Advances in the Use of Prefabricated Systems in Real Estate Projects: A Systematic Review (2015–2025)

Abstract

Over the last decade, prefabrication has emerged as a strategic alternative to address the global construction industry’s challenges concerning sustainability, productivity, and the housing deficit. This study analyzes the advances, benefits, limitations, and research gaps associated with its application in real estate projects between 2015 and 2025. A systematic literature review was conducted under the PRISMA protocol, which allowed for the selection of 58 high-quality articles sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Redalyc. The findings highlight Asia as the leader in innovation and industrialization, while Latin America is identified as an emerging region with applications in social housing, education, and modular infrastructure. Reported benefits include reduced time and costs, improved environmental performance, and the integration of digital technologies such as BIM, 3D printing, and digital twins. Nevertheless, regulatory gaps, cultural resistance, and limited coordination among industry, government, and academia persist. The study concludes that prefabrication constitutes a transformative engine for the real estate sector, but its consolidation requires stronger regulatory frameworks, broader empirical research in Latin America, and the adoption of circular economy and digitalization strategies to ensure a sustainable and socially accepted impact.

1. Introduction

Over the past decades, the construction industry has undergone a rapid transformation driven by the need to reduce time, costs, and the environmental and social externalities associated with traditional building methods. Within this context, advancements in prefabricated systems have emerged as a sustainable and innovative approach that addresses the challenges of accelerated urbanization, increasing pressure on natural resources, and the growing demand for enhanced construction efficiency [1,2].

In this study, prefabricated systems are defined as construction approaches involving the off-site manufacturing of building elements that are subsequently transported and assembled on-site. The review focuses on modular construction, panelized systems, volumetric prefabrication, and prefabricated structural and non-structural components commonly applied in residential and real estate developments. Construction approaches relying solely on conventional on-site assembly or lacking standardized off-site production processes were excluded to establish clear conceptual boundaries for the research scope.

At the international level, countries such as Sweden, Japan, Singapore, and China have successfully established industrialized construction models and achieved significant results in terms of reducing project duration, waste generation, and overall costs [3,4]. These experiences demonstrate benefits such as standardization, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced safety, positioning prefabrication as one of the key topics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution within the construction sector [5,6].

In the case of Latin America, progress has been comparatively limited; however, there are also noteworthy experiences in countries such as Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, where prefabricated systems have been implemented in social housing projects, educational infrastructure works, and modular hospital facilities [7,8,9]. However, its expansion faces structural barriers such as the lack of clear regulations, the informality of the sector, cultural resistance to new technologies, and the weak alignment between public policies and productive capacities [10].

In the Peruvian context, the use of prefabricated systems in the real estate sector has not yet achieved significant consolidation, despite their proven potential in terms of sustainability, efficiency, and quality. Their application has been mainly observed in specific projects such as prefabricated classrooms [11], temporary hospitals, and medium-scale housing developments [11,12]. Although some companies incorporate prefabricated panels and structural elements in urban areas such as Lima, Arequipa, and Trujillo, the prevailing practice in the sector continues to rely on traditional masonry and cast-in-place reinforced concrete systems. The acceptance of these panels remains limited due to the absence of specific regulations, limited technical knowledge, and cultural perceptions of distrust toward industrialized construction systems [13].

The popularity of prefabrication in the country remains limited, primarily due to: (a) the absence of specific regulations that support the design, quality control, and installation of prefabricated systems [10]; (b) Low level of technical knowledge and limited professional training in universities and technical institutes [14]; (c) Cultural perceptions of distrust toward industrialized systems, which are often associated with informality or low durability [15,16].

In terms of economic comparison, local studies have shown that prefabricated construction can reduce construction time by 10% to 25% and direct costs by around 15% in repetitive projects [17]. Despite the benefits offered by Industry 4.0 technologies in the construction sector, their implementation faces significant barriers due to the high initial cost of molds, equipment, and transportation, as well as the limited production scale, which restricts their widespread adoption [14]. In environmental terms, the application of these technologies translates into more sustainable project management, with lower waste generation, reduced water consumption, and improved control of pollutant emissions [14]; Moreover, life cycle analyses show advantages over traditional methods [18]. Nevertheless, these advantages have not yet translated into regulatory incentives or full integration with green certifications and programs [19].

Prefabricated construction systems contribute directly to sustainable development by enabling controlled manufacturing environments that significantly reduce material waste, optimize resource consumption, and improve construction accuracy compared with conventional on-site practices. Off-site production minimizes rework, reduces transportation inefficiencies, and lowers energy consumption during construction activities. Furthermore, prefabrication facilitates the adoption of life cycle–oriented design strategies, including material reuse, disassembly potential, and recycling processes, thereby supporting circular economy principles and reducing the overall environmental footprint of real estate developments.

