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Summary
The modular construction market, which encompasses the production and assembly of prefabricated homes and containers, has experienced significant growth and is positioning itself as a promising segment within the wider construction industry.
Globally, it accounts for around 5% of total construction output, with an estimated market size of around $91 billion in 2022, rising to $120 billion by 2027.
In Germany, modular construction has been gaining ground, particularly in the field of prefabricated timber homes, reaching a record 23.1% share of building permits for one- and two-family homes in 2021. This market has also seen substantial growth in sales, reaching 3.49 billion euros in 2021. Factors such as time and cost savings, quality control and the provision of temporary and permanent housing solutions are behind this expansion.
In addition, the German market is characterized by a variety of players ranging from large construction firms to companies specializing in modular construction. Technological advances such as 3D printing, prefabrication and the introduction of eco-friendly modular homes are shaping the evolution of the sector. Despite a slight decline in the number of building permits for apartments observed between January 2021 and March 2023 and regulatory pressures, low 20-year mortgage rates and rising land prices are influencing long-term market dynamics, encouraging construction in rural areas and the adoption of modular housing solutions.
Emerging trends in the German modular construction market
The modular construction market in Germany and around the world has been on an upward trajectory for almost a decade, as people and sectors reap the benefits of prefabricated buildings. This modern approach to construction has carved out a significant niche for itself, accounting for around 5% of total construction output worldwide. This booming segment is attractive because of its inherent advantages, including time and cost savings and rigorous quality control.
In Germany, the trend towards prefabricated homes has been particularly noteworthy, with the country experiencing a steady increase in demand. In fact, between 20% and 25% of all building permits for one- and two-family homes in 2021 will be for prefabricated timber homes, the highest proportion ever recorded. In line with this demand, sales in the German prefabricated construction sector are set to grow by around 3%, from over €3 billion in 2020 to just under €3.5 billion in 2021. The upward trend in modular construction could also be linked to developments in home ownership in Germany.
Germany has around 15 to 20 million single-person households, and around 10 to 15 million households with two or three or more people. A significant number of these households own their own homes, which could boost demand for modular construction. Building permits in Germany fell by around 25,000 to 30,000 between January 2021 and March 2023. Despite this, the price index for newly-built residential properties and the house price index rose steadily in 2022, with a slight drop in 2023. This suggests a slowdown in the housing market despite previous increases in housing prices.
An important factor in the adoption of modular construction is the high price of land, in particular. It has been observed that up to 2021, the price index for building land has risen by a striking 85% to 90%, providing an incentive to build in more rural areas. In addition, remarkably low 20-year mortgage rates, the lowest in around 15 years, have also boosted the attractiveness of investing in real estate projects. Germany's commitment to environmental standards has inevitably shaped the modular construction industry, stimulating the creation of green, energy-efficient modular homes. The implementation of EnEV 2016 has led to the strict requirement that new buildings consume and heat up to 25% and 20% less.
Spotlight on Germany's leading modular construction companies
The German modular construction market is rich in a variety of players, each bringing their own expertise and specialized offerings to meet the diverse needs of consumers.
- Bien-Zenker GmbH stands out for its focus on the production of modular homes, emphasizing a blend of innovation and tradition to provide high-quality living spaces. Its enduring heritage in the industry has earned it a reputation for reliability and craftsmanship.
- ALHO Systembau GmbH's strength lies in the production of modular buildings. With a focus on sustainability and functionality, ALHO provides flexible solutions for space requirements in a variety of sectors, including education, healthcare and office buildings.
- Schwörer Haus KG and ELK Fertighaus GmbH are also key players, making substantial contributions to the prefabricated housing landscape. They pride themselves on their energy-efficient designs and modern equipment, which appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on comfort and style.
- For companies like Wolf System GmbH and Steico SE, the niche is the production of equipment for modular buildings. By supplying the essential components for modular construction, they enable other companies to create more complex and refined structures.
- As for smaller but specialized contributions, Adlerhaus GmbH and Meisterstück-Haus focus on supplying customized prefabricated homes that meet customers' unique tastes and requirements.
- Keitel Haus GmbH and NORDHAUS Fertigbau GmbH complete the range by offering customized designs and flexibility, proving that even smaller entities can have a significant impact on market dynamics thanks to their distinct goals and commitment to quality.
Each of these companies, whatever their size, plays an essential role in the steady growth and diversity of Germany's modular construction sector. They demonstrate the market's ability to innovate, customize and respond to the diverse demands of modern living.
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- Last update : 25/07/2023
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Presentation and market definition
The modular construction market refers to the construction of prefabricated houses, including containers (or modules) designed directly in the factory and assembled on the construction site. Assembly makes it possible to create buildings that meet specific or permanent needs: Site boxes, offices, but also new forms of housing such as container houses. The modules or containers are usually made of steel and equipped with plumbing, heating and electrical installations. The interior finish is determined when leaving the production hall. In this study, we will use the names modular construction and prefabricated interchangeably, which mean the same thing.
Originally intended mainly for the construction industry, especially site personnel, and designed for temporary use, modular construction has over time become a credible alternative for the construction of individual homes and offices. The modular construction market is divided into sales and rental activities. Often, modular construction allows to meet temporary building needs, whether it is for remodeling or renovation of an existing building or a need for office or workshop expansion in the tertiary sector.
Modular construction is therefore used in construction, in the public sector (emergency shelters, sports changing rooms, school rooms, etc.) and in the private service sector (offices, stores and kiosks, events, healthcare, etc.).
List of charts
- Global market for modular construction
- Importing countries of prefabricated buildings (in connection with HS code 94.06
- Exporting countries of prefabricated buildings (in connection with HS code 94.06
- Share of prefabricated houses in building permits for single- and two-family houses
- Sales development of the prefabricated construction industry
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