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Website People Images 0039 Neil Bullen
Neil Bullen
Global Managing Director of Real Estate
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Access data and insights across 99 global construction markets and 42 countries

Our Global construction market intelligence report explores how the construction industry is performing. It discusses the challenges the industry faces and its future outlook. Now in its 16th year, the report brings together data, insights and experience for 99 global construction markets. 

What are the key findings from this year’s research? 

This year’s research captures a construction market navigating a more fragmented, fast-shifting global landscape. The 2024 'super election' year has ushered in political shifts affecting everything from investment appetite to supply chain strategy.  

Our findings reveal a growing divide – some regions face volatility and restricted trade, while others are capitalising on new momentum and market clarity. 

Labour immobility and persistent skills shortages emerged as the industry’s most pressing issues. Yet, behind these challenges lie opportunities for localisation. Many markets are turning to local solutions in workforce development.   

This inward pivot reflects a broader trend: responding pragmatically to risk with regional resilience. 

There’s also cautious optimism in the numbers. Construction cost inflation is stabilising in many parts of the world, returning to pre-pandemic norms.  

The resilience built in response to early 2020s global shocks is now paying dividends. We’re seeing risk management become business –as usual, and firms are reaping the rewards of enhanced preparedness. 

Data centres, life sciences and advanced manufacturing continue to dominate as growth sectors. However, the industry mustn’t overlook the urgent need for change. The digital transformation of construction remains slow, and productivity continues to lag.  

Our data shows a critical window to turn resilience into reinvention. This can be achieved through AI adoption, lifecycle digital integration and bold investment in modern methods of construction. In short: the sector stands at a crossroads.  

Innovation is no longer optional – it's a necessity for navigating what comes next.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORTS

Explore our flagship, data-led market intelligence reports

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Aerial view over the city center by night including central train station
Market intelligence:

Managing viability amid volatility 

12 May 26

3 min read

Aerial blue-hour view of the Düsseldorf skyline along the Rhine River, featuring the illuminated Rheinkniebrücke leading toward the city center and the Rheinturm rising above modern buildings. City lights reflect on the calm water, creating a clean, contemporary European cityscape. North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany, Europe.
Market intelligence:

An uncertain rebound in German markets

20 Apr 26

1 min read

Sunset in Pudong, Shanghai captured on the rooftop of a high-rise building in Puxi
Market intelligence:

Challenges reshaping China's construction industry

16 Apr 26

6 min read

Seattle, Washington state, United States.
Market intelligence:

The US tariff divide

15 Apr 26

3 min read

Aerial shots of Downtown at twilight, Taiwan.
Market intelligence: AI steers Taiwan’s growth amid structural pressures

15 Apr 26

6 min read

A beautiful sunrise sky over the Peace Bridge and the Bow river in the summertime.
Market intelligence:

An era of uncertainty in Canada 

14 Apr 26

2 min read

Urban skyline of Hong Kong city featuring high-rise buildings and the harbor surrounded by mountains and blue skies.
Market intelligence:

Economic conditions boost Hong Kong construction

23 Mar 26

4 min read

Bhumibol Bridge, Bangkok, Thailand
Market intelligence:

Thailand 2026: a market moving at two speeds 

23 Mar 26

6 min read

Aerial photo of iconic BNI 46 Tower with located in South Jakarta Central Business District,
Market intelligence:

Indonesia’s growth: progress in small steps 

17 Mar 26

6 min read

Osaka, Japan downtown cityscape in the Umeda District at twilight.
Market intelligence:

Trends shaping Japan's construction market in 2026

12 Mar 26

6 min read

View from a high vantage point overlooking the southern part of Penang Island, including the Bayan Lepas H
Market intelligence:

Malaysia’s shift to high-value builds

12 Mar 26

6 min read

Bangalore city Aerial view at sun set with pink and orange skies.
Market intelligence:

India's construction thrives despite costs and strains

9 Mar 26

5 min read

Night Chicago Skyline At Chicago In Illinois United States. Illuminated Downtown. City At Night Landscape. Chicago At Illinois United States. Chicago City District. City Skyline Scene.
Market intelligence:

Chicago construction cost and market overview 2026

6 Feb 26

3 min read

Skyline view of central business district Auckland, New Zealand
Market intelligence:

Shifting conditions shape 2026 outlook in Australia and New Zealand

5 Feb 26

2 min read

High panoramic view of the urban skyline of London, England, with the river Thames leading into the City disctrict and beyond during a beautiful sunset
Market intelligence:

