The global modular construction market size was valued at USD 95.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 164.6 billion by 2032. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024–2032). Modular construction offers significantly faster project delivery timelines compared to traditional construction methods. Off-site fabrication of modular components reduces on-site construction time, accelerates project completion, and minimizes disruption to surrounding areas.
Modular buildings are more efficient and cost-effective than traditional buildings. This is because modular construction uses high-performance products for both residential and commercial buildings. These products make buildings more efficient, durable, and flexible, so they meet high-performance structures' building needs and long-term demands. The market is growing because of things like lower construction costs and shorter building times, as well as a rise in demand for new buildings caused by a rise in the number of people living in cities and rapid urbanization. But the demand for modular construction is held back by the lack of skilled workers in developing countries. On the other hand, an increase in investments in infrastructure projects is likely to give market players good chances to grow during the forecast period.
Modular construction is a new method that is being used to build homes and businesses. It is thought to be a revolutionary way to build. An increase in urbanization and industrialization has led to a quick growth of economies, which has increased the need for modular buildings. This is because modular buildings take less time to build, which lowers the overall cost. Due to the rapid growth of their populations, developing regions like Asia, Latin America, and Africa are becoming more urbanized. This is expected to have a big effect on the demand for housing, clean water, energy, transportation infrastructure, food, and social services.
This, in turn, increases the use of cost-effective modular construction technologies to ensure uniform quality. So, rapid urbanization leads to more money being spent on building homes and Infrastructure by the government and by individuals, which dramatically increases the demand for modular construction. The main benefits of modular construction technology are its high performance and ability to keep projects on schedule by moving quickly through the designing, building, and finishing stages.
Also, the modular construction method lets designers choose which parts to cast based on how well they work, saving both time and money. Modular construction is a popular choice among professionals because it can be done faster and lasts longer, which helps the market grow.
Modular construction uses high-performance products for both residential and commercial buildings. These products make buildings more efficient, durable, and flexible, meeting the long-term demand and construction needs of high-performance structures. Also, modular construction has many benefits, such as long-lasting durability, attractive designs, and high-quality construction.
These benefits can be used when building parking garages, commercial buildings, and homes. Also, modular wooden construction is highly preferred because it is energy efficient, requires little maintenance, and helps keep costs down overall.
Due to the lightweight module units and how they are put together, modular structures can fail in ways that are not good during earthquakes. Due to the precast frame panels, the modular construction structures cannot stand up to a big earthquake. Also, roofs and walls made of light Wood or metal can bend and deform in an earthquake because they are not as rigid as they used to be. So, modular construction is less common in places where there are a lot of earthquakes. The growth of the market is slowed down by the fact that people are afraid of modular construction technology.
Apart from this, the growth of the market is mostly held back by the lack of skilled workers and Infrastructure. When the weather is not clean, it is not possible for construction companies to move modular parts over long distances. Depending on the shipper, where the job is, and where the modular construction plant is, this can cause shipping costs to go up. So, the market is being held back in a big way by growing worries about moving and handling modules.
Also, logistics can be a big problem in some situations. In the case of a large project to build a distribution center, this is likely to be a big problem for the use of modular parts. Also, modular construction is not practical for smaller commercial projects in these areas, which makes it more expensive to build because of how unique it is. Both these limitations are proving to be major barriers to the overall growth of the modular construction market.
Infrastructure investment needs are going up a lot all over the world, but especially in developing economies. Between 2014 and 2025, the world is expected to spend around USD 78 trillion on building Infrastructure. Also, infrastructure spending has recovered from the global financial crisis and is expected to grow by more than USD 5 trillion per year by 2025. The growing number of people living in cities in emerging markets like India, Japan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Mexico, and China is likely to increase spending on infrastructures like homes and businesses.
Also, modular construction is becoming more popular because it has many benefits, such as better structural stability, faster and better construction, more flexibility, less waste, and less need for labor. With all these advantages, many new players are trying their fate in the said market to capture the growth and earn valuable revenues. With this, the global modular construction industry is getting more entries by professionals and even start-ups who are trying to make something big in the said market domain.
Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 6.3% |
Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 95.2 billion |
Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 164.6 billion |
Largest Market | Asia Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
Out of these three regions, the Asia-Pacific region is the most dominant and owes the major market share among the other regions. North America
North America being a developed region and having the presence of superpowers like the U.S. and Canada, owes a significant share of the global market that stood at USD 28 billion in 2021 and grew at a rapid pace to USD 53 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7%.
Europe is the second dominant region in terms of market value for the said market, which stands at USD 33 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 49 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6%. Europe is known as the industrial hub of the world, which is why it has a significant market share in every industrial segment, including the market.
