Diogo Abecasis, Co-CEO & Founder of MAP Group, was the first guest on “Conversas de Corredor”, Diário Imobiliário’s new podecast dedicated to direct, informal and insightful conversations about Portugal’s real estate sector.
The debut episode, entitled “Diogo Abecasis: Construction, MAP Group’s Growth and Market Challenges”, explored some of the most relevant topics shaping the future of the sector. These included housing, construction, innovation, industrialisation, labour shortages, investment, hospitality, and the growth of MAP Group as an integrated ecosystem.
The growth of MAP Group and the strength of an integrated vision
Throughout the interview, Diogo Abecasis explains how MAP Engenharia e Construção evolved into today’s MAP Group, which is now structured across several complementary business areas.
The group was formed in response to the need for a more specialised and comprehensive market approach, while maintaining MAP Engenharia e Construção as the main construction company within the group and developing businesses dedicated to specific segments: MAP Spaces, specialising in fitout; VILLAS, focusing on the boutique construction of luxury villas; MAP Property Services, dedicated to asset management and maintenance; MAP Real Estate, focused on real estate co-investment; and MAP Capital, dedicated to strategic investments and innovation.
This structure enables the Group to operate across various sectors of the real estate industry, providing comprehensive solutions and enhenced support throughout the entire asset life cycle.
Specialisation, diversification and risk mitigation
One of the key topics discussed was the importance of diversification in response to market volatility. Diogo Abecasis explained that creating the group’s various companies increased the market share, developed specialised expertise and reduced the risks associated with potential slowdowns in specific sectors.
The Co-CEO & Founder of MAP Group also emphasised the company’s strong presence in sectors such as residential, hospitality, education, retail and offices, as well as emerging areas such as senior living and student residences.
In the hospitality sector in particular, Diogo Abecasis noted that the market remains especially active, with the group currently involved in the construction of several hotels across different regions of the country.
Innovation, artificial intelligence and the industrialisation of construction
The interview also addressed the challenges posed by labour shortages and the increasing demand for efficient processes. According to Diogo Abecasis, innovation has become essential both on construction sites and within internal management processes.
MAP Group has been investing in technological solutions, artificial intelligence, process automation and integrated management systems in order to reduce manual tasks, boost efficiency, minimise errors and enable teams to concentrate on higher-value activities.
The industrialisation of construction and prefabrication were also identified as essential paths for the future. Diogo Abecasis believes that Portugal still has a long way to go in this area, but there is already greater market awareness of the importance of faster, cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable methods.
Housing, construction costs and market opportunities
During the conversation, we also discussed several measures and challenges impacting the housing market, including the reduction of VAT on construction, rising material costs, and the effects of external factors on the real estate cycle.
Diogo Abecasis acknowledged the importance of measures designed to stimulate the construction of new housing, particularly for the middle classes. However, he noted that the effects of these measures will not be immediate, given the time still required for licensing and construction processes.
Nevertheless, he remains an optimistic about the sector, emphasising the resilience of the residential market, the strength of the hospitality sector, and the potential of segments such as education, offices, retail, and specialised residences.
A conversation about the future, ambition and responsibility
At the end of the episode, Diogo Abecasis looks to the future of the MAP Group with ambition and confidence. He reaffirms the group’s intention to consolidate its position as a benchmark in Portugal’s construction and real estate sectors.
Participating in the first episode of “Conversas de Corredor” reinforces MAP Group’s role as an active voice in the debate surrounding the future of the sector, with a vision built on specialisation, sustainable growth, innovation and execution capacity.
Watch the full episode
The first episode of “Conversas de Corredor”, featuring Diogo Abecasis, is now available on Diário Imobiliário’s digital platforms.
▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/4-5LU2vj2oM
