C&W General Contractor Sentiment Survey • To further assess conditions in the construction sector, Cushman & Wakefield surveyed general contractors throughout the Americas. The results indicate that cost pressures remain firmly embedded in contractor expectations, with limited signs of near-term relief. A significant majority of respondents (79%) expect both labor and material costs to increase over the next six months. While this outlook is generally consistent with findings from the 2025 survey, a notable shift is that none of the respondents this year anticipate a decline in input expenses.
• Supplier pricing expectations have also intensified. 83% of surveyed contractors anticipate price increases from vendors, representing a 24% increase from the prior survey. However, only 63% expect to raise their own service pricing, creating a notable disconnect between input cost expectations and planned price pass-through. Survey responses further suggest that competitive pressures are limiting contractors’ ability to fully offset higher costs. In 2025, 13% of contractors indicated they would absorb higher supplier prices rather than pass them through to clients. That share has since risen to 20%, pointing to growing margin compression amid moderating construction demand, as more contractors bid for fewer office projects.
Winter 2026 Survey: Next 6 Months
Winter 2026 Survey: GC and Supplier Prices
NEXT SIX MONTHS
GC's Suppliers
Labor Costs
3%
14%
74%
9%
21%
79%
General Contractors
Material Costs
3%
34%
63%
21%
66%
13%
Decrease Significantly Decrease Slightly
No Change
Decrease Significantly Decrease Slightly
No Change
Increase Slightly
Increase Significantly
Increase Slightly
Increase Significantly
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Research
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Research
Winter 2025 Survey: Next 6 Months
Winter 2025 Survey: GC and Supplier Prices
NEXT SIX MONTHS
Labor Costs
GC's Suppliers
2%
30%
65%
3%
4%
36%
59%
2%
Material Costs
General Contractors
17%
80%
54%
46%
1%
Decrease Significantly Decrease Slightly
No Change
Decrease Significantly Decrease Slightly
No Change
Increase Slightly
Increased Significantly
Increase Slightly
Increase Significantly
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Research
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Research
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Cushman & Wakefield
Office Fit Out Cost Guide 2026
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