Informations Rapides ·
23 January 2026 · n° 15
In January 2026, the business climate in building construction is stable Monthly survey of building - January 2026
According to business managers surveyed in January 2026, the business climate in the construction sector is stable. At 97, the synthetic indicator remains below its long-term average (100). Building contractors’ opinion on their past and expected activity is stable compared with December. Moreover, the balance of opinion on expected prices has sharply increased, and recruitment difficulties reported quarterly by business leaders have decreased.
- The balances of opinion of entrepreneurs on their activity, both past and expected, are stable
- The balance of opinion on order books has increased again
- The production capacity utilisation rate has fallen back slightly
- The balance of opinion on expected prices has increased sharply
- Opinion on expected workforce size has brightened again
- Revisions
- For further information
According to business managers surveyed in January 2026, the business climate in the construction sector is stable. At 97, the synthetic indicator remains below its long-term average (100). Building contractors’ opinion on their past and expected activity is stable compared with December. Moreover, the balance of opinion on expected prices has sharply increased, and recruitment difficulties reported quarterly by business leaders have decreased.
tableauBusiness climate composite indicator
| Business climate composite indicator | |
|---|---|
| 2026-01 | 97.1 |
| 2025-12 | 97.0 |
| 2025-11 | 95.4 |
| 2025-10 | 95.8 |
| 2025-09 | 97.9 |
| 2025-08 | 97.5 |
| 2025-07 | 95.8 |
| 2025-06 | 96.5 |
| 2025-05 | 96.4 |
| 2025-04 | 93.2 |
| 2025-03 | 94.4 |
| 2025-02 | 94.5 |
| 2025-01 | 94.7 |
| 2024-12 | 94.6 |
| 2024-11 | 95.4 |
| 2024-10 | 95.9 |
| 2024-09 | 96.6 |
| 2024-08 | 97.2 |
| 2024-07 | 95.2 |
| 2024-06 | 97.3 |
| 2024-05 | 98.8 |
| 2024-04 | 97.8 |
| 2024-03 | 100.2 |
| 2024-02 | 99.9 |
| 2024-01 | 99.4 |
| 2023-12 | 99.2 |
| 2023-11 | 99.9 |
| 2023-10 | 100.0 |
| 2023-09 | 102.4 |
| 2023-08 | 102.6 |
| 2023-07 | 101.8 |
| 2023-06 | 103.2 |
| 2023-05 | 104.1 |
| 2023-04 | 105.0 |
| 2023-03 | 105.1 |
| 2023-02 | 105.8 |
| 2023-01 | 106.4 |
| 2022-12 | 107.0 |
| 2022-11 | 105.4 |
| 2022-10 | 106.7 |
| 2022-09 | 105.5 |
| 2022-08 | 105.6 |
| 2022-07 | 105.4 |
| 2022-06 | 106.3 |
| 2022-05 | 105.1 |
| 2022-04 | 107.4 |
| 2022-03 | 108.4 |
| 2022-02 | 108.4 |
| 2022-01 | 106.1 |
| 2021-12 | 110.0 |
| 2021-11 | 108.4 |
| 2021-10 | 107.5 |
| 2021-09 | 109.6 |
| 2021-08 | 108.8 |
| 2021-07 | 109.0 |
| 2021-06 | 109.3 |
| 2021-05 | 107.3 |
| 2021-04 | 105.7 |
| 2021-03 | 104.6 |
| 2021-02 | 101.4 |
| 2021-01 | 101.3 |
| 2020-12 | 99.5 |
| 2020-11 | 99.0 |
| 2020-10 | 104.5 |
| 2020-09 | 101.3 |
| 2020-08 | 97.2 |
| 2020-07 | 85.8 |
| 2020-06 | 76.9 |
| 2020-05 | 69.9 |
| 2020-04 | 81.4 |
| 2020-03 | 109.3 |
| 2020-02 | 109.2 |
| 2020-01 | 107.5 |
| 2019-12 | 107.5 |
| 2019-11 | 108.4 |
| 2019-10 | 109.7 |
| 2019-09 | 109.2 |
| 2019-08 | 108.2 |
| 2019-07 | 108.5 |
| 2019-06 | 108.2 |
| 2019-05 | 107.4 |
| 2019-04 | 108.2 |
| 2019-03 | 108.6 |
| 2019-02 | 108.4 |
| 2019-01 | 107.5 |
| 2018-12 | 106.4 |
| 2018-11 | 105.2 |
| 2018-10 | 104.9 |
| 2018-09 | 104.7 |
| 2018-08 | 106.0 |
| 2018-07 | 105.7 |
| 2018-06 | 105.6 |
| 2018-05 | 106.2 |
| 2018-04 | 107.1 |
| 2018-03 | 107.7 |
| 2018-02 | 108.0 |
| 2018-01 | 108.8 |
| 2017-12 | 108.2 |
| 2017-11 | 107.0 |
| 2017-10 | 104.6 |
| 2017-09 | 105.5 |
| 2017-08 | 104.4 |
| 2017-07 | 104.6 |
| 2017-06 | 105.0 |
| 2017-05 | 102.9 |
| 2017-04 | 99.8 |
| 2017-03 | 100.5 |
| 2017-02 | 100.4 |
| 2017-01 | 101.9 |
| 2016-12 | 98.5 |
| 2016-11 | 100.9 |
| 2016-10 | 100.7 |
| 2016-09 | 98.5 |
| 2016-08 | 97.6 |
| 2016-07 | 96.8 |
| 2016-06 | 96.7 |
| 2016-05 | 96.8 |
| 2016-04 | 94.8 |
| 2016-03 | 93.8 |
| 2016-02 | 92.4 |
| 2016-01 | 93.8 |
| 2015-12 | 94.4 |
| 2015-11 | 91.4 |
| 2015-10 | 92.3 |
| 2015-09 | 91.9 |
| 2015-08 | 92.2 |
| 2015-07 | 89.7 |
| 2015-06 | 89.6 |
| 2015-05 | 88.1 |
| 2015-04 | 88.7 |
| 2015-03 | 86.5 |
| 2015-02 | 85.7 |
| 2015-01 | 86.6 |
| 2014-12 | 87.4 |
| 2014-11 | 87.3 |
| 2014-10 | 84.4 |
| 2014-09 | 85.4 |
| 2014-08 | 87.3 |
| 2014-07 | 89.2 |
| 2014-06 | 91.2 |
| 2014-05 | 90.8 |
| 2014-04 | 91.0 |
| 2014-03 | 91.7 |
| 2014-02 | 91.2 |
| 2014-01 | 91.0 |
| 2013-12 | 90.6 |
| 2013-11 | 93.0 |
| 2013-10 | 93.2 |
| 2013-09 | 94.0 |
| 2013-08 | 91.6 |
| 2013-07 | 89.3 |
| 2013-06 | 87.7 |
| 2013-05 | 88.1 |
| 2013-04 | 87.2 |
| 2013-03 | 88.6 |
| 2013-02 | 89.4 |
| 2013-01 | 89.7 |
| 2012-12 | 90.3 |
| 2012-11 | 89.6 |
| 2012-10 | 90.3 |
| 2012-09 | 92.5 |
| 2012-08 | 92.9 |
| 2012-07 | 93.4 |
| 2012-06 | 94.3 |
| 2012-05 | 94.4 |
| 2012-04 | 96.5 |
| 2012-03 | 97.7 |
| 2012-02 | 97.9 |
| 2012-01 | 99.0 |
| 2011-12 | 97.8 |
| 2011-11 | 98.0 |
| 2011-10 | 99.5 |
| 2011-09 | 99.8 |
| 2011-08 | 101.4 |
| 2011-07 | 104.1 |
| 2011-06 | 103.4 |
| 2011-05 | 103.0 |
| 2011-04 | 103.9 |
| 2011-03 | 101.5 |
| 2011-02 | 100.0 |
| 2011-01 | 97.8 |
| 2010-12 | 98.0 |
| 2010-11 | 96.2 |
| 2010-10 | 95.3 |
| 2010-09 | 93.6 |
| 2010-08 | 94.5 |
| 2010-07 | 93.7 |
| 2010-06 | 92.0 |
| 2010-05 | 90.5 |
| 2010-04 | 88.9 |
| 2010-03 | 88.6 |
| 2010-02 | 89.5 |
| 2010-01 | 88.4 |
| 2009-12 | 88.2 |
| 2009-11 | 88.4 |
| 2009-10 | 89.0 |
| 2009-09 | 87.6 |
| 2009-08 | 86.3 |
| 2009-07 | 84.9 |
| 2009-06 | 84.8 |
| 2009-05 | 85.4 |
| 2009-04 | 85.4 |
| 2009-03 | 87.0 |
| 2009-02 | 84.1 |
| 2009-01 | 89.2 |
| 2008-12 | 89.3 |
| 2008-11 | 92.2 |
| 2008-10 | 93.2 |
