Commercial construction spending in the second quarter of 2017 increased 13% from the same period last year and office construction rose 11%, according to the latest Marcum Commercial Construction Index. However, these bright spots contrast with a decline of 3.1% in overall nonresidential construction spending in June year-over-year and a monthly drop of 2.0% from May 2017. The index is produced by the Construction Services Group of Marcum LLP, a national accounting and advisory firm.
Anirban Basu, the report’s author, attributes the relative strength of the commercial and office subsectors to the ecommerce boom. He also notes that June spending in communication construction increased 4.9% year-over-year and 2.8% from May 2017. The only other subsector to record a gain was health care, with a 2.8% annualized improvement, although monthly results in the sector declined 0.2% in June.
“With interest rates remaining near rock-bottom levels, investors have been chased up the risk spectrum, including into commercial real estate. That has helped to raise property values and prompt new construction. These dynamics have also helped lift industry backlog and supported reasonably solid profit margins,” Mr. Basu wrote.
Spending in all 12 of the remaining nonresidential construction subsectors retreated on both an annualized and monthly basis. The largest declines came in public sector spending, including conservation and development (-20.6% and -7.3%, respectively), sewage and waste disposal (-16.8% and -2.4%), and water supply (-16.4% and -3.7%).
“The infrastructure boom we have been waiting for has not arrived as of yet. Business attitudes and the business environment and confidence remain high for the moment. Backlogs in the private sector are healthy. Investment is robust. It’s my hope that we can turn some of this momentum towards infrastructure, sooner rather than later,” said Joseph Natarelli, national leader of Marcum’s Construction Services Group and an office managing partner in New Haven, Connecticut.
Current economic trends in the construction industry will be discussed in depth at the upcoming annual Marcum Construction Summits in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on September 7; New Haven, Conn., on September 27; and New York City on October 23.
For the complete Marcum Commercial Construction Index, visit www.marcumllp.com.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jul 5, 2023
Nonresidential construction spending decreased in May, its first drop in nearly a year
National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.06 trillion.
Apartments | Jun 27, 2023
Average U.S. apartment rent reached all-time high in May, at $1,716
Multifamily rents continued to increase through the first half of 2023, despite challenges for the sector and continuing economic uncertainty. But job growth has remained robust and new households keep forming, creating apartment demand and ongoing rent growth. The average U.S. apartment rent reached an all-time high of $1,716 in May.
Industry Research | Jun 15, 2023
Exurbs and emerging suburbs having fastest population growth, says Cushman & Wakefield
Recently released county and metro-level population growth data by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the fastest growing areas are found in exurbs and emerging suburbs.
Contractors | Jun 13, 2023
The average U.S. contractor has 8.9 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of May 2023
Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator remained unchanged at 8.9 months in May, according to an ABC member survey conducted May 20 to June 7. The reading is 0.1 months lower than in May 2022. Backlog in the infrastructure category ticked up again and has now returned to May 2022 levels. On a regional basis, backlog increased in every region but the Northeast.
Industry Research | Jun 13, 2023
Two new surveys track how the construction industry, in the U.S. and globally, is navigating market disruption and volatility
The surveys, conducted by XYZ Reality and KPMG International, found greater willingness to embrace technology, workplace diversity, and ESG precepts.
| Jun 5, 2023
Communication is the key to AEC firms’ mental health programs and training
The core of recent awareness efforts—and their greatest challenge—is getting workers to come forward and share stories.
Contractors | May 24, 2023
The average U.S. contractor has 8.9 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of April 2023
Contractor backlogs climbed slightly in April, from a seven-month low the previous month, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.
Multifamily Housing | May 23, 2023
One out of three office buildings in largest U.S. cities are suitable for residential conversion
Roughly one in three office buildings in the largest U.S. cities are well suited to be converted to multifamily residential properties, according to a study by global real estate firm Avison Young. Some 6,206 buildings across 10 U.S. cities present viable opportunities for conversion to residential use.
Industry Research | May 22, 2023
2023 High Growth Study shares tips for finding success in uncertain times
Lee Frederiksen, Managing Partner, Hinge, reveals key takeaways from the firm's recent High Growth study.
Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2023
The average multifamily rent was $1,709 in April 2023, up for the second straight month
Despite economic headwinds, the multifamily housing market continues to demonstrate resilience, according to a new Yardi Matrix report.