Despite its potential, prefabrication faces structural challenges related to the lack of coordinated policies, limited investment in R&D, and weak collaboration among industry, government, and academia [20].

Within this framework, the present systematic review addresses the following research question: What are the main advances, trends, and challenges identified in the scientific literature regarding the use of prefabricated systems in real estate projects between 2015 and 2025? This study is justified by the growing need for sustainable and efficient housing solutions in response to the housing deficit and the environmental impact of construction. Between 2015 and 2025, significant progress has been observed in technologies and regulations related to prefabrication, the analysis of which is essential to guide professional practice and inform public policy development.

At the international regulatory level, progress has been made to promote modular construction and prefabrication, although implementation gaps persist across regions. In the Latin American context, discussions on barriers and strategies for their large-scale adoption are particularly relevant [13].

Likewise, emerging technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D printing, and circular economy approaches have transformed the design, manufacturing, and installation of prefabricated components. In this regard, it is noteworthy that although prefabricated systems align with circularity principles such as design for disassembly, reuse, and recycling, it is still necessary to strengthen their integration with digital tools and life cycle assessment methodologies [21].

Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the advances, benefits, limitations, and research gaps related to the use of prefabricated systems in real estate projects during the period 2015–2025, identifying opportunities for their development in Latin America, with particular emphasis on Peru.

This study is developed as a systematic literature review aimed at synthesizing and critically analyzing existing scientific evidence rather than generating primary experimental data. Through the application of a structured review methodology, the research consolidates current knowledge, identifies research trends, and highlights gaps related to the implementation of prefabricated systems in real estate projects, thereby providing an evidence-based foundation to support future academic research and industry decision-making.

Accordingly, the specific objectives are to: (a) analyze the technical advances in the practical implementation of prefabricated systems, demonstrating their efficiency, quality, and speed; (b) evaluate technological developments in digitalization, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and automation; (c) examine the economic evidence related to costs, savings, and profitability compared with traditional construction, with emphasis on results for Latin America and Peru; (d) review environmental contributions in terms of sustainability and waste reduction; (e) identify regulatory advances and gaps that limit large-scale adoption; and finally, (f) explore the social effects concerning housing access, cultural acceptance, and quality perception.

The study encompasses both theoretical and applied research published in English and Spanish, with an emphasis on Latin America, Spain, and China. It includes approaches such as modular construction, time, cost, and quality performance indicators, as well as management methodologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Construction.

The study’s limitations include restricted access to sources, a bias toward developed contexts, and the methodological heterogeneity of the studies, which limits comparisons and generalizations.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Systematic Review Design and PRISMA Protocol

This study was conducted as a systematic literature review examining advances in the application of prefabricated systems in real estate projects, considering publications published between 2015 and July 2025. The research adopts a structured review approach aimed at collecting, evaluating, and synthesizing previously published scientific evidence through transparent and replicable procedures consistent with international evidence-review standards.

The review was carried out and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines [22]. The PRISMA checklist is provided as Supplementary Material, and the flow diagram is included to ensure transparency, methodological rigor, and reproducibility throughout the study selection process. The review protocol was not registered in a prospective database.

2.2. Search Strategy

Within this framework, systematic strategies for the search and selection of studies were applied following the PRISMA protocol through a structured search conducted across four databases: Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), SciELO, and Redalyc, ensuring broad geographical and scientific coverage. Search strings were designed and applied in both Spanish and English using Boolean operators, as presented in

Table 1. Search strategy applied according to the PRISMA protocol.

Language	Search for String Equations and Keywords
Keywords applied in Spanish	“prefabrication” OR “industrialized systems” AND “real estate projects” OR “housing” OR “residential building” AND “advances” OR “trends” OR “innovation” OR “sustainable construction” OR “efficiency” OR “cost efficiency” OR “time efficiency” OR “economic impact” OR “technology” OR “digitalization” OR “BIM” OR “construction technology”
Typical Boolean operator combinations applied in English-language searches.	“prefabrication” OR “modular construction” OR “off-site construction” AND “real estate” OR “housing” OR “residential buildings” AND “advances” OR “trends” OR “innovation” OR “sustainable construction” OR “efficiency” OR “cost efficiency” OR “time efficiency” OR “economic impact” OR “technology” OR “digitalization” OR “BIM” OR “construction technology”

, incorporating key concepts related to advances in prefabricated systems, real estate projects, sustainability, efficiency, costs, and technological innovation.

Records retrieved from the different databases were subsequently merged into a unified dataset and subjected to a deduplication process based on title, author, publication year, and Digital Object Identifier (DOI) matching prior to the screening stage. This procedure ensured dataset consistency, avoided duplicate bias during study selection, and maintained alignment between the PRISMA flow diagram, graphical representations, and subsequent bibliometric and thematic analyses.

