The work brokerage market in France

Construction brokerage is the activity of an intermediary between a customer (individual or company) with a construction project and professionals capable of carrying out the work. The aim of a works broker is to find the best-value craftsmen and materials suppliers for his customers.

In most cases, the work broker's mission ends when the estimate is presented to the customer. The customer can either accept or reject them. However, some building brokers offer additional services related to project management. When the work begins, the broker can take on the role of project manager and monitor the progress of the work.

The construction brokerage market is closely linked to the BTP (Bâtiment et Travaux Publics) market, which encompasses the design and construction of public and private buildings, as well as their renovation. The dynamism of the building and civil engineering sector, and of the construction/renovation sector in general, is driving the development of the job brokerage market.

Construction brokerage is a relatively recent activity: according to the FFCT (Fédération Française du Courtage en Travaux), the trade was born in the early 2000s and is not yet covered by a specific APE code.this makes it impossible to identify all the companies that carry out this activity on a principal basis.

The construction brokerage sector is at the heart of the French construction and renovation market, which is now on a colossal scale. By 2024, the €80 billion spent onhome improvement and maintenance will account for almost 38% of the sector's total expenditure.while new construction - both residential(€48 bn) and non-residential(€42 bn) - accounts for 43% of the total. Against this backdrop, construction brokers play a central role in helping private individuals and local authorities manage their projects, fromenergy insulation to complete renovation, while negotiating the best rates with craftsmen and suppliers.

At the same time, market volumes confirm the importance of intermediary involvement: despite a downturn in new housing construction ( 290,800 units in 2024, vs. 415,400 in 2021) and a dramatic fall in sales starts ( 29,400 in 2024, - 75% vs. 2021), intentions to carry out work remain high.nearly 45% of households plan to start work in the short term, and 60% of them want to call in a professional. This dynamic underscores the added value of brokers, who are able to secure the quality of work and simplify administrative procedures.

Finally, in the face of steadily rising costs (over 23% inflation on work supplies between 2015 and 2024) and the challenges of energy performance, the work brokerage market is being structured around franchised refranchised networks andindependent players, offering variable entry models (from €3,000 to €60,000 investment) and promises of rapid return on investment. This wide range of products and services enables us to tailor our services to the needs of each entrepreneur, while meeting the growing demand of a fast-changing sector.