Sweden Prefabricated Housing Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Forecasts (2021 - 2026)

Sweden's prefabricated housing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 5% during the forecast period. The market is driven by the demand for low and medium-rise residential buildings, project housing, and public housing. About 84% of detached houses in Sweden use prefabricated timber elements. Prefabricated metal products are also used to meet modern architectural needs, where the structure of the building has decorative elements with unique shapes. Due to cost-effectiveness and time constraints, the construction sector has an increasing trend to use prefabricated components.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 plunged the global economy into recession and led to declines in prefabricated housing construction in Sweden, as lockdown measures and the need to adjust construction practices to accommodate greater social distancing stopped or slowed projects in Sweden. Rapid urbanization and the need to overcome housing shortages have provided market space for prefabricated structures. The market has some limitations, such as durability issues and a lack of appropriate financing options for prefabricated living spaces. Sweden's prefabricated houses are mostly timber-framed, which means they are not radically different from most mid-grade structures design-wise. However, when it comes to production, the process couldn’t be more different from the current industry standard of crews erecting stick-built houses piece-by-piece. First and foremost, measurements and specifications are planned by computer.

Key Market Trends

Demand of Prefabricated Houses is Increasing in Sweden

Sweden is widely regarded as the leading country of offsite manufacturing, leading the world in terms of the sheer number of panelized single dwelling residences, which represent over 80 percent of the country’s overall housing market. Sweden has the world’s highest percentage of factory-built wooden houses in the world, mainly using closed wall panels and the trend is set to continue, with contemporary market stressors providing grist to the prefab mill.

Sweden is currently undergoing a major building boom; with skills shortages in traditional construction trades placing further pressure on the sector, prefab houses are in high demand. Among the myriad influences that have led to Sweden’s dominance of the offsite space in terms of skills, expertise, and industry structure, the most frequently cited factors are the country’s abundance of slow-growing, premium quality timber and its uniquely challenging climatic conditions.

Swedish Construction Activity Weakens

Compared with many other countries, the Swedish government has adopted a relaxed attitude in responding to the COVID-19 and has chosen to oppose a strict lockdown. Public health authorities have recommended people to self-isolate and take preventive measures, but the results of this strategy are costly in terms of health. The government has taken some measures to contain the virus outbreak, including suspending all international flights in and out of the country in mid-March 2020, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, and recommending citizens to avoid bars and restaurants. In late March 2020, the government instructed schools and universities to provide distance learning until further notice.

The performance of the Swedish construction industry is better than its European counterparts. This is largely due to the country’s less stringent lockdown measures. Although the impact of COVID-19 is relatively limited, the outlook for the Swedish construction industry remains negative. Before the current crisis, the industry was already in a state of weakness due to the economic downturn. Assuming that the outbreak virus is under control the government seems to be preparing to advance infrastructure spending plans faster. Although downside risks remain, especially if the virus outbreak worsens, Sweden’s construction industry may perform better than most European neighbors.

Competitive Landscape

Sweden's prefabricated housing market is highly competitive with none of the players occupying the major share. The market is fragmented, and it is expected to grow during the forecast period. Some suppliers are providing fully customized wooden prefabricated houses. Companies are implementing effective production technologies to minimize product costs and reduce related risks. Major players are Peab AB, Derome AB, Martinson Group AB, Lindbacks, and Trivselhus AB.

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