| 2008-09 | 100.5 |
| 2008-08 | 102.2 |
| 2008-07 | 101.6 |
| 2008-06 | 104.0 |
| 2008-05 | 107.8 |
| 2008-04 | 110.0 |
| 2008-03 | 111.4 |
| 2008-02 | 112.1 |
| 2008-01 | 110.6 |
| 2007-12 | 112.4 |
| 2007-11 | 112.7 |
| 2007-10 | 112.4 |
| 2007-09 | 113.5 |
| 2007-08 | 113.5 |
| 2007-07 | 115.1 |
| 2007-06 | 115.1 |
| 2007-05 | 114.0 |
| 2007-04 | 114.0 |
| 2007-03 | 113.3 |
| 2007-02 | 112.3 |
| 2007-01 | 112.8 |
| 2006-12 | 113.8 |
| 2006-11 | 113.7 |
| 2006-10 | 114.1 |
| 2006-09 | 113.8 |
| 2006-08 | 113.0 |
| 2006-07 | 113.2 |
| 2006-06 | 112.4 |
| 2006-05 | 112.7 |
| 2006-04 | 112.1 |
| 2006-03 | 111.2 |
| 2006-02 | 110.6 |
| 2006-01 | 112.7 |
| 2005-12 | 112.5 |
| 2005-11 | 112.9 |
| 2005-10 | 111.7 |
| 2005-09 | 110.0 |
| 2005-08 | 109.8 |
| 2005-07 | 110.2 |
| 2005-06 | 109.5 |
| 2005-05 | 107.7 |
| 2005-04 | 107.9 |
| 2005-03 | 107.3 |
| 2005-02 | 107.6 |
| 2005-01 | 107.9 |
| 2004-12 | 108.1 |
| 2004-11 | 108.7 |
| 2004-10 | 107.1 |
| 2004-09 | 106.7 |
| 2004-08 | 106.4 |
| 2004-07 | 106.5 |
| 2004-06 | 104.3 |
| 2004-05 | 105.1 |
| 2004-04 | 105.8 |
| 2004-03 | 104.8 |
| 2004-02 | 103.9 |
| 2004-01 | 104.9 |
| 2003-12 | 101.7 |
| 2003-11 | 100.1 |
| 2003-10 | 97.5 |
| 2003-09 | 100.7 |
| 2003-08 | 97.8 |
| 2003-07 | 95.2 |
| 2003-06 | 94.5 |
| 2003-05 | 94.6 |
| 2003-04 | 94.1 |
| 2003-03 | 92.9 |
| 2003-02 | 94.6 |
| 2003-01 | 94.5 |
| 2002-12 | 93.3 |
| 2002-11 | 94.4 |
| 2002-10 | 95.8 |
| 2002-09 | 97.3 |
| 2002-08 | 98.2 |
| 2002-07 | 99.4 |
| 2002-06 | 103.4 |
| 2002-05 | 103.2 |
| 2002-04 | 99.7 |
| 2002-03 | 103.0 |
| 2002-02 | 102.0 |
| 2002-01 | 100.6 |
graphiqueBusiness climate composite indicator
- Source: INSEE.
tableauBuilding industry economic outlook
| Average* | Oct. 25 | Nov. 25 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite indicator | 100 | 96 | 95 | 97 | 97 |
| Past activity | -3 | -13 | -13 | -10 | -10 |
| Expected activity | -4 | -8 | -10 | -6 | -6 |
| General business outlook **** | -15 | -22 | -20 | ||
| Past employment | -4 | -5 | -5 | -3 | -3 |
| Expected employment | -1 | -1 | -3 | -1 | 0 |
| Opinion on order books | -21 | -32 | -34 | -33 | -32 |
| Production capacity utilisation rate (in %) | 89.0 | 89.8 | 88.9 | 89.5 | 89.3 |
| Obstacles to production increase (in %) ** | 64 | 60 | 60 | 58 | 58 |
| Because of an insufficient demand (in %) ** | 31 | 38 | 38 | 36 | 36 |
| Because of workforce shortage (in %) ** | 29 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Because of supply difficulties (in %) ** | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Production bottlenecks (in %) | 35 | 39 | 36 | 37 | 37 |
| Recruiting problems (in %) **** | 61 | 65 | 61 | ||
| Expected prices | -8 | -11 | -11 | -9 | -2 |
| Cash-flow position **** | -10 | -13 | -7 | ||
| Payment delays **** | 30 | 37 | 35 | ||
| Economic uncertainty felt *** | 10 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
- *Average since April 1978 for the composite indicator, since September 1993 for the balances of opinion, since April 2021 for the balances of opinion on the economic uncertainty felt.
- ** Non-seasonally adjusted percentage of weighted responses.
- *** Non-seasonally adjusted balance of opinion.
- **** Balance of opinion from the quarterly section of the survey.
- Source: INSEE, French business survey in the building industry.
The balances of opinion of entrepreneurs on their activity, both past and expected, are stable
In January 2026, construction entrepreneurs’ opinion on their expected activity, both past and expected, is stable; the corresponding balances remain below their long-term average.
tableauActivity tendency in building construction
| Expected activity | Past activity | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01 | -5.6 | -9.8 |
| 2025-12 | -5.6 | -10.4 |
| 2025-11 | -9.8 | -12.8 |
| 2025-10 | -8.3 | -13.2 |
| 2025-09 | -5.3 | -8.0 |
| 2025-08 | -2.8 | -11.2 |
| 2025-07 | -9.7 | -12.2 |
| 2025-06 | -6.3 | -12.4 |
| 2025-05 | -5.0 | -13.0 |
| 2025-04 | -13.7 | -18.2 |
| 2025-03 | -11.2 | -15.6 |
| 2025-02 | -10.9 | -15.4 |
| 2025-01 | -11.0 | -15.4 |
| 2024-12 | -13.7 | -13.8 |
| 2024-11 | -12.6 | -12.8 |
| 2024-10 | -13.2 | -10.6 |
| 2024-09 | -9.8 | -10.7 |
| 2024-08 | -9.8 | -9.0 |
| 2024-07 | -16.0 | -12.5 |
| 2024-06 | -9.1 | -10.4 |
| 2024-05 | -6.4 | -6.3 |
| 2024-04 | -11.3 | -7.2 |
| 2024-03 | -2.8 | -3.6 |
| 2024-02 | -1.9 | -5.7 |
| 2024-01 | -5.7 | -5.4 |
| 2023-12 | -8.4 | -4.6 |
| 2023-11 | -6.1 | -3.4 |
| 2023-10 | -5.5 | -3.4 |
| 2023-09 | -0.2 | 0.5 |
| 2023-08 | -0.4 | 1.1 |
| 2023-07 | -2.4 | -0.5 |
| 2023-06 | 2.6 | 0.9 |
| 2023-05 | 0.2 | 4.9 |
| 2023-04 | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| 2023-03 | 3.8 | 5.9 |
| 2023-02 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| 2023-01 | 6.0 | 8.2 |
| 2022-12 | 8.5 | 8.8 |
| 2022-11 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| 2022-10 | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| 2022-09 | 7.5 | 4.7 |
| 2022-08 | 4.5 | 5.1 |
| 2022-07 | 3.9 | 5.5 |
| 2022-06 | 5.8 | 7.3 |
| 2022-05 | 8.2 | 2.3 |
| 2022-04 | 7.6 | 10.0 |
| 2022-03 | 12.2 | 10.9 |
| 2022-02 | 12.0 | 10.4 |
| 2022-01 | 7.6 | 5.2 |
| 2021-12 | 18.2 | 11.4 |
| 2021-11 | 10.8 | 10.9 |
| 2021-10 | 12.3 | 7.8 |
| 2021-09 | 16.6 | 11.7 |
| 2021-08 | 10.3 | 12.7 |
| 2021-07 | 10.4 | 13.1 |
| 2021-06 | 12.5 | 13.7 |
| 2021-05 | 13.7 | 7.0 |
| 2021-04 | 9.4 | 4.7 |
| 2021-03 | 8.4 | 1.9 |
| 2021-02 | -2.2 | -0.5 |
| 2021-01 | -0.8 | -1.1 |
| 2020-12 | -6.3 | -0.9 |
| 2020-11 | -17.1 | 0.6 |
| 2020-10 | 1.7 | 8.7 |
| 2020-09 | 5.4 | -3.7 |
| 2020-08 | 11.5 | -21.1 |
