the building and installation sector carried out with the Nomisma research
United Kingdom: Steel Tariffs Push Construction Material Costs Up Around 6%
According to Emilecon, steel tariffs added around 6% to UK construction material costs in 2026, resetting the cost base for contractors across the sector in July.
Netherlands: DNB says 40 billion euros a year needed to meet rental housing targets
According to De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), the Dutch central bank, a better investment climate is needed to realise the government's construction ambitions for rental housing.
Japan: Middle East Tensions Drive Up Construction Material Prices, Institute Reports
According to the Research Institute of Construction and Economy (Kensetsu Bukka Chosakai), an update published on 21 July 2026 links rising construction material prices and
Germany: Revised Heating Subsidy Conditions Take Effect Under New Building Modernisation Act
According to the German Federal Government (Bundesregierung), revised conditions for federal heating subsidies took effect on 21 July 2026 alongside the new
EU Reviews First Batch of National Building-Renovation Plans, Italy Still Absent
According to Edilportale, the European Commission has carried out its first assessment of national building-renovation plans, based on a report drawn up by the Joint Research
China: Loan Prime Rate Held Steady for 14th Straight Month, Mortgage Benchmark Stays at 3,5%
According to People's Daily Online, citing the People's Bank of China, the central bank authorised the National Interbank Funding Center on 20 July 2026 to keep the Loan Prime
United States: 50% tariff on Canadian cement set for August 19 pressures contractor pricing
According to Construction Dive, President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on many Canadian imports beginning August 19, a move that may force general
Swiss Mortgage Rates Climb for Second Week as Oil Prices Push Up Yields
According to Finanz und Wirtschaft, Swiss mortgage rates have been rising across all maturities for two weeks.
Wallonia scraps 120 renovation grants for two targeted loans from October 2026
The Walloon government approved, in first reading, the terms of a new energy renovation support scheme that will take effect on 1 October 2026 and target the region's
Türkiye: Mortgage-Backed Home Sales Jump 72,1% in June, Total Market Still Down for First Half
According to Türkiye's statistical institute TÜİK, as reported by A Haber, total house sales across Türkiye rose 15,8% year on year in June 2026, climbing from 112.196 units in
Austria: Residential Construction Costs Up 5,4% in June, Infrastructure Segments Rise Faster
According to Statistics Austria, construction costs for residential and settlement building in Austria stood 5,4% above the year-earlier level in June 2026, based on preliminary
Argentina extends deadline for public-works contractors to swap debt for bonds
Argentina's Secretariat of Infrastructure Coordination has extended until July 23 the deadline for public-works contractors to request entry into the Simplified Regime for the
Netherlands: National Growth Fund and construction sector invest €72 million to scale circular building innovation
According to Bouwend Nederland, the National Growth Fund (Nationaal Groeifonds) and the construction sector are jointly investing 72 million euros to further scale up innovations
France: Construction order books stay weak even as June activity rebounds, recruitment gaps widen
According to the Banque de France (France's central bank), monthly business survey published on 8 July 2026, construction order books, which gauge how much confirmed work firms
Italy's Piano Casa: commissioner sets January-March 2027 for first building sites
According to LavoriPubblici, the extraordinary government commissioner for Italy's national housing programme, Piano Casa 2026, has given the first concrete construction timeline
Germany fast-tracks rail, road and bridge permits under new infrastructure law
According to the German federal government, the Bundesrat (the upper house of the German parliament) approved the Infrastructure Future Act on 10 July 2026, clearing the final
France: Construction Insolvencies Hold Broadly Stable in Q2 2026 as Property Development Diverges Sharply
According to Altares, French corporate insolvencies rose 5,4% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, with 17.486 proceedings opened between April and June.
France: Usury Rate Ceiling for Long Mortgages Rises to 5,29%
According to CAFPI, the French mortgage broker, the usury rate ceiling for loans of 20 years and more rose from 5,19% to 5,29% on 1 July 2026.
