The study highlights that infrastructure development, rising sustainability expectations and the spread of smart technologies are the primary drivers of growth. In Hungary, experts at facility management company Propx say the future of the sector will be shaped largely by artificial intelligence and ongoing labor market challenges.

Forecasts from TechSci Research show that the European FM market, valued at USD 13.74 billion last year, could reach USD 26.33 bln by 2030, representing annual growth of 11.28%. The analysis notes that expansion is being propelled by a growing tendency among companies to outsource operational tasks, rapid infrastructure development and increasingly strict energy-efficiency and sustainability regulations.

The report emphasizes that facility management today is far more than maintenance alone, as it also includes the optimization of catering, energy, security and waste management processes.

The study points to a rising shift toward integrated FM models, which use IoT technology, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to improve operational efficiency, increase user satisfaction and reduce costs. Smart sensors can track temperature, lighting, energy consumption and space utilization in real time, allowing decisions to be based on factual data. As a result, comfort levels rise, waste decreases and facility lifespans increase.

Because buildings account for more than one-third of global energy consumption, sustainable operation plays a key role in achieving carbon neutrality. Clients increasingly expect detailed reports on energy use and emissions, fueling demand for FM providers that can demonstrate tangible, measurable improvements in sustainability performance.

“Sustainability, digitalization and artificial intelligence are already defining elements of facility management in Hungary as well. Companies that do not integrate these into their everyday operations could find themselves at a serious competitive disadvantage,” said Tibor Móritz, founder and technical director of Propx.

The international report identifies the shortage of skilled labor as one of the sector’s most significant challenges. Demand continues to rise for maintenance technicians, electricians, building engineers and cleaners, yet the market is not producing enough new professionals, leading to an increasingly severe labor shortage. This situation may result in higher operating costs, less flexible service and slower expansion.

“It is clear that artificial intelligence does not replace but complements and makes human work more efficient in facility management. The competition for experienced professionals and young people with comprehensive digital skills remains intense in the sector. However, competitive salaries alone are not enough to attract and retain talent — companies must offer a workplace that provides real value and opportunities for professional development,” added Gábor Lévai, facility management lead at Propx.