| 2020-07 | 18.8 | -61.5 |
| 2020-06 | 4.4 | -81.0 |
| 2020-05 | -47.2 | -76.3 |
| 2020-04 | -81.2 | -24.2 |
| 2020-03 | 6.6 | 17.1 |
| 2020-02 | 14.2 | 12.3 |
| 2020-01 | 10.0 | 9.7 |
| 2019-12 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| 2019-11 | 9.2 | 11.9 |
| 2019-10 | 15.9 | 13.1 |
| 2019-09 | 12.4 | 13.3 |
| 2019-08 | 12.1 | 10.2 |
| 2019-07 | 11.5 | 12.3 |
| 2019-06 | 14.5 | 8.9 |
| 2019-05 | 12.7 | 7.6 |
| 2019-04 | 12.8 | 10.4 |
| 2019-03 | 14.0 | 11.0 |
| 2019-02 | 14.7 | 10.3 |
| 2019-01 | 15.1 | 7.7 |
| 2018-12 | 11.2 | 6.5 |
| 2018-11 | 10.6 | 3.9 |
| 2018-10 | 9.6 | 4.0 |
| 2018-09 | 9.5 | 3.1 |
| 2018-08 | 5.6 | 9.3 |
| 2018-07 | 7.4 | 7.6 |
| 2018-06 | 12.1 | 4.7 |
| 2018-05 | 12.9 | 7.1 |
| 2018-04 | 13.5 | 9.9 |
| 2018-03 | 11.6 | 12.7 |
| 2018-02 | 10.8 | 14.0 |
| 2018-01 | 13.2 | 14.8 |
| 2017-12 | 14.1 | 12.7 |
| 2017-11 | 13.9 | 9.7 |
| 2017-10 | 7.9 | 5.5 |
| 2017-09 | 9.1 | 9.1 |
| 2017-08 | 14.5 | 2.3 |
| 2017-07 | 11.5 | 4.9 |
| 2017-06 | 3.4 | 10.9 |
| 2017-05 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| 2017-04 | 5.9 | -7.1 |
| 2017-03 | 2.6 | -1.9 |
| 2017-02 | -0.5 | -1.0 |
| 2017-01 | -2.8 | 5.6 |
| 2016-12 | -0.8 | -5.5 |
| 2016-11 | 1.6 | 0.6 |
| 2016-10 | 3.7 | -0.4 |
| 2016-09 | 0.5 | -6.1 |
| 2016-08 | -3.3 | -6.7 |
| 2016-07 | -0.2 | -9.8 |
| 2016-06 | -2.7 | -8.6 |
| 2016-05 | -2.1 | -8.1 |
| 2016-04 | -5.1 | -13.6 |
| 2016-03 | -9.3 | -14.1 |
| 2016-02 | -16.1 | -15.2 |
| 2016-01 | -8.2 | -14.6 |
| 2015-12 | -8.0 | -11.7 |
| 2015-11 | -20.7 | -15.3 |
| 2015-10 | -15.2 | -14.5 |
| 2015-09 | -13.3 | -16.9 |
| 2015-08 | -8.8 | -18.1 |
| 2015-07 | -16.4 | -22.2 |
| 2015-06 | -20.4 | -19.9 |
| 2015-05 | -26.4 | -21.7 |
| 2015-04 | -24.0 | -20.8 |
| 2015-03 | -24.4 | -27.6 |
| 2015-02 | -23.7 | -30.3 |
| 2015-01 | -32.7 | -23.0 |
| 2014-12 | -27.9 | -23.1 |
| 2014-11 | -24.7 | -25.3 |
| 2014-10 | -29.9 | -31.8 |
| 2014-09 | -30.0 | -29.7 |
| 2014-08 | -27.4 | -25.0 |
| 2014-07 | -28.1 | -18.2 |
| 2014-06 | -17.6 | -18.2 |
| 2014-05 | -19.6 | -19.0 |
| 2014-04 | -22.4 | -17.5 |
| 2014-03 | -18.7 | -17.3 |
| 2014-02 | -20.7 | -17.4 |
| 2014-01 | -15.6 | -20.7 |
| 2013-12 | -18.6 | -20.2 |
| 2013-11 | -16.4 | -13.0 |
| 2013-10 | -15.5 | -13.3 |
| 2013-09 | -12.4 | -13.2 |
| 2013-08 | -19.7 | -16.7 |
| 2013-07 | -22.4 | -22.2 |
| 2013-06 | -24.0 | -26.5 |
| 2013-05 | -21.4 | -26.7 |
| 2013-04 | -24.6 | -28.1 |
| 2013-03 | -24.4 | -23.9 |
| 2013-02 | -22.1 | -23.3 |
| 2013-01 | -24.3 | -21.6 |
| 2012-12 | -21.9 | -20.5 |
| 2012-11 | -24.5 | -21.2 |
| 2012-10 | -25.9 | -18.3 |
| 2012-09 | -20.3 | -15.0 |
| 2012-08 | -19.3 | -15.2 |
| 2012-07 | -16.8 | -15.0 |
| 2012-06 | -14.0 | -13.5 |
| 2012-05 | -14.8 | -13.4 |
| 2012-04 | -12.0 | -8.6 |
| 2012-03 | -10.7 | -5.6 |
| 2012-02 | -12.5 | -3.8 |
| 2012-01 | -10.6 | -1.6 |
| 2011-12 | -11.6 | -4.4 |
| 2011-11 | -9.8 | -4.3 |
| 2011-10 | -4.7 | -2.2 |
| 2011-09 | -4.3 | -0.7 |
| 2011-08 | 0.8 | 1.5 |
| 2011-07 | 5.0 | 8.2 |
| 2011-06 | 4.4 | 6.3 |
| 2011-05 | 2.0 | 6.1 |
| 2011-04 | 4.9 | 8.3 |
| 2011-03 | 2.8 | 1.6 |
| 2011-02 | 3.0 | -3.8 |
| 2011-01 | -1.0 | -8.5 |
| 2010-12 | -0.9 | -7.8 |
| 2010-11 | -0.5 | -12.8 |
| 2010-10 | -4.2 | -13.1 |
| 2010-09 | -12.7 | -13.2 |
| 2010-08 | -10.3 | -12.7 |
| 2010-07 | -11.4 | -14.0 |
| 2010-06 | -15.2 | -17.5 |
| 2010-05 | -17.6 | -20.7 |
| 2010-04 | -18.1 | -25.4 |
| 2010-03 | -18.2 | -26.2 |
| 2010-02 | -18.6 | -23.7 |
| 2010-01 | -20.1 | -26.6 |
| 2009-12 | -20.1 | -26.5 |
| 2009-11 | -20.4 | -26.2 |
| 2009-10 | -21.1 | -24.9 |
| 2009-09 | -24.5 | -28.3 |
| 2009-08 | -26.5 | -31.2 |
| 2009-07 | -31.4 | -33.3 |
| 2009-06 | -33.5 | -33.1 |
| 2009-05 | -34.2 | -29.2 |
| 2009-04 | -36.7 | -30.1 |
| 2009-03 | -36.9 | -24.3 |
| 2009-02 | -47.1 | -25.8 |
| 2009-01 | -35.2 | -19.5 |
| 2008-12 | -30.7 | -21.0 |
| 2008-11 | -36.1 | -11.4 |
| 2008-10 | -33.0 | -10.7 |
| 2008-09 | -9.3 | -0.9 |
| 2008-08 | -4.5 | 0.3 |
| 2008-07 | -5.2 | -0.3 |
| 2008-06 | -4.1 | 4.9 |
| 2008-05 | 9.8 | 9.6 |
| 2008-04 | 9.2 | 16.2 |
| 2008-03 | 17.4 | 15.7 |
| 2008-02 | 14.9 | 18.0 |
| 2008-01 | 7.3 | 18.7 |
| 2007-12 | 16.6 | 19.2 |
| 2007-11 | 13.6 | 21.4 |
| 2007-10 | 16.2 | 19.5 |
| 2007-09 | 19.6 | 20.6 |
| 2007-08 | 18.4 | 20.7 |
| 2007-07 | 19.7 | 25.0 |
| 2007-06 | 21.1 | 24.9 |
| 2007-05 | 20.3 | 22.3 |
| 2007-04 | 20.1 | 24.1 |
| 2007-03 | 17.7 | 22.6 |
| 2007-02 | 18.5 | 19.9 |
| 2007-01 | 21.0 | 20.1 |
| 2006-12 | 20.3 | 22.0 |
| 2006-11 | 23.4 | 20.5 |
| 2006-10 | 21.3 | 22.9 |
| 2006-09 | 19.1 | 22.6 |
| 2006-08 | 17.5 | 20.6 |
| 2006-07 | 17.3 | 21.2 |
| 2006-06 | 14.3 | 21.4 |
| 2006-05 | 17.1 | 21.0 |
| 2006-04 | 15.6 | 20.1 |
| 2006-03 | 16.1 | 17.6 |
| 2006-02 | 19.9 | 13.5 |
| 2006-01 | 19.8 | 20.4 |
graphiqueActivity tendency in building construction
- Source: INSEE.
Contractors' opinion on their expected activity is nonetheless contrasted when distinguishing by type of construction work. The balance of opinion relating to expected activity in dwelling has increased, but remains below its long-term average; the one in non-dwelling construction has also risen, still above its own. In the maintenance-improvement, expected activity is stable, above its long term average.
Entrepreneurs in the sector are slightly less pessimistic about the general outlook for the sector than in the previous quarter: the corresponding balance of opinion has rebounded, has moved closer to its long-term average, continuing its gradual recovery, after having hovered between July 2024 and January 2025 around its lowest levels in ten years (excluding COVID-19 pandemic).