China's 'Six Networks' infrastructure drive set to exceed 7 trillion yuan in 2026
According to Xinhua News Agency, China's central authorities have moved this year to accelerate construction of what planners call the "Six Networks": the water grid, the new-type
Argentina auctions off 290 stalled ex-Procrear homes, eyes new mortgage tools
According to Ámbito Financiero, Argentina's national government has launched the public auction of two unfinished housing developments in Junín and Mercedes, Buenos Aires
Argentina: Construction Sector Warns of Up to 130.000 Job Losses, Demands Dialogue with State
According to Diario Las Noticias (San Juan), the construction sector renewed its warning over the deep crisis facing the industry, estimating that between 100.000 and 130.000 jobs
Brazil: Construction Job Growth Loses Pace as Firms Report Labour Shortages
According to Sinduscon-SP, the São Paulo construction industry association, and FGV Ibre, the Brazilian Institute of Economics of the Getulio Vargas Foundation, the pace of
Germany: ifo housing construction climate falls to -31.0 points as order backlogs shrink further
According to the ifo Institute, sentiment in Germany's residential construction sector deteriorated further in June, with the business climate index falling from -29,5 to -31,0
Sweden to Investigate Easing Noise Rules for Housing Near Military Sites
According to the Government Offices of Sweden, a special investigator has been appointed to analyze the obstacles to building housing near installations classed as "riksintresse"
United States: Homebuilder Confidence Falls to 34, Longest Sub-40 Streak Since 2012
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 34 in July, down from an
United Kingdom: Construction insolvencies pass 3.805 in year to June, sector still worst hit
According to the Insolvency Service, construction remained the worst-hit sector for company failures in England and Wales, with 3.805 insolvencies recorded in the 12 months to
Quintana Roo Reaches 95% of Housing Target With 44.200 Units Under Construction
According to El Sureste, Quintana Roo has 44.200 housing units authorized or under construction, equivalent to 95% of the six-year target set for the state under the federal
United States: 30-Year Mortgage Rate Climbs to 6,55%, Highest Level in Nearly a Year
According to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6,55% for the week ending July 16, 2026, up from 6,49%
Canada: Housing Starts Trend Falls 2,8% in June as Permitted Backlog Stays High
According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the six-month trend in housing starts fell 2,8% in June to 248.123 units compared with May.
Argentina's public works spending drops 32,4% in real terms in first half of 2026
According to a report by the consultancy Analytica, cited by Diario Río Negro, public works investment in Argentina fell 32,4% in real terms during the first half of 2026, placing
Brazil's Sinapi Construction Cost Index Jumps 1,19% in June, Steepest Rise Since 2022
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the Sinapi (National Construction Index) accelerated to 1,19% in June, after registering a rise of only
Mexico: Construction Investment Rises 8,8% in April as CMIC Presses for Faster Public Tendering
According to the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry (CMIC), construction investment increased 8,8% year-on-year in April 2026, based on data from the National Institute
Mexico City plans over 40 billion pesos to renovate Metro Line 3, 18 times the cost of Line 2
According to Proceso, Mexico City's head of government, Clara Brugada, announced that the full renovation of Metro Line 3, part of the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo (STC, the
United States: Data Center Demand Powers Construction Growth in AGC's 2026 Mid-Year Outlook
According to the latest mid-year economic update from Macrina Wilkins, Director of Market Insights at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the U.S.
Bank of Canada Holds Policy Rate at 2,25% for Sixth Straight Decision, Cites Stabilizing Housing Activity
According to the Bank of Canada, the Governing Council held its target for the overnight rate at 2,25% on 15 July 2026, with the Bank Rate at 2,50% and the deposit rate at 2,20%.
Austria's economy rebounds in WKÖ survey, but construction stays stuck in negative territory
According to the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), whose Wirtschaftsbarometer surveyed more than 4,300 companies in May and June 2026, expectations for orders, revenue and
Switzerland: LUKB sees 10-year swap rate rising to 0,80% within 12 months after SNB holds rate at 0%
According to the Luzerner Kantonalbank (LUKB) (Lucerne Cantonal Bank), the Swiss National Bank (SNB) left its policy rate unchanged at 0% at its meeting on 18 June 2026, keeping
Finland: Residential Building Permits Fall 58% in 2nd Quarter
According to Statistics Finland, the cubic volume of building permits granted for residential construction fell 58% year-on-year in April-June 2026.