2.3. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

A total of 336 records were obtained. Likewise,

Table 2. Inclusion and exclusion criteria applied in the systematic review.

Type	Criterion	Code	Inclusion Criteria	Exclusion Criteria
Search Filter	Year of Publication	FB-01	Studies published between 2015 and July 2025.	Publications prior to 2015 or after July 2025.
	Language	FB-02	Publications in Spanish or English.	Studies in other languages.
	Type of Document	FB-03	Peer-reviewed scientific articles (journals) with rigorous methodological design.	Non-peer-reviewed documents (e.g., opinion papers, conference abstracts).
	Document Access	FB-04	Studies available in full-text format (Open Access).	Studies without full-text access.
Thematic Relevance: Eligibility	Thematic Area	RT-01	Substantive focus on prefabrication as the main object of analysis.	Studies where prefabrication is mentioned superficially or tangentially.
	Methodological Approach	RT-02	Application or analysis of the progress of prefabrication systems in the context of projects.	Studies that mention prefabrication progress without focusing on its practical application.
	Type of Study	RT-03	Articles focused on systematic reviews of advances in prefabricated systems applied to real estate projects.	Studies focused on non-residential infrastructures (roads, industrial, etc.) without relevant evidence.

presents the criteria applied during the selection of studies, in accordance with the PRISMA protocol, to ensure their relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the research objectives, considering the applied search filters and thematic relevance identified.

2.4. Study Selection Process

Figure 1 presents the PRISMA flow diagram illustrating the study selection process for the systematic review.

In the identification phase, 336 records were retrieved from databases. After duplicate removal, 33 records were excluded, resulting in 303 unique studies entering the screening stage.

During the screening phase, titles and abstracts of the 303 records were assessed using the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined in Table 2, applied at an initial level of evaluation. At this stage, studies that did not meet the thematic scope, methodological relevance, or domain focus of the review were excluded. As a result, 192 records were excluded, and 119 studies progressed to full-text assessment.

In the eligibility phase, the 119 remaining studies underwent a full-text review, applying the same inclusion and exclusion criteria used at the title and abstract level, but in greater analytical depth. This step allowed for a more rigorous verification of conceptual alignment, methodological robustness, and substantive contribution to the objectives of the review. Based on this evaluation, 53 additional articles were excluded for not fully satisfying the eligibility requirements.

Consequently, 58 studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis of the systematic review. In total, 245 records were excluded across the screening and eligibility phases. The consistent application of identical inclusion and exclusion criteria at both evaluation levels ensured methodological coherence, transparency, and traceability throughout the PRISMA process.

In this research, the review of prefabricated systems applied to real estate projects was approached through the analysis of construction solutions based on the standardized manufacture of off-site components and their subsequent on-site assembly. This approach enabled the integrated examination of design, production, and implementation processes as part of a coherent industrialized construction framework.

Consistent with the conceptual definition introduced in the previous section, prefabricated systems were operationalized within the broader framework of industrialized and off-site construction applied to real estate development. Prefabrication was considered the standardized off-site manufacturing of building elements under controlled industrial conditions, followed by transportation and on-site assembly. Accordingly, the review included: (a) modular or volumetric construction systems comprising three-dimensional prefabricated units; (b) panelized prefabrication systems involving two-dimensional wall, floor, or roof elements; and (c) prefabricated structural and non-structural components such as precast concrete elements, façade systems, and service modules. Studies focused exclusively on conventional on-site construction or non-standardized fabrication processes were excluded during the PRISMA-based screening process to ensure methodological consistency.

2.5. Study Selection and Screening Reliability

The reliability of the study selection process was evaluated through independent screening conducted by two reviewers using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Table 3. Inter-reviewer Agreement Matrix for Study Selection Prior to Consensus.

	Revisor 2: Include	Revisor 2: Exclude	Total
Revisor 1: Include	A = 46	B = 12	58
Revisor 1: Exclude	C = 10	D = 235	245
Total	56	247	303

presents the inter-reviewer agreement matrix prior to consensus. Of the 303 screened records, both reviewers agreed to include 46 studies (cell A) and exclude 235 studies (cell D), representing a high level of initial agreement. Discrepancies occurred in 22 cases, where Reviewer 1 included studies excluded by Reviewer 2 (B = 12) or excluded studies included by Reviewer 2 (C = 10).

Based on this agreement matrix, inter-reviewer reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ = 0.76), indicating substantial agreement according to established methodological standards. These discrepancies were subsequently discussed and resolved through consensus meetings, ensuring consistency in the final eligibility decisions and minimizing potential screening bias. The reliability assessment confirms the robustness and reproducibility of the PRISMA-based study selection process applied in this systematic review.