The economic uncertainty felt by building managers is stable, above its long-term average.
tableauExpected activity in the building construction
| Other new buildings | New dwelling | Maintenance and improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01 | -5.4 | -15.6 | 4.3 |
| 2025-12 | -7.2 | -23.4 | 4.4 |
| 2025-11 | -10.5 | -20.3 | -0.6 |
| 2025-10 | -10.1 | -12.2 | -4.3 |
| 2025-09 | -12.7 | -23.2 | 5.8 |
| 2025-08 | -8.0 | -17.3 | 7.1 |
| 2025-07 | -17.6 | -10.8 | 2.9 |
| 2025-06 | -11.3 | -18.0 | 3.2 |
| 2025-05 | -16.3 | -23.0 | 4.8 |
| 2025-04 | -21.4 | -27.9 | -7.1 |
| 2025-03 | -23.2 | -33.7 | 4.9 |
| 2025-02 | -20.3 | -38.7 | 6.0 |
| 2025-01 | -17.1 | -34.1 | 7.2 |
| 2024-12 | -18.8 | -37.6 | 3.4 |
| 2024-11 | -15.8 | -35.8 | 3.6 |
| 2024-10 | -18.3 | -36.7 | 1.5 |
| 2024-09 | -17.2 | -35.7 | -0.5 |
| 2024-08 | -12.4 | -34.6 | 3.4 |
| 2024-07 | -20.4 | -36.4 | -0.4 |
| 2024-06 | -13.5 | -34.5 | 1.6 |
| 2024-05 | -14.5 | -35.4 | 4.0 |
| 2024-04 | -13.5 | -36.5 | -2.5 |
| 2024-03 | -9.3 | -33.9 | 7.8 |
| 2024-02 | -10.2 | -31.2 | 12.9 |
| 2024-01 | -13.5 | -35.8 | 17.5 |
| 2023-12 | -10.7 | -31.4 | 8.4 |
| 2023-11 | -8.5 | -29.7 | 7.6 |
| 2023-10 | -6.4 | -32.5 | 9.8 |
| 2023-09 | -5.6 | -25.1 | 13.4 |
| 2023-08 | 0.9 | -23.7 | 10.9 |
| 2023-07 | 0.5 | -25.1 | 10.1 |
| 2023-06 | -3.8 | -13.2 | 10.4 |
| 2023-05 | -2.8 | -24.2 | 6.3 |
| 2023-04 | -1.5 | -15.8 | 13.7 |
| 2023-03 | -4.1 | -15.2 | 10.8 |
| 2023-02 | 0.4 | -13.0 | 15.1 |
| 2023-01 | 1.5 | -11.8 | 24.2 |
| 2022-12 | 1.8 | -9.4 | 18.1 |
| 2022-11 | 1.0 | -10.8 | 12.7 |
| 2022-10 | 1.5 | -7.3 | 16.6 |
| 2022-09 | -0.5 | -7.0 | 13.8 |
| 2022-08 | -4.3 | -5.3 | 15.6 |
| 2022-07 | -2.7 | -9.2 | 14.4 |
| 2022-06 | -2.7 | -4.7 | 7.7 |
| 2022-05 | 1.6 | -2.5 | 15.6 |
| 2022-04 | -3.1 | -2.6 | 23.1 |
| 2022-03 | 7.2 | 3.9 | 15.7 |
| 2022-02 | 8.3 | 6.5 | 16.0 |
| 2022-01 | 9.1 | 5.4 | 11.1 |
| 2021-12 | 11.2 | 14.8 | 19.3 |
| 2021-11 | 5.1 | 8.5 | 21.1 |
| 2021-10 | 5.5 | 1.9 | 16.8 |
| 2021-09 | 9.9 | 10.5 | 20.3 |
| 2021-08 | 6.6 | 5.5 | 16.5 |
| 2021-07 | 2.1 | 11.0 | 16.0 |
| 2021-06 | 6.6 | 4.0 | 19.3 |
| 2021-05 | 4.6 | 7.4 | 21.2 |
| 2021-04 | -4.0 | 4.1 | 15.2 |
| 2021-03 | -0.6 | 3.8 | 16.4 |
| 2021-02 | -5.9 | -7.0 | 7.3 |
| 2021-01 | -12.1 | 1.9 | 3.8 |
| 2020-12 | -10.6 | 2.2 | 4.9 |
| 2020-11 | -9.6 | -16.4 | -16.5 |
| 2020-10 | -8.7 | 6.2 | 2.8 |
| 2020-09 | -2.4 | 1.9 | -3.9 |
| 2020-08 | -3.6 | 4.1 | 43.1 |
| 2020-07 | 12.0 | 10.7 | 61.9 |
| 2020-06 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 25.9 |
| 2020-05 | -44.8 | -45.9 | -13.3 |
| 2020-04 | -93.8 | -87.5 | -55.4 |
| 2020-03 | 4.4 | -5.8 | 15.0 |
| 2020-02 | 7.8 | 0.6 | 12.1 |
| 2020-01 | 5.5 | 4.0 | 8.4 |
| 2019-12 | -2.2 | 4.5 | 9.6 |
| 2019-11 | 3.6 | 5.7 | 10.6 |
| 2019-10 | 9.1 | 13.5 | 11.0 |
| 2019-09 | 10.7 | 4.1 | 13.2 |
| 2019-08 | 11.7 | 1.6 | 12.5 |
| 2019-07 | 13.5 | 0.7 | 13.3 |
| 2019-06 | 15.9 | 3.2 | 17.8 |
| 2019-05 | 13.6 | 2.0 | 15.4 |
| 2019-04 | 20.2 | 0.4 | 12.7 |
| 2019-03 | 12.7 | 0.7 | 14.2 |
| 2019-02 | 12.4 | 1.4 | 15.6 |
| 2019-01 | 14.8 | 2.8 | 13.3 |
| 2018-12 | 8.5 | 4.5 | 10.3 |
| 2018-11 | 8.1 | 4.9 | 11.5 |
| 2018-10 | 9.3 | -1.4 | 13.9 |
| 2018-09 | 6.7 | -2.9 | 11.3 |
| 2018-08 | 5.1 | -1.9 | 11.2 |
| 2018-07 | 7.7 | 2.9 | 13.5 |
| 2018-06 | 12.5 | 5.6 | 12.6 |
| 2018-05 | 13.9 | 4.1 | 11.9 |
| 2018-04 | 20.1 | 9.8 | 10.0 |
| 2018-03 | 10.2 | 10.0 | 10.1 |
| 2018-02 | 6.2 | 9.9 | 10.7 |
| 2018-01 | 6.9 | 9.1 | 14.5 |
| 2017-12 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 15.4 |
| 2017-11 | 14.6 | 5.8 | 13.6 |
| 2017-10 | 1.7 | 7.2 | 8.1 |
| 2017-09 | 15.1 | 7.5 | 14.8 |
| 2017-08 | 9.2 | 11.6 | 11.7 |
| 2017-07 | 14.9 | 13.4 | 8.2 |
| 2017-06 | -0.1 | 9.8 | -1.2 |
| 2017-05 | 0.5 | 11.8 | 2.1 |
| 2017-04 | 10.1 | 10.5 | 6.4 |
| 2017-03 | -4.5 | 3.3 | 10.9 |
| 2017-02 | -8.9 | 6.3 | 1.5 |
| 2017-01 | -15.7 | 2.6 | 1.2 |
| 2016-12 | -1.9 | 0.9 | 1.8 |
| 2016-11 | 12.4 | -1.3 | 3.2 |
| 2016-10 | 6.7 | 2.0 | 7.6 |
| 2016-09 | -2.3 | 3.5 | 0.6 |
| 2016-08 | -6.3 | 0.3 | 0.8 |
| 2016-07 | -0.7 | -2.9 | 4.2 |
| 2016-06 | -14.8 | -11.5 | 0.8 |
| 2016-05 | -17.4 | -5.0 | 2.4 |
| 2016-04 | -8.4 | -8.3 | 0.1 |
| 2016-03 | -11.8 | -10.4 | -1.3 |
| 2016-02 | -28.7 | -11.8 | -4.1 |
| 2016-01 | -17.2 | -11.5 | -5.2 |
| 2015-12 | -6.3 | -14.6 | -3.3 |
| 2015-11 | -23.8 | -12.9 | -8.3 |
| 2015-10 | -30.0 | -7.5 | -8.9 |
| 2015-09 | -24.2 | -16.1 | -10.7 |
| 2015-08 | -26.2 | -18.4 | 1.4 |
| 2015-07 | -22.1 | -23.3 | -15.1 |
| 2015-06 | -19.2 | -20.8 | -13.4 |
| 2015-05 | -18.6 | -27.7 | -18.0 |
| 2015-04 | -29.7 | -27.4 | -15.7 |
| 2015-03 | -26.3 | -27.9 | -18.5 |
| 2015-02 | -21.2 | -42.6 | -14.9 |
| 2015-01 | -31.9 | -39.7 | -19.1 |
| 2014-12 | -35.1 | -32.5 | -17.8 |
| 2014-11 | -32.3 | -27.4 | -18.1 |
| 2014-10 | -30.0 | -36.8 | -19.5 |
| 2014-09 | -31.5 | -37.4 | -19.5 |
| 2014-08 | -28.6 | -37.1 | -17.9 |
| 2014-07 | -31.4 | -33.7 | -16.3 |
| 2014-06 | -16.0 | -36.1 | -15.5 |
| 2014-05 | -14.0 | -31.1 | -11.7 |
| 2014-04 | -20.0 | -32.2 | -16.3 |
| 2014-03 | -22.4 | -27.0 | -10.2 |