Brazilian cement sales post best June ever, up 7,7% year-on-year
Cement sales in Brazil rose 7,7% in June compared with the same month of 2025, reaching 5,8 million tonnes, according to the National Cement Industry Union (Sindicato Nacional da
Caixa's Mortgage Portfolio Tops R$1 Trillion as Minha Casa Minha Vida Expands
According to Forbes Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal's mortgage portfolio reached R$1 trillion in June, driven by double-digit growth in loans tied to the Minha Casa Minha Vida
Italy Construction PMI Falls to 45,4 in June as Orders Slump and Jobs Shrink
According to S&P Global, the Italy Construction PMI fell to 45,4 in June from 49,4 in May, marking a much sharper contraction than the near-stabilisation recorded a month
China's Construction PMI Improves in June as Civil Engineering Sub-Index Tops 55%
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, China's construction business activity index rose to 49,0% in June 2026,
Norway: house prices fall 0,3% in June, but rise 0,4% seasonally adjusted
According to Eiendom Norge, the Norwegian association of real estate agents, house prices across the country fell by 0,3% in June 2026, while the seasonally adjusted figure rose
Swiss Construction Business Climate Cools for Second Straight Month, KOF Survey Shows
According to the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich, the KOF Business Situation Indicator for the Swiss private sector fell further in June, marking the second consecutive
Brazil's Minha Casa, Minha Vida: a broader programme chasing a bigger target
Brazil's main affordable housing programme entered 2026 in a stronger position than its original design anticipated.
Brazil's construction sector in 2026: activity stabilising, confidence still absent
Five months into 2026, Brazil's construction sector is telling two different stories at the same time.
France Heatwave: Construction Sites Grind to a Halt
France has been gripped by an extraordinary heatwave since 17 June 2026, widely regarded as the most intense on record.
Finland Rebases Housing Price Index to 2025=100, Q1 2026 Data Confirm Continued Price Declines
Statistics Finland announced an updated base year for statistics on housing prices.
China proposes largest overhaul of Housing Provident Fund rules since 1999
According to China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD), the ministry opened a public consultation on 5 June 2026 on a revised draft of the Housing Provident
Fewer Swedish public housing companies in the red, but a SEK 686 billion maintenance backlog looms
Sweden's public housing sector entered 2026 on a slightly firmer financial footing than a year earlier, yet a substantial maintenance backlog ...
Sweden: recovery in the construction market continues
The Swedish construction labour market continued to improve in May 2026, according to the industry association Byggföretagen.
Germany: rising job vacancies in the construction industry
The number of job vacancies in the German construction industry rose for the second quarter in a row in the first quarter of 2026.
Fire Safety and Insurance: The Growing Debate Around Timber Buildings in Sweden
Sweden's ambition to decarbonise its construction sector has led to a rapid expansion of multi-storey timber buildings, which now account for roughly 17 per cent of newly built apartments.
Sweden’s Construction Sector Leads Emissions Reduction in 2025
According to preliminary data from Statistics Sweden (SCB), greenhouse gas emissions from the Swedish economy totalled 51,2 million tonnes of CO₂ ...
Non-residential construction remains at a low level
The latest forecast from week 23 continues...
China’s producer prices increase cost pressure for the construction sector
China’s producer prices rose sharply in May 2026 as Reuters reported on 10th June 2026.
US Senate bill aims to shield building materials from tariffs
According to the National Association of Home Builders and Senators Jacky Rosen and Chris Coons, the Housing Tariff Exclusion Act was introduced in the Senate in late February 2026.
Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthens energetic renovation of public buildings
The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted an updated operational plan on 18 March 2026 to improve energy efficiency in the public building stock.
China strengthens investments in existing urban areas, buildings and infrastructure
China is placing greater emphasis on investing in existing urban areas and their infrastructure for the period from 2026 to 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy returns to growth, but cost pressures rise sharply
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector returned to growth in April 2026. As S&P points out in its analysis, the Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia...
China: decline of housing prices slowed down but housing market still under pressure
China’s property market remains under pressure in 2026...
Netherlands: EPBD implementation makes building energy performance a key issue
The Netherlands is preparing to implement the European EPBD IV building directive.
Belgium's Housing Push: Tax Cuts and Community Models Reshape Affordability in 2025-2026
Belgium is attempting to tackle its acute housing shortage through two contrasting strategies: slashing purchase taxes for first-time buyers and expanding Community Land Trust (CLT) projects.
Spain: Consumer confidence rebounds after sharp March drop
Consumer sentiment in Spain recovered noticeably in April 2026.
Italy: New PNRR rules aim to keep public construction projects on track
Italy has introduced new rules to support the delivery of public construction and infrastructure projects under the PNRR.
Italy: Permit extensions give construction projects more breathing room
Italy has extended several regulatory deadlines for the construction sector through the Decreto Milleproroghe 2026.
Spain: New housing plan aims to strengthen affordable supply
Spain has approved the State Housing Plan 2026 to 2030, endowed with €7 billion.
