Known for streamlining the construction process, offsite methods are gaining traction in the EU construction sector due to their potential to reduce costs, increase productivity, and deliver environmental and social benefits, including fewer emissions, reduced waste, more efficient use/reuse of materials.

The 'Research Note on Offsite Construction,' prepared by the Technical Secretariat of the High Level Construction Forum, provides an assessment of industrialised construction methods and techniques used in off-site construction, and their potential impact on the EU construction sector.

The report 'Market potential of offsite construction for housing supply' builds on the 'Research Note' and explores the market potential of offsite construction to enhance housing supply cost-effectively.

It draws on a targeted EU-wide consultation involving 231 practitioners and structured focus groups, supplemented by desk research. It finds that while offsite adoption is higher in commercial and infrastructure sectors, it remains limited in housing, though demand is growing – especially for social and student housing.

Barriers to wider adoption include regulatory complexity, supply chain challenges, financial and insurance constraints, and skills shortages. The report highlights good practices and offers actionable policy recommendations such as streamlined funding, accelerated permitting, improved standardisation, innovation-friendly procurement, and workforce development – aimed at unlocking the potential of offsite construction across the EU.