| 2014-02 | -28.6 | -28.1 | -13.9 |
| 2014-01 | -24.1 | -26.6 | -9.1 |
| 2013-12 | -24.6 | -26.4 | -14.0 |
| 2013-11 | -31.4 | -22.2 | -11.8 |
| 2013-10 | -27.2 | -24.7 | -5.6 |
| 2013-09 | -16.9 | -24.9 | -10.8 |
| 2013-08 | -27.3 | -29.8 | -19.2 |
| 2013-07 | -32.2 | -32.0 | -16.5 |
| 2013-06 | -31.7 | -29.2 | -18.7 |
| 2013-05 | -32.5 | -32.0 | -15.6 |
| 2013-04 | -34.0 | -33.7 | -13.8 |
| 2013-03 | -31.9 | -33.6 | -14.2 |
| 2013-02 | -22.9 | -33.1 | -16.3 |
| 2013-01 | -23.8 | -32.8 | -14.8 |
| 2012-12 | -20.7 | -34.4 | -12.0 |
| 2012-11 | -21.3 | -37.2 | -10.6 |
| 2012-10 | -22.4 | -38.0 | -14.1 |
| 2012-09 | -22.1 | -33.2 | -7.3 |
| 2012-08 | -19.0 | -32.0 | -4.9 |
| 2012-07 | -15.8 | -31.9 | -4.0 |
| 2012-06 | -13.7 | -28.2 | -3.2 |
| 2012-05 | -16.3 | -38.6 | -10.0 |
| 2012-04 | -11.2 | -31.8 | -6.1 |
| 2012-03 | -10.9 | -29.2 | -7.8 |
| 2012-02 | -14.4 | -19.1 | -6.6 |
| 2012-01 | -11.9 | -16.5 | -7.4 |
| 2011-12 | -15.9 | -15.8 | -7.2 |
| 2011-11 | -12.8 | -15.3 | -2.6 |
| 2011-10 | -10.7 | -6.7 | 4.7 |
| 2011-09 | -7.1 | -6.7 | -2.7 |
| 2011-08 | -2.1 | 0.4 | -2.2 |
| 2011-07 | 1.3 | 5.4 | 0.6 |
| 2011-06 | -5.0 | 2.7 | 2.8 |
| 2011-05 | -3.2 | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| 2011-04 | -3.3 | 13.5 | 1.8 |
| 2011-03 | -4.8 | 9.1 | 2.6 |
| 2011-02 | -3.7 | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| 2011-01 | -5.9 | 5.2 | 3.3 |
| 2010-12 | -7.0 | 14.2 | -2.5 |
| 2010-11 | -2.9 | 2.4 | -1.8 |
| 2010-10 | -10.1 | -0.5 | -3.1 |
| 2010-09 | -17.1 | -4.8 | -20.7 |
| 2010-08 | -21.8 | -17.4 | -1.8 |
| 2010-07 | -27.2 | -11.0 | -4.9 |
| 2010-06 | -30.8 | -12.6 | -7.0 |
| 2010-05 | -32.1 | -13.5 | -5.1 |
| 2010-04 | -33.4 | -14.1 | -6.5 |
| 2010-03 | -32.9 | -17.8 | -7.4 |
| 2010-02 | -31.6 | -19.7 | -6.4 |
| 2010-01 | -34.0 | -19.5 | -8.8 |
| 2009-12 | -30.6 | -18.6 | -8.4 |
| 2009-11 | -29.4 | -20.3 | -10.9 |
| 2009-10 | -30.3 | -27.1 | -9.2 |
| 2009-09 | -34.3 | -31.6 | -11.7 |
| 2009-08 | -38.5 | -36.8 | -15.2 |
| 2009-07 | -39.8 | -39.0 | -17.6 |
| 2009-06 | -42.2 | -44.0 | -18.0 |
| 2009-05 | -41.0 | -39.0 | -21.8 |
| 2009-04 | -40.4 | -43.3 | -19.6 |
| 2009-03 | -38.3 | -48.6 | -20.7 |
| 2009-02 | -39.4 | -65.5 | -29.1 |
| 2009-01 | -27.1 | -53.9 | -13.1 |
| 2008-12 | -35.2 | -51.8 | -13.3 |
| 2008-11 | -31.0 | -44.4 | -10.9 |
| 2008-10 | -24.7 | -48.3 | -7.3 |
| 2008-09 | -14.6 | -27.0 | -2.6 |
| 2008-08 | -8.4 | -25.5 | 0.6 |
| 2008-07 | -1.1 | -23.5 | 2.0 |
| 2008-06 | 3.0 | -20.1 | 4.5 |
| 2008-05 | 11.9 | -9.1 | 7.2 |
| 2008-04 | 15.1 | -9.7 | 10.5 |
| 2008-03 | 13.7 | -0.3 | 25.8 |
| 2008-02 | 17.9 | 1.0 | 17.9 |
| 2008-01 | 8.8 | -1.1 | 12.2 |
| 2007-12 | 16.4 | 4.2 | 18.5 |
| 2007-11 | 14.2 | 3.5 | 14.2 |
| 2007-10 | 17.8 | 8.7 | 15.4 |
| 2007-09 | 21.5 | 9.4 | 14.3 |
| 2007-08 | 21.7 | 8.5 | 15.4 |
| 2007-07 | 22.3 | 9.5 | 17.4 |
| 2007-06 | 24.0 | 13.0 | 18.6 |
| 2007-05 | 21.7 | 8.1 | 20.6 |
| 2007-04 | 16.3 | 8.7 | 19.2 |
| 2007-03 | 13.2 | 9.6 | 14.5 |
| 2007-02 | 19.7 | 13.4 | 15.5 |
| 2007-01 | 23.4 | 17.4 | 19.9 |
| 2006-12 | 26.9 | 9.8 | 14.2 |
| 2006-11 | 24.3 | 15.2 | 14.1 |
| 2006-10 | 19.8 | 14.9 | 15.1 |
| 2006-09 | 14.7 | 14.1 | 12.3 |
| 2006-08 | 11.4 | 16.5 | 13.1 |
| 2006-07 | 8.9 | 20.1 | 14.2 |
| 2006-06 | 9.7 | 15.7 | 12.6 |
| 2006-05 | 10.7 | 13.4 | 13.7 |
| 2006-04 | 14.3 | 13.4 | 10.5 |
| 2006-03 | 15.9 | 20.1 | 12.4 |
| 2006-02 | 16.3 | 19.0 | 13.0 |
| 2006-01 | 14.4 | 22.4 | 11.7 |
graphiqueExpected activity in the building construction
- Source: INSEE.
The balance of opinion on order books has increased again
In January 2026, the balance of opinion relating to the level of building construction managers' order books has increased slightly again, after reaching last November its lowest level since December 2016 (including the COVID-19 pandemic). It remains well below its long term-average.
The production capacity utilisation rate has fallen back slightly
In January 2026, 37% of companies report being at the limit of their production capacity (production bottlenecks), meaning that they would not be able to produce more with their current resources even if they received more orders. This share is stable, above its long-term average (35%).
The production capacity utilisation rate has fallen back slightly. It stands at 89.3%, still somewhat above its long-term average.
As many business managers as in the previous month report facing obstacles limiting their production: at 58%, this proportion is below its long-term average. Likewise, as many contractors as in the previous month report facing insufficient demand (36%), a share above its long-term average. However, they are fewer than in the previous month to report not being able to increase production due to workforce shortages: at 22%, this proportion has decreased and stands below its long-term average. Similarly, less construction contractors than in the previous quarter report recruitment difficulties (61%), a share that has returned to its long-term average and stands at its lowest level since October 2017.