Thailand ranks last in an ASEAN comparison
Thailand stands in stark contrast to the positive developments in Vietnam within the region
Belgium: Renovation subsidies are being reshaped at regional level
Belgian public subsidies for supporting renovation of homes are becoming more regionally differentiated.
Tokyo's Affordable Housing Initiative: Public-Private Fund Model Takes Shape
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is pursuing an innovative approach to address rising housing costs and vacant properties through a public-private partnership fund model—a departure from traditional government housing provision.
Vietnam: Vietnam’s Social Housing Exceeds its Annual Target
Vietnam exceeded its annual social housing construction target for 2025.
Japan's Housing Paradox: 800.000 new build homes despite high vacancy rates
Japan faces a demographic contradiction: nearly 9 million vacant homes yet 800,000 new constructions annually.
Türkiye is pushing ahead with a major social housing programme
At the start of 2026, the Turkish government gave further detail on its large-scale social housing programme under the slogan “Ev Sahibi Türkiye...
Netherlands: Construction confidence remains positive but loses momentum
Construction confidence in the Netherlands weakened in April 2026, but remained clearly positive.
France expands CEE scheme to support energy renovation
France is strengthening its Certificats d’Économies d’Énergie scheme in 2026. The programme, known as CEE, is ...
Belgium: Material cost fears return to the construction sector
Belgian construction and installation companies are becoming more concerned about material costs again.
Italy: New housing plan targets affordable homes, but implementation will take time
Italy has launched a new housing programme to respond to the country’s affordability crisis.
Belgium: Weaker consumer confidence could weigh on housing and renovation decisions
Consumer confidence in Belgium weakened further in April 2026.
Italy: Construction downturn deepens as costs rise and orders fall
Italy’s construction sector weakened further in April 2026.
Poland’s housing market: Mortgage demand rises sharply
Poland’s housing market became noticeably more active in the first quarter of 2026. According to Otodom...
Stagnation in the Building and Energy Technology Sector: Market Recovery Delayed in Q1 2026
The building and energy technology sector in Germany continues to face significant ...
Finland: Industry indices show signs of recovery but on a low level
According the production index, published by the Finish Confederation of the Finnish Construction industries, CFCI (Rakennusteollisuus RT), first signs...
Italy: Weaker consumer confidence could slow housing and renovation decisions
Consumer confidence in Italy weakened again in April 2026.
Belgium’s construction sector records historically high number of bankruptcies
According to Embuild, the crisis in Belgium’s construction sector remains severe.
Poland: New regulations on construction influence materials used and construction prices
Polish developers are facing a more demanding regulatory environment...
US consumer confidence is sending new warning signs for the housing market
According to the Conference Board, US consumer confidence edged up to 91,8 in March 2026.
France tightens RE2020 rules for low carbon construction
Since 1 March 2026, France’s RE2020 building regulation has ...
Fed and ECB stay cautious: Interest rates remain stable, uncertainty remains high
The major central banks remain cautious. Both the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank have recently kept their key interest rates unchanged.
India pushes affordable housing
India is strengthening affordable housing through a broader mix...
Swedish Construction Redundancy Notices Halved in First Quarter
According to Swedish Byggföretagen, the number of redundancy notices in the Swedish construction industry halved during the first quarter...
Over 1,100 Kombohus Lamell Apartments Completed or Underway in Sweden
According to Sveriges Allmännytta, the Swedish Association of Public Housing Companies, across 19 different locations in Sweden...
The United Kingdom wants to tighten building safety oversight while making permits faster
With its Strategic Plan 2026 to 2027, the Building Safety Regulator is setting a new direction for its work in England.
Brazil’s central bank cuts rates, but remains cautious as inflation and uncertainty persist
According to Brazil’s monetary policy committee, Copom, the central bank cut the Selic rate to 14,75 percent in March 2026.
Argentina is facing strong action by central bank
According to the BCRA’s Objectives and Plans 2026 document, Argentina’s central bank ...
UK Construction Sector Under Pressure: Number of Critically Distressed Companies Rises Sharply
Financial strain in the UK construction sector intensified noticeably...
Chile’s credit environment is sending mixed signals for construction
Banks in Chile kept mortgage lending standards unchanged in the first quarter of 2026, ...
National Wealth Fund: state investment bank aims to mobilise more than £100 billion for infrastructure by 2030/31
The UK’s National Wealth Fund (NWF) has presented a five-year plan intended to mobilise more than £100 billion...
