Following last year’s slowdown, there is widespread curiosity about the market’s trajectory in 2026. The answer does not lie in a single factor. Global economic trends, technological shifts, and domestic developments are jointly shaping this year’s investment decisions.
Restructuring of the global economy continues in 2026. U.S.–China trade tensions, challenges to European industry competitiveness, and energy price fluctuations are all factors influencing investment decisions.
Many investors still wonder whether it is worth launching a high-value industrial project now or if it would be better to wait until economic trends become clearer. This uncertainty is particularly prevalent among automotive suppliers, for whom fluctuations in market demand directly impact expansion plans.
At the same time, new markets are emerging. The nearshoring trend continues, and sectors such as the food industry, pharmaceuticals, and electronic component manufacturing remain strong in Hungary.
A significant development in 2026 was the transformation of domestic and European Union funding frameworks. With the launch of the new EU budget cycle in 2027, priorities are shifting, with a greater emphasis placed on sustainability, digitalization, and the circular economy. For those seeking subsidies, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance and measurable environmental impact have become baseline requirements.
This change presents both challenges and opportunities. It is a challenge because funding requirements will become more complex. However, it is also an opportunity because those who are prepared to meet these expectations will gain a competitive advantage. Keeping this in mind, Lakógép has defined its strategic focus as primarily pursuing projects where innovative approaches and sustainability considerations are naturally integrated.
“The market is challenging this year, but that doesn’t discourage us. Even at the end of last year, we emphasized that we do not want to drift with the market but to consciously shape our direction. We believe that uncertain periods are precisely when proactive steps matter most and when it is worth cooperating with partners with whom we can grow and progress in the long term. Quality and strategic thinking are more important to us than immediate cost minimization,” says György Péter, Lakógép’s managing director.
The year 2026 may be when the next level of digitalization reaches the construction of industrial real estate. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is no longer novel but will become the expectation for larger projects. Building engineering solutions based on the Internet of Things (IoT), energy-efficiency optimization, and predictive maintenance systems are being increasingly integrated into the design of new facilities.
These solutions make construction more efficient and significantly reduce operating costs, which is an especially important consideration for investors in an uncertain economic environment. Those building today are thinking ahead. They consider not only initial investment costs, but also total lifecycle costs.
Modular construction technologies are also gaining popularity. These solutions can accelerate implementation, reduce the risk of on-site errors, and allow for more flexible future expansions. This is particularly important in industrial real estate development because the pace of technological change means many investors expect to need to expand capacity within a few years.
The shortage of construction labor will not resolve itself by 2026. In fact, it is likely to become one of the biggest barriers to rapid growth in the coming years. The problem is not the total lack of labor, but rather the growing difficulty of finding professionals capable of working on complex industrial projects.
This situation means quality is becoming more important than quantity. Companies with stable, well-trained teams will be able to undertake more complex projects. Those competing purely on price, however, may fall into a trap: They bid low but cannot maintain schedule or quality.
Lakógép’s management is deliberately building its team not only to increase the number of projects but also to handle greater complexity. The goal is not to increase volume, but rather to deliver a high level of quality in every project, resulting in lasting partnerships.
For Lakógép, 2026 is the year of strategic repositioning. The transitional period closed last year, and work has already begun along the new directions. This does not mean the team is suddenly doing everything differently—rather, it reflects an even more conscious approach to selecting which projects to participate in and which clients to work with.
One tangible example is this year’s Iceland project. For a Hungarian construction company, this direction is not typical—yet it clearly demonstrates the company’s deliberate strategic expansion. Rather than waiting on the sidelines, Lakógép is actively seeking professional challenges and partnerships that will enable long-term development and entry into new markets.
“Our goal is not to be present in every project. We aim to create real value in the projects we take part in, for both the investor and our team. We consciously choose who we work with: we are looking for partners who see us not just as a contractor, but as a thinking, evolving professional partner. While many are waiting, we prefer to move forward,” adds György Péter.
This approach prioritizes collaborations where it is not only important that a facility is completed, but also that a reliable partner supports the process from design to commissioning — partners who value systems-based thinking, rapid responsiveness, and a contractor that not only executes but also thinks.
The coming months are unlikely to be defined by the number of new gigafactories built in Hungary. Rather, the focus will be on how existing capacities expand, optimize, and become more sustainable. Smaller, more technologically complex projects will take center stage—where square meters matter less than quality of execution.
Those waiting for the previous growth pace to return may be disappointed. However, those who can adapt, make selective choices, and create value can emerge stronger even after an uncertain year.
This is what Lakógép is preparing for: not rapid expansion, but rather, conscious and strategic growth. In today’s industrial real estate development, the winner is not the one who takes on the most projects, but rather, the one who delivers the best projects with the best partners.