The share of companies that report facing supply-side difficulties only is stable (22%), while the share that report facing demand-side difficulties only has slightly rebounded (20%).
tableauType of difficulties encountered by companies
| Demand difficulties only | Supply difficulties only | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01 | 20.5 | 21.8 |
| 2025-12 | 18.8 | 22.2 |
| 2025-11 | 20.0 | 21.8 |
| 2025-10 | 18.9 | 22.0 |
| 2025-09 | 18.2 | 22.0 |
| 2025-08 | 19.3 | 24.6 |
| 2025-07 | 19.4 | 24.0 |
| 2025-06 | 18.6 | 22.6 |
| 2025-05 | 20.2 | 20.9 |
| 2025-04 | 20.8 | 21.2 |
| 2025-03 | 20.5 | 22.5 |
| 2025-02 | 19.3 | 22.3 |
| 2025-01 | 17.8 | 23.8 |
| 2024-12 | 18.3 | 23.9 |
| 2024-11 | 19.6 | 24.2 |
| 2024-10 | 17.3 | 26.2 |
| 2024-09 | 17.8 | 25.2 |
| 2024-08 | 16.2 | 27.1 |
| 2024-07 | 13.7 | 28.4 |
| 2024-06 | 16.5 | 30.3 |
| 2024-05 | 15.3 | 29.3 |
| 2024-04 | 13.8 | 29.6 |
| 2024-03 | 13.1 | 28.9 |
| 2024-02 | 12.9 | 31.0 |
| 2024-01 | 12.4 | 31.7 |
| 2023-12 | 14.2 | 31.2 |
| 2023-11 | 12.5 | 32.7 |
| 2023-10 | 9.6 | 36.2 |
| 2023-09 | 9.8 | 37.9 |
| 2023-08 | 9.7 | 39.3 |
| 2023-07 | 8.6 | 39.0 |
| 2023-06 | 9.3 | 41.1 |
| 2023-05 | 7.8 | 41.6 |
| 2023-04 | 7.1 | 43.8 |
| 2023-03 | 7.3 | 42.9 |
| 2023-02 | 6.2 | 46.1 |
| 2023-01 | 5.8 | 46.6 |
| 2022-12 | 4.7 | 48.0 |
| 2022-11 | 4.7 | 49.4 |
| 2022-10 | 4.8 | 52.9 |
| 2022-09 | 5.3 | 49.8 |
| 2022-08 | 6.1 | 51.7 |
| 2022-07 | 6.8 | 51.6 |
| 2022-06 | 4.4 | 51.3 |
| 2022-05 | 4.2 | 54.3 |
| 2022-04 | 4.5 | 53.5 |
| 2022-03 | 6.1 | 54.0 |
| 2022-02 | 5.5 | 50.4 |
| 2022-01 | 6.9 | 53.1 |
| 2021-12 | 6.5 | 56.3 |
| 2021-11 | 8.3 | 51.6 |
| 2021-10 | 6.3 | 51.5 |
| 2021-09 | 8.4 | 50.8 |
| 2021-08 | 9.2 | 51.5 |
| 2021-07 | 8.1 | 48.8 |
| 2021-06 | 9.0 | 45.6 |
| 2021-05 | 10.5 | 41.6 |
| 2021-04 | 12.5 | 41.0 |
| 2021-03 | 12.6 | 39.0 |
| 2021-02 | 13.9 | 35.2 |
| 2021-01 | 13.0 | 34.2 |
| 2020-12 | 12.4 | 32.2 |
| 2020-11 | 15.4 | 38.4 |
| 2020-10 | 14.2 | 36.3 |
| 2020-09 | 14.3 | 36.1 |
| 2020-08 | 13.7 | 37.4 |
| 2020-07 | 13.0 | 38.3 |
| 2020-06 | 11.7 | 43.9 |
| 2020-05 | 3.4 | 56.9 |
| 2020-04 | 2.1 | 63.9 |
| 2020-03 | 7.8 | 41.6 |
| 2020-02 | 10.2 | 41.9 |
| 2020-01 | 10.6 | 43.1 |
| 2019-12 | 11.0 | 42.4 |
| 2019-11 | 11.0 | 41.3 |
| 2019-10 | 11.0 | 45.9 |
| 2019-09 | 11.2 | 44.9 |
| 2019-08 | 11.3 | 44.3 |
| 2019-07 | 11.3 | 45.1 |
| 2019-06 | 10.8 | 43.4 |
| 2019-05 | 11.5 | 42.0 |
| 2019-04 | 11.3 | 41.2 |
| 2019-03 | 13.8 | 40.4 |
| 2019-02 | 14.0 | 41.0 |
| 2019-01 | 12.0 | 37.3 |
| 2018-12 | 16.0 | 40.7 |
| 2018-11 | 15.6 | 37.9 |
| 2018-10 | 17.4 | 36.1 |
| 2018-09 | 17.2 | 36.3 |
| 2018-08 | 16.7 | 35.3 |
| 2018-07 | 16.4 | 34.3 |
| 2018-06 | 18.7 | 34.5 |
| 2018-05 | 18.6 | 33.0 |
| 2018-04 | 16.2 | 35.0 |
| 2018-03 | 18.9 | 30.6 |
| 2018-02 | 18.8 | 29.5 |
| 2018-01 | 20.4 | 28.7 |
| 2017-12 | 20.6 | 28.8 |
| 2017-11 | 22.0 | 28.4 |
| 2017-10 | 21.2 | 26.3 |
| 2017-09 | 20.9 | 23.7 |
| 2017-08 | 23.7 | 23.0 |
| 2017-07 | 22.3 | 22.8 |
| 2017-06 | 25.5 | 20.4 |
| 2017-05 | 27.2 | 22.0 |
| 2017-04 | 28.6 | 19.5 |
| 2017-03 | 27.1 | 18.7 |
| 2017-02 | 26.7 | 17.5 |
| 2017-01 | 28.1 | 18.4 |
| 2016-12 | 31.4 | 18.1 |
| 2016-11 | 31.5 | 17.2 |
| 2016-10 | 32.9 | 16.2 |
| 2016-09 | 34.0 | 16.7 |
| 2016-08 | 33.4 | 16.1 |
| 2016-07 | 34.9 | 13.8 |
| 2016-06 | 36.6 | 14.3 |
| 2016-05 | 37.8 | 13.3 |
| 2016-04 | 37.3 | 13.4 |
| 2016-03 | 38.2 | 15.7 |
| 2016-02 | 37.0 | 14.5 |
| 2016-01 | 38.6 | 12.6 |
| 2015-12 | 40.0 | 13.5 |
| 2015-11 | 39.5 | 13.1 |
| 2015-10 | 39.9 | 13.9 |
| 2015-09 | 38.4 | 13.8 |
| 2015-08 | 35.9 | 14.5 |
| 2015-07 | 37.6 | 12.8 |
| 2015-06 | 37.7 | 13.5 |
| 2015-05 | 37.7 | 12.5 |
| 2015-04 | 37.6 | 11.5 |
| 2015-03 | 38.5 | 12.9 |
| 2015-02 | 37.5 | 12.9 |
| 2015-01 | 38.7 | 12.8 |
| 2014-12 | 39.3 | 13.7 |
| 2014-11 | 36.5 | 13.7 |
| 2014-10 | 37.5 | 15.0 |
| 2014-09 | 33.6 | 14.6 |
| 2014-08 | 32.3 | 15.7 |
| 2014-07 | 32.8 | 15.3 |
| 2014-06 | 32.8 | 15.0 |
| 2014-05 | 31.9 | 15.8 |
| 2014-04 | 31.2 | 15.3 |
| 2014-03 | 31.3 | 16.0 |
| 2014-02 | 32.6 | 16.1 |
| 2014-01 | 31.3 | 18.3 |
| 2013-12 | 32.5 | 19.0 |
| 2013-11 | 32.6 | 17.3 |
| 2013-10 | 31.8 | 18.3 |
| 2013-09 | 30.3 | 19.3 |
| 2013-08 | 29.2 | 19.2 |
| 2013-07 | 27.4 | 18.9 |
| 2013-06 | 27.9 | 18.6 |
| 2013-05 | 29.0 | 17.3 |
| 2013-04 | 28.8 | 17.0 |
| 2013-03 | 28.2 | 17.8 |
| 2013-02 | 26.6 | 17.4 |
| 2013-01 | 27.0 | 18.4 |
| 2012-12 | 27.4 | 15.6 |
| 2012-11 | 27.1 | 16.2 |
| 2012-10 | 28.6 | 18.3 |
| 2012-09 | 27.2 | 17.5 |
| 2012-08 | 27.4 | 17.9 |
| 2012-07 | 22.5 | 20.0 |
| 2012-06 | 24.1 | 19.4 |
| 2012-05 | 28.1 | 20.1 |
| 2012-04 | 25.3 | 21.9 |
| 2012-03 | 22.1 | 21.3 |
| 2012-02 | 12.0 | 9.6 |
| 2012-01 | 16.9 | 12.0 |
| 2011-12 | 14.0 | 10.4 |
| 2011-11 | 16.0 | 10.8 |
| 2011-10 | 17.7 | 12.4 |
| 2011-09 | 14.1 | 8.4 |
| 2011-08 | 15.3 | 10.2 |
| 2011-07 | 17.8 | 11.5 |
| 2011-06 | 13.9 | 9.8 |
| 2011-05 | 14.9 | 10.6 |
| 2011-04 | 20.6 | 13.7 |
| 2011-03 | 15.5 | 10.3 |
| 2011-02 | 14.8 | 12.2 |
| 2011-01 | 16.2 | 13.2 |
| 2010-12 | 17.0 | 11.5 |
| 2010-11 | 18.8 | 10.7 |
| 2010-10 | 20.8 | 11.7 |
| 2010-09 | 19.1 | 11.9 |
| 2010-08 | 19.5 | 11.6 |
| 2010-07 | 24.7 | 10.8 |
| 2010-06 | 22.7 | 7.4 |
| 2010-05 | 24.7 | 9.4 |
| 2010-04 | 27.6 | 9.9 |
| 2010-03 | 23.3 | 9.9 |
| 2010-02 | 23.5 | 9.0 |
| 2010-01 | 25.6 | 10.2 |
| 2009-12 | 26.9 | 9.3 |
| 2009-11 | 26.4 | 9.7 |
| 2009-10 | 25.2 | 9.1 |
| 2009-09 | 25.9 | 9.5 |