Construction products in the UK: demand weakness eases – cautious stabilisation in sight
From the perspective of the construction products industry, activity in the UK construction sector remains subdued, and weak demand is still seen as the main constraint for the coming months. ...
The United Arab Emirates is further expanding its state supported housing sector in 2026
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE’s state supported housing sector made a strong start to 2026. ...
Türkiye’s mortgage reset could strengthen housing construction
Türkiye’s latest mortgage reform could provide new support for the residential construction market by making home ownership somewhat more accessible, ...
Timor-Leste: population growth and high numbers of dwellings per capita despite small absolute numbers
In a per-capita comparison (additional homes per 1,000 inhabitants per year), Timor-Leste ranks among the most dynamic housing markets in Southeast Asia, with a value of 2.9. ...
Chile aims to protect housing projects by extending the validity of building permits
Chile’s Ministry of Housing and Urbanism states that the government moved in February 2026 to extend the validity of certain building permits by another 12 months.
Brazil’s construction sector expects a better 2026, but remains cautious
Brazil's construction sector enters 2026 carrying the same structural pressures it has lived with for years...
Argentina’s construction costs continue to rise, increasing pressure on project pricing
According to Argentina’s statistics agency INDEC, the construction cost index for Greater Buenos Aires rose by 2,5% in March 2026 compared with the previous month.
Positive signals for Dutch construction industry from new coalition agreement
The new Dutch coalition agreement for 2026–2030 marks a shift after a prolonged period of political standstill and could improve the framework conditions for the construction sector.
New PNRR decree in Italy: faster approvals and fresh momentum for construction and energy
Italy aims to accelerate the implementation of projects under its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). ...
Chile updates public works rules to make contract management more reliable and speedy
According to Chile’s Ministry of Public Works, new changes to the public works regulation were published at the end of February 2026.
Italy’s mortgage market in 2026: financing tailwinds – new construction responds with a delay
The Italian mortgage market is entering 2026 with positive momentum. ...
Spain’s construction labour market remains dynamic, but skilled labour shortages are becoming more prevalent
According to official statistics published in March, Spain’s construction sector continued to show strong labour market momentum in 2025, with hiring and employment both increasing further...
Flanders expands social housing investment as Belgium’s broader residential market remains under pressure
Flanders is stepping up public investment in housing with a landmark €1,7 billion financing agreement with the European Investment Bank, aimed at ...
Netherlands: Factory built homes become key to speeding up housing delivery
The Dutch government wants to shorten the long path from housing plans to completed homes.
Netherlands: New vacancy rules could bring unused homes back into use
The Dutch government wants to give municipalities stronger tools to tackle vacant homes and buildings.
Switzerland will invest heavily in national road infrastructure in 2026
According to the federal authorities, Switzerland will invest nearly 3,3 billion CHF in 2026 in the construction, maintenance, operation and targeted expansion of the national road network.
Spain: Euribor rise increases costs for variable rate mortgages
Variable rate mortgages in Spain became more expensive again in March 2026.
Italy: Construction prices keep rising and add pressure to project costs
Construction costs in Italy continued to rise in March 2026.
Netherlands: Subsidies link senior housing with the heat transition
The Dutch government is combining two major housing priorities: the energy transition and age appropriate housing.
India’s urban consumer mood weakens
According to the Reserve Bank of India, confidence among urban households...
Iran conflict: Three scenarios for European construction
What escalation means for energy prices, supply chains, and investment.
Timber demand: Structural trend or timing effect?
Rising demand as a pent-up phenomenon rather than structural shift.
Infrastructure fund: Who actually benefits?
Germany's €500bn fund and its real impact.
Thailand´s Inflation Below Zero in 2025
Thailand recorded slightly negative headline inflation in 2025.
Ukraine reconstruction: Four scenarios to 2030
Probability-weighted scenarios from false boom to best case.
Europe's renovation wave: Where opportunities emerge
EU building directive meets tight budgets.
Spain: Building code update puts materials and life cycle emissions in focus
Spain’s planned CTE 2026 update will change how new construction and renovation projects are assessed.
How B+L forecasts are built
Behind the MDP model.
Japan: Home Energy Conservation 2026 will strengthen renovations
On November 28, 2025, Japan's Cabinet approved the FY2025 supplementary budget, including the "Home Energy Conservation 2026 Campaign", a comprehensive multi-ministry ...