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Construction Grows 2.9% in the First Quarter of 2026: What It Means for Industry Professionals

Construction GDP accelerates, formal jobs rise, and infrastructure investment hits a record · 06/03/2026 · 7 MIN READ · CANAL VIP

The recovery of Brazilian construction in 2026

The construction sector picked up the pace again in the first months of 2026. According to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data released by IBGE, construction grew 2.9% in the first quarter compared with the last three months of 2025. The result reverses the 2.4% decline recorded in the fourth quarter of last year and signals a concrete rebound in activity.

For engineers, architects, and AEC professionals, this figure is not just a statistic — it translates into more projects, more hiring, and more demand for design, BIM, and management software. In this article, CanalVIP analyzes the numbers, the factors behind the recovery, and what it means for your firm or job site.

The numbers that matter

The first-quarter 2026 data reveals a recovery on multiple fronts:

• Construction GDP: +2.9% — reversing the 2.4% decline in Q4 2025
• Real estate launches in 2025: 471,769 units (+13.88%)
• Real estate sales in 2025: 433,681 units (+7.18%)
• Infrastructure investment: R$ 280 billion in 2025 (+3%)
• Formal jobs created (Jan–Apr 2026): 143,547 positions (+8.11%)
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation: +3.5%
• Investment rate: rose from 16% to 16.5% of GDP

These numbers did not come out of nowhere. The long cycle of construction means that 2025 launches continue to generate economic activity throughout 2026 and 2027. For the professional who uses AutoCAD, Revit, Eberick, or SketchUp day to day, this means more projects entering the pipeline.

What is driving the growth

According to CBIC chief economist Ieda Vasconcelos, three factors account for the positive impact:

• FGTS for affordable housing: a record volume of funds released for housing finance, strengthening the social-interest segment
• Minha Casa, Minha Vida: incentive measures for the program continue to fuel demand for affordable residential projects
• Infrastructure investment: the R$ 280 billion invested in 2025 reflects concessions, PPPs, and public works under way

The resilient labor market also contributes. Construction was the second-largest generator of formal jobs between January and April 2026 — 20.5% of all positions created in the country came from the sector.

Challenges that still cause concern

Despite the positive numbers, the sector faces significant pressures that could slow the recovery:

• High interest rates: the Selic rate at a high level makes credit more expensive for developers and buyers
• Material and labor costs: increases above inflation squeeze margins and delay schedules
• Reduction of the workweek: the possible approval of the 36-hour week could affect productivity and deadlines
• Investment rate still low: 16.5% of GDP is below the global average of 25%, signaling a structural bottleneck

For the engineer or architect managing projects, these factors translate into a need for more precise planning, realistic budgets, and schedule control — areas where software such as Eberick, TQS, and Cype becomes more relevant.

Outlook for 2026

CBIC projects 1.2% expansion for construction GDP in 2026, which would represent the third consecutive year of growth. In 2025, the sector grew 0.5%. The acceleration in the first quarter suggests that the forecast may be conservative — provided that the risk factors do not worsen.

The Brazilian economy as a whole grew 1.1% in the first quarter, with agriculture (+2%) and construction (+2.9%) standing out as the most dynamic sectors.

What this means for AEC professionals

If you work in design, execution, or management in construction, the signs are clear:

• More residential projects coming: 471,000 units launched in 2025 will require design, oversight, and compliance
• Expanding infrastructure works: R$ 280 billion in investment translates into demand for infrastructure, road, railway, and sanitation projects
• Competitiveness requires technology: firms that master BIM (Revit, ArchiCAD), structural analysis (Eberick, TQS), and management (Primavera P6) will set themselves apart
• Employability on the rise: 143,000 formal positions in 4 months — a favorable moment for qualified professionals

Frequently asked questions

How much did construction grow in Brazil in 2026?

Construction GDP grew 2.9% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with Q4 2025, reversing the previous 2.4% decline. CBIC projects 1.2% expansion for the full year.

How many jobs did construction create in 2026?

Between January and April 2026, the construction industry created 143,547 formal positions — 20.5% of all jobs generated in Brazil during the period. It was the second-largest employer.

How much was invested in infrastructure in Brazil?

In 2025, the infrastructure segment received R$ 280 billion in investment, up 3% over the previous year, according to estimates from Abdib.

Which software is most in demand due to construction growth?

BIM software (Revit, ArchiCAD), structural analysis software (Eberick, TQS, Cype), 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, AutoCAD), and project management software (Primavera P6, Navisworks) are the most sought-after by firms looking for efficiency during periods of expansion.

Conclusion

The 2.9% growth of construction in the first quarter of 2026 confirms the sector's recovery and creates concrete opportunities for qualified professionals. With more than 470,000 units launched, R$ 280 billion in infrastructure, and 143,000 formal jobs created, this is a moment of heated demand — but also of competition for efficiency.

Mastering the right tools can make the difference between delivering projects on time and missing opportunities. CanalVIP offers the most relevant software in the Brazilian AEC market — from design to the construction site.

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