| 2009-08 | 27.4 | 9.6 |
| 2009-07 | 26.6 | 9.3 |
| 2009-06 | 26.0 | 7.9 |
| 2009-05 | 25.4 | 8.6 |
| 2009-04 | 25.6 | 10.1 |
| 2009-03 | 18.4 | 9.1 |
| 2009-02 | 20.2 | 11.3 |
| 2009-01 | 17.1 | 16.9 |
| 2008-12 | 15.3 | 12.3 |
| 2008-11 | 14.5 | 15.9 |
| 2008-10 | 12.2 | 21.0 |
| 2008-09 | 9.6 | 21.5 |
| 2008-08 | 7.6 | 24.3 |
| 2008-07 | 7.3 | 30.3 |
| 2008-06 | 6.3 | 26.7 |
| 2008-05 | 6.6 | 29.9 |
| 2008-04 | 5.6 | 36.8 |
| 2008-03 | 5.0 | 32.7 |
| 2008-02 | 4.9 | 33.2 |
| 2008-01 | 4.8 | 43.8 |
| 2007-12 | 4.7 | 36.3 |
| 2007-11 | 4.3 | 39.6 |
| 2007-10 | 5.0 | 45.3 |
| 2007-09 | 3.5 | 41.4 |
| 2007-08 | 4.0 | 45.6 |
| 2007-07 | 4.6 | 49.8 |
| 2007-06 | 4.5 | 46.5 |
| 2007-05 | 5.8 | 55.3 |
| 2007-04 | 7.3 | 49.7 |
| 2007-03 | 7.7 | 48.6 |
| 2007-02 | 4.7 | 51.0 |
| 2007-01 | 5.6 | 49.8 |
| 2006-12 | 5.4 | 51.8 |
| 2006-11 | 9.0 | 49.0 |
| 2006-10 | 9.7 | 50.3 |
| 2006-09 | 7.5 | 46.9 |
| 2006-08 | 6.9 | 48.4 |
| 2006-07 | 6.4 | 50.0 |
| 2006-06 | 7.0 | 47.6 |
| 2006-05 | 7.4 | 47.8 |
| 2006-04 | 7.5 | 49.0 |
| 2006-03 | 8.6 | 46.2 |
| 2006-02 | 10.2 | 45.3 |
| 2006-01 | 10.0 | 46.6 |
graphiqueType of difficulties encountered by companies
- Source: INSEE.
The balance of opinion on expected prices has increased sharply
In January 2026, the balance of opinion on expected prices has sharply continued its recovery, after reaching its lowest level since 2017 (excluding the COVID-19 pandemic) in last October and November. It has gone back well above its long-term average.
Entrepreneurs display renewed optimism regarding their cash flow situation in January 2026: the associated quarterly balance of opinion has rebounded sharply, returning above its long-term average. It has moved away from its lowest level observed since 2019 (excluding the COVID-19 pandemic) reached last October.
The quarterly balance relating to payment delays has declined, but remains above its long-term average.
Opinion on expected workforce size has brightened again
In January 2026, entrepreneurs’ balance of opinion on the change in their past workforce is stable, above its long-term average. The balance on expected workforce size has increased again and moved away from its long-term average.
tableauWorkforce size tendency in building construction
| Expected workforce size | Past workforce size | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01 | 0.4 | -3.1 |
| 2025-12 | -0.6 | -3.3 |
| 2025-11 | -2.6 | -5.0 |
| 2025-10 | -1.4 | -5.4 |
| 2025-09 | 2.7 | -5.8 |
| 2025-08 | 4.4 | -3.3 |
| 2025-07 | 3.9 | -5.2 |
| 2025-06 | 2.5 | -6.5 |
| 2025-05 | 1.7 | -5.8 |
| 2025-04 | -0.5 | -8.8 |
| 2025-03 | 1.1 | -6.5 |
| 2025-02 | -1.2 | -5.6 |
| 2025-01 | 1.4 | -6.3 |
| 2024-12 | -1.4 | -3.0 |
| 2024-11 | 1.4 | -0.5 |
| 2024-10 | 2.0 | -5.2 |
| 2024-09 | 2.7 | -10.4 |
| 2024-08 | 2.3 | -6.2 |
| 2024-07 | 3.0 | -2.4 |
| 2024-06 | 3.9 | -2.7 |
| 2024-05 | 3.1 | -3.4 |
| 2024-04 | 5.4 | -3.9 |
| 2024-03 | 4.5 | -2.6 |
| 2024-02 | 4.6 | -4.1 |
| 2024-01 | 4.4 | -1.8 |
| 2023-12 | 2.2 | -1.3 |
| 2023-11 | 2.5 | -0.9 |
| 2023-10 | 7.1 | -3.5 |
| 2023-09 | 9.8 | 0.1 |
| 2023-08 | 7.7 | 0.9 |
| 2023-07 | 9.6 | 2.1 |
| 2023-06 | 8.3 | 0.3 |
| 2023-05 | 7.8 | -0.2 |
| 2023-04 | 9.2 | -2.3 |
| 2023-03 | 12.5 | 2.2 |
| 2023-02 | 12.4 | 2.9 |
| 2023-01 | 13.1 | 3.4 |
| 2022-12 | 13.3 | 6.0 |
| 2022-11 | 14.1 | 6.2 |
| 2022-10 | 15.8 | 5.5 |
| 2022-09 | 15.4 | -1.0 |
| 2022-08 | 19.5 | -1.6 |
| 2022-07 | 16.0 | -0.3 |
| 2022-06 | 12.5 | 0.7 |
| 2022-05 | 15.7 | 6.6 |
| 2022-04 | 15.7 | 5.4 |
| 2022-03 | 17.0 | 0.3 |
| 2022-02 | 17.1 | 1.6 |
| 2022-01 | 16.8 | 2.6 |
| 2021-12 | 17.1 | 6.7 |
| 2021-11 | 16.9 | 5.4 |
| 2021-10 | 14.8 | 3.2 |
| 2021-09 | 16.6 | 2.4 |
| 2021-08 | 18.0 | 3.2 |
| 2021-07 | 16.0 | 4.1 |
| 2021-06 | 17.2 | 2.7 |
| 2021-05 | 16.9 | 0.5 |
| 2021-04 | 13.6 | 0.8 |
| 2021-03 | 13.0 | -1.1 |
| 2021-02 | 6.6 | -7.3 |
| 2021-01 | 6.1 | -4.8 |
| 2020-12 | 6.1 | -3.5 |
| 2020-11 | 2.3 | -3.9 |
| 2020-10 | 2.8 | -8.1 |
| 2020-09 | 3.8 | -8.3 |
| 2020-08 | 2.0 | -12.7 |
| 2020-07 | 4.6 | -17.5 |
| 2020-06 | -3.1 | -20.7 |
| 2020-05 | -17.6 | -14.9 |
| 2020-04 | -18.8 | -1.0 |
| 2020-03 | 11.8 | 6.9 |
| 2020-02 | 16.1 | 8.0 |
| 2020-01 | 14.5 | 6.5 |
| 2019-12 | 12.1 | 4.4 |
| 2019-11 | 14.3 | 4.3 |
| 2019-10 | 12.5 | 5.6 |
| 2019-09 | 13.5 | 5.3 |
| 2019-08 | 10.6 | 6.6 |
| 2019-07 | 9.6 | 4.6 |
| 2019-06 | 10.3 | 5.2 |
| 2019-05 | 13.2 | 5.9 |
| 2019-04 | 13.1 | 3.8 |
| 2019-03 | 12.3 | 5.9 |
| 2019-02 | 14.8 | 5.7 |
| 2019-01 | 5.9 | 1.7 |
| 2018-12 | 13.2 | 4.9 |
| 2018-11 | 12.6 | 9.1 |
| 2018-10 | 10.5 | 4.8 |
| 2018-09 | 14.9 | 4.9 |
| 2018-08 | 15.0 | 4.0 |
| 2018-07 | 16.7 | 4.6 |
| 2018-06 | 10.7 | 4.3 |
| 2018-05 | 9.6 | 6.7 |
| 2018-04 | 11.3 | 3.8 |
| 2018-03 | 13.0 | 1.0 |
| 2018-02 | 4.2 | -4.7 |
| 2018-01 | 8.8 | -1.5 |
| 2017-12 | 11.3 | 6.8 |
| 2017-11 | 0.8 | -5.8 |
| 2017-10 | 4.8 | -5.2 |
| 2017-09 | 2.0 | -6.7 |
| 2017-08 | 2.1 | -7.4 |
| 2017-07 | 5.7 | -2.2 |
| 2017-06 | 2.7 | -6.5 |
| 2017-05 | -1.3 | -8.2 |
| 2017-04 | -5.2 | -15.4 |
| 2017-03 | -6.5 | -11.1 |
| 2017-02 | -9.0 | -13.4 |
| 2017-01 | -7.2 | -14.3 |
| 2016-12 | -8.3 | -15.2 |
| 2016-11 | -11.2 | -14.7 |
| 2016-10 | -8.3 | -17.4 |
| 2016-09 | -10.5 | -18.5 |
| 2016-08 | -13.2 | -20.9 |
| 2016-07 | -17.2 | -21.0 |
| 2016-06 | -16.4 | -23.8 |
| 2016-05 | -15.9 | -24.0 |
| 2016-04 | -17.9 | -23.5 |
| 2016-03 | -20.4 | -27.1 |
| 2016-02 | -20.8 | -25.8 |
| 2016-01 | -20.3 | -24.7 |
