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New housing measures and sector challenges to be discussed at Future of Construction 2026

The Portfolio Future of Construction 2026 conference on November 12 will examine the implications of recent government housing and construction announcements — including the launch of the Wekerle+ loan, the return of state support for lakástakarék accounts and upcoming renovation programmes.

New housing measures and sector challenges to be discussed at Future of Construction 2026

Portfolio’s Future of Construction 2026 conference on November 12 will examine the likely impacts of recent government housing and construction announcements: the launch of the Wekerle+ loan, the return of state support for lakástakarék accounts, and new renovation programmes scheduled for next year. The event will also discuss the 3% product replacing the Otthon Start Program and renovation loan and support elements planned through 2030, all of which could directly affect housing construction, renovation and contracting volumes.

The conference aims to assess how these measures may create demand and whether the construction sector is prepared to meet it. Participants include policymakers, investors, contractors, designers, manufacturers, technology providers and financiers who will seek common ground on a new balance for the Hungarian construction industry.

Key themes and emphases

  • Housing policy and financing: topics include the introduction of the Wekerle+ loan, reinstatement of state support for lakástakarék accounts, the 3% product that replaces the Otthon Start Program, and renovation loan and support instruments available through 2030, all with potential to reshape near-term market activity.

  • Public investment and regulation: Vitézy Dávid, minister at the Közlekedési és Beruházási Minisztérium, will outline the directions of the new state investment policy. Szemerey Samu, state secretary responsible for architectural and building investments and the national chief architect, will speak about the housing construction turn and participate in a panel on affordable housing.

  • Market outlook and risks: the sector must address labour shortages, cost pressures and tightening energy-efficiency requirements. A market outlook panel will feature Banai Ádám (executive director, Magyar Nemzeti Bank), Koji László (president, ÉVOSZ), Markovich Béla (managing director, Mapei), and Varga Mihály (founder, KÉSZ Group).

  • Digitalisation and artificial intelligence: a dedicated strand will explore how AI can support design, cost estimation, project management and facility operations. Participants will take part in a live survey to gauge the industry’s digital maturity.

  • Prefabrication, modular construction and sustainability: afternoon sessions will examine opportunities in prefabrication and modular building, affordable housing solutions and sustainable approaches aimed at faster and more cost-effective delivery.

Speakers and participants

The programme brings together a wide range of industry and policy figures, including Vitézy Dávid (minister, Közlekedési és Beruházási Minisztérium), Szemerey Samu (state secretary responsible for architectural and building investments, national chief architect), Ambrus György (CEO, Várkapitányság Nonprofit Zrt.), Banai Ádám PhD, MRICS (executive director, Magyar Nemzeti Bank), Koji László (president, ÉVOSZ), Markovich Béla (managing director, Mapei Kft.) and Varga Mihály (founder and chairman, KÉSZ Group), alongside other manufacturers, developers, designers and service providers.

Additional speakers include Ámon Ada (CEO, Magyar Energiahatékonysági Intézet), Angel Gábor (technical director, Wing), Babos Annamária (housing policy adviser, Közlekedési és Beruházási Minisztérium), Biró Antal (CEO, Celsius Építőanyag-Kereskedő Kft.), Prof. Dr. Boros Anita (National University of Public Service), Csipszer Zoltán (CEO, Lindab) and a number of other sector experts and executives.

Why the event matters

Future of Construction 2026 responds both to recent government interventions and to persistent industry challenges. The conference seeks to move beyond description toward practical discussion and solution-finding — from financing and housing policy incentives to the wider adoption of digital tools and prefabrication.

Attendees will have the chance to debate market forecasts, investment directions and the operational effects of regulatory measures directly with policymakers and industry leaders. The event is aimed at those who want to help shape the construction sector’s next phase rather than merely react to it.

Registration and further information

Portfolio provides further details and registration information for the conference. The event announcement and programme are informational and do not constitute investment advice or recommendations.