Short -term perspectives are hardly more reassuring. Only 7 % of companies provide for an improvement in their activity in the last quarter, against 33 % which anticipate a continuation of the decline and 60 % which count on stabilization. In the longer term, the year 2026 does not arouse more optimism: 13 % expect progress, 41 % to a degradation and 46 % to a status quo. “”This will not change this year, with any expected zero growth. Next year, we even expect a slight drop in activity. We face a long period of stagnation“, Insstiest is a demeester.
And it is the construction and renovation companies of housing that seem the most exposed. No less than 61 % of manufacturers provide for a drop in activity in the coming months, just like 52 % of companies active in residential renovation. A disturbing trend, while Belgium must produce 75,000 additional dwellings each year to avoid a housing crisis and triple its renovation pace in order to reach carbon neutrality in 2050, Recalls Embuild.
Reconstruction projects: EMBULD regrets the postponement of the permanent VAT rate at 6%
At the origin of this situation, several factors: the increase in the price of materials and the surge in interest rates have increased construction costs of 29 % in five years. At the same time, permit procedures are complicated and sustainability standards are tightened.
Faced with this observation, Embuild calls for a sectoral recovery plan. “”We need a support policy on several frontshammers his CEO. From a tax point of view, the opening of the VAT rate at 6 % for sales projects, in force since July 1, is a step in the right direction. But we need faster permit procedures and regional premiums with clear renovations.“
The organization also insists on the need to invest in public infrastructure. “”Even in this period of significant budgetary savings, it is an absolute need to renovate our roads, our bridges, our cycle paths, our sports infrastructure and our public buildings so that they are ready for the future“Concludes Niko Demeester.
Three in four construction companies are looking for staff