| 2015-12 | -23.3 | -27.4 |
| 2015-11 | -21.3 | -28.3 |
| 2015-10 | -23.2 | -26.6 |
| 2015-09 | -22.1 | -24.9 |
| 2015-08 | -23.2 | -25.1 |
| 2015-07 | -24.7 | -28.7 |
| 2015-06 | -19.9 | -26.4 |
| 2015-05 | -27.3 | -29.9 |
| 2015-04 | -27.3 | -34.5 |
| 2015-03 | -25.3 | -26.7 |
| 2015-02 | -24.5 | -24.9 |
| 2015-01 | -29.4 | -29.3 |
| 2014-12 | -24.3 | -25.7 |
| 2014-11 | -22.5 | -24.8 |
| 2014-10 | -26.0 | -28.6 |
| 2014-09 | -28.1 | -28.7 |
| 2014-08 | -26.9 | -26.6 |
| 2014-07 | -22.1 | -25.5 |
| 2014-06 | -23.4 | -26.4 |
| 2014-05 | -19.2 | -15.4 |
| 2014-04 | -19.3 | -22.7 |
| 2014-03 | -18.5 | -18.6 |
| 2014-02 | -21.1 | -19.7 |
| 2014-01 | -19.5 | -19.0 |
| 2013-12 | -17.7 | -16.7 |
| 2013-11 | -16.7 | -18.1 |
| 2013-10 | -10.4 | -13.4 |
| 2013-09 | -14.8 | -18.5 |
| 2013-08 | -16.0 | -19.8 |
| 2013-07 | -17.9 | -18.2 |
| 2013-06 | -18.2 | -18.4 |
| 2013-05 | -19.0 | -16.1 |
| 2013-04 | -13.5 | -14.1 |
| 2013-03 | -18.0 | -17.9 |
| 2013-02 | -15.9 | -17.1 |
| 2013-01 | -15.6 | -14.4 |
| 2012-12 | -16.2 | -13.3 |
| 2012-11 | -14.9 | -10.7 |
| 2012-10 | -14.7 | -10.0 |
| 2012-09 | -16.7 | -15.8 |
| 2012-08 | -14.7 | -11.2 |
| 2012-07 | -15.3 | -11.9 |
| 2012-06 | -11.3 | -7.6 |
| 2012-05 | -12.6 | -8.9 |
| 2012-04 | -9.3 | -8.7 |
| 2012-03 | -9.1 | -6.9 |
| 2012-02 | -3.9 | -5.5 |
| 2012-01 | -3.7 | -4.2 |
| 2011-12 | -5.3 | -6.4 |
| 2011-11 | -7.4 | -8.7 |
| 2011-10 | -6.2 | -2.2 |
| 2011-09 | -0.8 | 2.6 |
| 2011-08 | 3.4 | 3.8 |
| 2011-07 | 7.7 | 3.3 |
| 2011-06 | 6.8 | 3.3 |
| 2011-05 | 7.3 | -0.3 |
| 2011-04 | 4.9 | 0.2 |
| 2011-03 | 3.6 | -3.1 |
| 2011-02 | 3.1 | -5.1 |
| 2011-01 | -1.3 | -4.2 |
| 2010-12 | -1.7 | -4.4 |
| 2010-11 | -3.8 | -7.6 |
| 2010-10 | -7.8 | -11.9 |
| 2010-09 | -7.7 | -11.0 |
| 2010-08 | -11.3 | -12.0 |
| 2010-07 | -13.4 | -10.8 |
| 2010-06 | -15.4 | -15.8 |
| 2010-05 | -14.6 | -14.0 |
| 2010-04 | -14.0 | -16.6 |
| 2010-03 | -13.1 | -16.8 |
| 2010-02 | -15.8 | -17.2 |
| 2010-01 | -12.8 | -18.3 |
| 2009-12 | -14.5 | -18.8 |
| 2009-11 | -15.3 | -18.8 |
| 2009-10 | -15.9 | -19.2 |
| 2009-09 | -17.1 | -19.1 |
| 2009-08 | -19.0 | -19.2 |
| 2009-07 | -20.3 | -20.7 |
| 2009-06 | -20.1 | -17.9 |
| 2009-05 | -20.2 | -17.9 |
| 2009-04 | -20.9 | -18.5 |
| 2009-03 | -22.4 | -12.8 |
| 2009-02 | -17.9 | -8.2 |
| 2009-01 | -16.9 | -8.7 |
| 2008-12 | -12.5 | -2.3 |
| 2008-11 | -8.7 | -0.9 |
| 2008-10 | -1.4 | 5.8 |
| 2008-09 | 4.8 | 5.9 |
| 2008-08 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| 2008-07 | 11.9 | 13.4 |
| 2008-06 | 13.8 | 13.6 |
| 2008-05 | 15.5 | 12.9 |
| 2008-04 | 23.1 | 21.1 |
| 2008-03 | 22.3 | 23.0 |
| 2008-02 | 15.9 | 21.4 |
| 2008-01 | 19.9 | 22.6 |
| 2007-12 | 21.5 | 21.0 |
| 2007-11 | 26.7 | 21.7 |
| 2007-10 | 23.1 | 16.6 |
| 2007-09 | 24.2 | 22.1 |
| 2007-08 | 24.6 | 21.8 |
| 2007-07 | 25.4 | 21.6 |
| 2007-06 | 28.6 | 23.4 |
| 2007-05 | 25.5 | 20.2 |
| 2007-04 | 22.9 | 20.6 |
| 2007-03 | 24.6 | 20.5 |
| 2007-02 | 25.3 | 21.4 |
| 2007-01 | 27.0 | 19.2 |
| 2006-12 | 26.3 | 18.5 |
| 2006-11 | 23.8 | 19.8 |
| 2006-10 | 26.1 | 21.6 |
| 2006-09 | 24.4 | 21.7 |
| 2006-08 | 22.2 | 21.1 |
| 2006-07 | 20.3 | 20.4 |
| 2006-06 | 21.8 | 17.9 |
| 2006-05 | 20.5 | 18.2 |
| 2006-04 | 18.2 | 16.0 |
| 2006-03 | 19.3 | 13.3 |
| 2006-02 | 20.2 | 19.9 |
| 2006-01 | 18.4 | 18.9 |
graphiqueWorkforce size tendency in building construction
- Source: INSEE.
Revisions
The business climate in the building construction industry of December 2025 has been revised upward by one point (after rounding).
For further information
For questions with three possible answers, a balance of opinion is calculated as the difference between the percentage of “above the normal” or “increase” responses and the percentage of “below the normal” or “decrease” responses.
The responses to this survey were collected between 26 December 2025 and 20 January 2026; most companies answer during the first two weeks of collection.
All the balances of opinion from this survey are included in this publication and are available in the complementary chronological series published online.
This survey is part of the Joint Harmonised European Programme of Business and Consumer Surveys, partly funded by the European Commission.
Additional information (simplified and detailed methodology, nomenclature, etc.) are available on the “Documentation” tab of the web page of this publication.
Next issue: 24 February 2026 at 8:45 am.
Documentation
Methodology note (in french) (pdf,217 Ko)
Changes to business tendency surveys – October 2021 (pdf,181 Ko)
Pour en savoir plus
For questions with three possible answers, a balance of opinion is calculated as the difference between the percentage of “above the normal” or “increase” responses and the percentage of “below the normal” or “decrease” responses.
The responses to this survey were collected between 26 December 2025 and 20 January 2026; most companies answer during the first two weeks of collection.
All the balances of opinion from this survey are included in this publication and are available in the complementary chronological series published online.
This survey is part of the Joint Harmonised European Programme of Business and Consumer Surveys, partly funded by the European Commission.
Additional information (simplified and detailed methodology, nomenclature, etc.) are available on the “Documentation” tab of the web page of this publication.
Next issue: 24 February 2026 at 8:45 am.