Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Building & Construction

Despite the global disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine, France’s building and construction sector showcased remarkable resilience in 2022, recording a growth of 1.9% at constant prices. However, a closer look reveals a tale of two sectors, with the building industry surging ahead at 3.1%, while the public works sector faced a decline of 2.0%. While 2021 and 2022 saw two consecutive years of growth, construction activity still remains 210% below its pre-crisis level in 2019. Looking ahead to 2023, the sector anticipates stable, but modest, production growth. In 2022, the building and construction sector witnessed a significant surge in salaried jobs with over 23,000 additional positions being created. Housebuilding production displayed positive momentum in 2022, marking a 2.8% increase at constant prices. Despite this, it remains 3.4% below its 2019 pre-crisis level. The growth is attributed to typical delays in the housing cycle from permits to starts and production. After an 11.2% increase in 2021, housing starts experienced a slight dip of 5.1% in 2022, totaling 371,000 units. Building permits, however, are expected to reach 483,000 units. The surge in permit applications at the end of 2021 can be attributed to the impending Environmental Regulation (RE2020), effective from January 2022. Forecasts for 2023 suggest an 8.6% decline in housing starts due to a reduction in permits, triggered by a less favorable financial environment. Higher interest rates and stricter banking regulations are expected to impact sales, potentially leading to a reversal in the market unless there's increased public support. The housing rehabilitation and maintenance market experienced a 1.8% increase in 2022, surpassing its 2019 levels. Anticipated growth of 1.8% in volume is expected for 2023. Factors contributing to this include increased credits for the ""MaPrimeRénov'"" scheme, a recovery in the energy-saving certificates market, and an energy crisis encouraging energy-efficient works.