Belgium's construction ecosystem combines internationally active contractors, particularly in marine works and complex civil engineering, with a large number of smaller firms serving domestic building and renovation markets. Construction output has shown limited growth over the past decade. Renovation activity has been more resilient than new construction, while major infrastructure projects have supported civil engineering activity.
In 2025, the estimated construction ecosystem turnover was EUR 205.3 billion, accounting for 11.9% of total turnover across Belgium's industrial ecosystems. The sector employed around 753,000 people, representing 15.4% of industrial employment. The construction job vacancy rate stood at 5.5%, nearly double the EU average of 2.8%.
Housing construction and renovation remain important areas of activity. New-build permits remain around 30% below their pre-pandemic level, with signs of stabilisation emerging during the second half of 2025. Renovation permits have exceeded new-build permits since 2019. Housing and renovation policies differ across Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels, reflecting Belgium's regional governance structure. Housing affordability and the availability of social housing remain relevant concerns.
Recruitment difficulties persist despite subdued construction activity. The construction job vacancy rate is nearly twice the EU average, reflecting shortages in manual and technical occupations. Workers posted from other countries provide additional capacity, while participation in construction-related training has increased in recent years.
Belgian construction enterprises perform comparatively well on digital intensity. In 2025, 41.8% of construction enterprises with at least 10 persons employed recorded high or very high digital intensity, compared with 20.4% across the EU.
Belgium has developed regional circular-construction initiatives and TOTEM, a common tool for assessing the life-cycle environmental impacts of buildings. Approximately 96% of the non-hazardous mineral construction and demolition waste covered by the relevant indicator is recovered, including through recycling and backfilling.
Together, these developments reflect the role of housing and renovation demand, labour availability, and the digital and environmental transitions in shaping Belgium's construction ecosystem.