Asia-Pacific is the most dominant and leading region among the three regions, which has a market value of USD 67 billion in 2021 and is going to reach USD 139 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8%. Asia-Pacific is one of the most fast-paced developing regions. With the presence of major emerging economies like India and China, it does have a major market share in nearly every industrial segment out there.
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The global modular construction market share is segmented by type, material, application, and module.
By Type
The Permanent segment in the modular construction market focuses on building solutions designed for long-term use and durability. The need for affordable housing solutions drives the adoption of permanent modular construction, as these methods can offer cost-effective building solutions compared to traditional construction methods. The Re-locatable segment in the modular construction market focuses on building solutions designed for flexibility, allowing structures to be moved or reconfigured as needed. Re-locatable modular buildings are ideal for temporary uses such as construction site offices, event spaces, and emergency response facilities.
By Material
The Steel segment in the modular construction market focuses on using steel as a primary material for constructing modular buildings. Steel is valued for its strength, durability, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for a range of modular applications. Steel's high strength-to-weight ratio and durability make it an ideal material for modular construction. steel offers design flexibility and can be easily shaped and customized hence use of steel is common. The Wood segment in the modular construction market emphasizes the use of wood as a primary material for constructing modular buildings. Wood is a renewable resource and offers a low carbon footprint compared to traditional building materials.
Concrete is known for its strength, durability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for a range of modular applications. Concrete provides exceptional strength and durability, making it suitable for high-performance modular buildings that require structural integrity and longevity. Concrete is inherently fire-resistant, offering superior protection against fire hazards, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of modular structures.
By Application
The Commercial segment in the modular construction market involves using modular methods to construct commercial properties, such as office buildings, retail spaces, hotels, and other business-related structures. Modular construction allows for faster completion of commercial projects due to the simultaneous processes of off-site manufacturing and on-site preparation. Modular healthcare facilities can be easily adapted or expanded to meet changing healthcare needs, making them suitable for dynamic healthcare environments. For instance, AdventHealth implemented modular clinics that can be expanded or reconfigured based on patient volume and service requirements. Modular construction can reduce overall costs due to shorter construction periods, reduced labor costs, and efficient use of materials which help schools or colleges invest in other development programs.
Modular construction allows for quicker completion of hospitality projects, enabling hotel operators to open new properties faster and capitalize on peak seasons or growing demand. Zoku Amsterdam, a hotel with a unique concept of "home-office hybrid" rooms, was constructed using modular techniques. The other segment in the modular construction market includes various applications beyond traditional sectors, such as residential buildings, temporary housing, retail spaces, and other specialized uses.
Based on the Module
Four-sided modular units provide greater design flexibility and can be customized to fit various architectural styles and aesthetics, allowing for more versatile and visually appealing buildings. Four-sided modular units can optimize the use of space within a building, allowing for efficient layouts and maximizing usable floor area. Open-sided modular units are ideal for temporary applications such as pop-up shops, event spaces, and temporary offices, offering flexibility and ease of setup. Open-sided modular units often provide better ventilation and natural light, improving the comfort and usability of the space.
Partially open-sided designs offer a balance between open and enclosed spaces, providing a visually appealing aesthetic that integrates well with modern architectural styles. Partially open-sided structures allow for increased natural light and ventilation like open-sided segments. Combining mixed modules and floor cassettes can significantly speed up the construction process by enabling simultaneous on-site and off-site work, reducing overall project timelines. Modules supported by a primary structure offer flexibility in design, allowing for various configurations and space utilization within the building. This approach can accommodate different layouts and functions as per project requirements
As per the WHO, the number of reported COVID-19 cases jumped from 87,137 on March 01, 2020, to 102,083,344 as of February 01, 2021, with approximately 2,209,195 deaths globally. The rapid rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally resulted in the governments of various countries resorting to stringent containment measures to slow down the spread of the pandemic. However, complete lockdowns across countries also resulted in a short-term decline in the GDPs of their respective economies.
The COVID-19 pandemic had e a dual effect on the electronics industry, wherein the manufacturing of electronics components was halted due to lockdowns imposed in various countries, coupled with slower logistical processes and supply interruptions. Furthermore, the unavailability of labor globally has also contributed negatively to the manufacturing of electronic components.
The discontinuation in the delivery of electronics products by e-commerce companies during the lockdown, as they were considered non-essentials, negatively impacted the electronics industry. However, increased demand for laptops, computers, and mobile phones due to work-from-home situations positively affected the electronics industry.
The Chinese economy was hit tremendously as it was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the supply chain for major electronic brands. As China is the major exporter and manufacturer of raw materials required to produce electronic products, this has led to the halting of the ongoing production of electronics in the U.S. and Europe, thereby creating a demand-supply gap.