UK market intelligence

26 Jan 26

3 min read

Part of Abu Dhabi, UAE with tall buildings and surrounding area viewed from the helicopter. Many details are visible in the image.
Market intelligence:

United Arab Emirates

27 Oct 25

3 min read

A breathtaking aerial view of Sydney's skyline at sunset, showcasing towering skyscrapers, a glowing sky, and serene waters in the distance
Market intelligence:

Australia and New Zealand 

23 Oct 25

2 min read

Beautiful aerial view of downtown Vancouver skyline, British Columbia, Canada with red and orange autumnal leaves
Market intelligence:

Canada

6 Oct 25

1 min read

Aerial view of Riyadh at night with illuminated modern skyscrapers and busy streets under a clear dark sky, Al Olaya street
Market intelligence:

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

15 Sept 25

2 min read

Drone view of Shenzhen Hong Kong border at sunset
Market intelligence: Confidence improves Hong Kong construction outlook

8 Sept 25

7 min read

Aerial photography of Lujiazui, Huangpu River, Shanghai, China, Asia.
Market intelligence: China’s construction market

28 Aug 25

6 min read

Singapore cityscape during sunset
Market intelligence: Singapore’s construction sector gains momentum

26 Aug 25

5 min read

Ariel view of city skyline at sunset with boats on river.
Market intelligence:

United States

20 Aug 25

3 min read

Aerial view of cranes in a construction site in downtown Tokyo.
Market intelligence: The way forward for Japan's construction industry

13 Aug 25

7 min read

HI roundabout is located in Jakarta
Market intelligence: Indonesia’s construction sector finds its footing

7 Aug 25

5 min read

Aerial view of London skyscrapers and flats.
Market intelligence:

United Kingdom

29 Jul 25

3 min read

Aerial view of a city park with lush greenery, walking paths and a lake, set against a backdrop of tall sky scrappers
Market intelligence: Higher build costs, but Malaysia’s edge holds firm

23 Jul 25

6 min read

Aerial view of modern city skyline at sunset, with high rise buildings, a riverfront with docks and green parkland in the foreground.
Market intelligence:

Australia and New Zealand

22 Jul 25

3 min read

Toronto skyline viewed from across lake Ontario, featuring the CN tower prominently in the centre, with the Rogers centre dome visible to the left.
Market intelligence:

Canada 

14 Jul 25

1 min read

Futuristic Modern Skyline with Reflection in the Still Corniche Bay Waters, Last of the Sunlight Falling on the Buildings.
Market intelligence:

Qatar

6 Jun 25

2 min read

Skyline shot of Brisbane city during the sunset
Market intelligence:

Australia and New Zealand

12 May 25

2 min read

A beautiful image of the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada skyline at sunset.
Market intelligence:

Canada 

6 May 25

2 min read

Landscape view of Las vegas during sunset, wth all the lights on the building lit up.
Market intelligence:

Las Vegas

23 Apr 25

2 min read

Business Skyline in Frankfurt
Market intelligence:

Germany 

22 Apr 25

1 min read

Yellow and red staircase in a black building with people chatting and walking down.
Market intelligence:

Republic of Ireland

17 Apr 25

2 min read

Low shot view of city with pink and orange neon lights on building.
Market intelligence:

United States

26 Mar 25

3 min read

skyline view of London building at night
Market intelligence:

United Kingdom: solving skills shortage

25 Mar 25

3 min read

Phoenix, Arizona skyline at dusk stock photo
Market intelligence:

United States: a pivotal moment

9 Dec 24

3 min read

Singapore at night with glass skyscraper buildings and brightly lit roads with traffic
Market intelligence:

Singapore: set for growth

3 Sept 24

2 min read

Collection of skyscrapers over a bridge at sunset
Market intelligence:

United States: slowing down

29 Aug 24

3 min read

Hong Kong skyline of skyscraper buildings
Market intelligence:

Hong Kong: economic resilience

14 Jun 24

3 min read

UAE Skyline at night
Market intelligence:

United Arab Emirates: remaining resilient

7 May 24

2 min read

Commuters at Liverpool train station
Market intelligence:

United Kingdom: preparing to pivot

7 Dec 23

5 min read

Dublin skyline taken from IFSC, Dublin, Ireland
Market intelligence:

Republic of Ireland

3 min read

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