2.6. Bibliometric Analysis

The bibliometric analysis was conducted using the RStudio R 4.5.2 package, employing a thematic map (conceptual structure analysis) based on centrality and density metrics. This approach enabled the identification and classification of driving, basic, niche, and emerging themes within the reviewed literature. The analysis was performed using data extracted from Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Redalyc databases.

2.7. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) was employed as an interpretative analytical strategy to examine recurring relationships among key dimensions identified in the reviewed literature. Rather than applying quantitative calibration procedures, the approach was used to compare how combinations of technological, regulatory, economic, environmental, and social conditions were simultaneously reported across studies addressing prefabrication implementation.

This comparative examination enabled the identification of recurring configurational patterns explaining adoption dynamics across different regional contexts. Accordingly, QCA supported a systemic interpretation of prefabrication adoption as a multidimensional socio-technical process shaped by interacting enabling and constraining conditions.

2.8. Bibliometric and Configurational Analytical Procedure

Bibliometric analysis was conducted using the RStudio package to identify the conceptual structure of research on prefabricated systems. Author keywords extracted from the final dataset were normalized and analyzed through thematic mapping based on centrality and density indicators, enabling classification of research themes into driving, basic, niche, and emerging categories. This procedure aimed to identify dominant research orientations rather than perform keyword co-occurrence network analysis.

Complementarily, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) was applied as an interpretative configurational approach to examine recurring relationships across studies. Six analytical conditions—technological development, economic performance, environmental sustainability, regulatory support, social acceptance, and technical implementation—were derived from thematic synthesis results. The analytical process involved (a) categorization of study findings according to these conditions, (b) cross-study comparison of reported implementation factors, and (c) identification of recurring multidimensional configurations influencing prefabrication adoption outcomes.

The integration of bibliometric mapping and QCA enabled both structural identification of research themes and configurational interpretation of relationships among adoption conditions, improving analytical consistency and methodological transparency.

2.9. Analytical Categories

Likewise, a set of analytical categories was defined and examined in a complementary manner to understand the interactions between prefabricated construction innovation and the real estate project context. These categories were established as interpretative dimensions guiding the qualitative synthesis of the reviewed studies: (a) Economic, referring to the optimization of financial resources and construction time compared with conventional methods; (b) Social, addressing user perception, acceptance processes, and cultural resistance associated with prefabrication adoption; (c) Environmental, related to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and ecological sustainability performance; (d) Regulatory, encompassing policy frameworks, technical standards, and legal conditions influencing implementation; (e) Technical, including modular design principles, assembly processes, durability, and structural adaptability; and (f) Technological, integrating automation, material innovation, and emerging digital technologies applied to industrialized construction systems.

3. Results

3.1. Descriptive Analysis of Included Studies

The analysis of 58 articles (2015–2025) on prefabricated systems for real estate projects reveals a highly heterogeneous and diversified scientific output at the regional level, as shown in

Table 4. Record of the place of origin of the first author.

Continent	Country	N° Total	%
North America	USA(n = 2), Mexico(n = 5)	7	12%
South America	Bolivia(n = 1), Brazil(n = 1), Chile(n = 6), Colombia(n = 5), Ecuador(n = 1), Peru(n = 4)	18	31%
Asia	Asia(n = 1), China(n = 16), Malaysia(n = 1), Pakistan(n = 1)	19	33%
Europe	Slovakia(n = 1), Spain(n = 2), Poland(n = 2), Portugal(n = 4), United Kingdom(n = 2)	11	19%
Oceania	Australia(n = 3)	3	5%
		58	100%

. Therefore, the research aims to specify the main categories and subcategories of the technical, technological, economic, environmental, regulatory, and social aspects in order to account for the advances, advantages, and limitations that have accompanied the development of prefabrication in the real estate sector and to identify the fundamental areas that require development for the Latin American region and Peru.

Asia leads with 33% of studies, with China standing out as a benchmark in innovation and industrialization, while South America accounts for 31%, with Chile, Colombia, and Peru as emerging hubs linked to sustainability and social housing. Europe (19%) and North America (12%) have consolidated approaches to technological innovation, digitization, and regulations, while Oceania, represented only by Australia (5%), reflects an incipient interest in high-efficiency projects.

To strengthen statistical rigor, a chi-square goodness-of-fit test was conducted to examine the regional distribution of the reviewed studies across continents. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in research representation among regions (χ² = 16.47, df = 4, p = 0.002), indicating a non-uniform global distribution of prefabrication research. Asia (33%) and South America (31%) account for the largest share of publications, while North America (12%) and Oceania (5%) remain comparatively underrepresented. These findings highlight evident regional disparities in research development and confirm the growing contribution of South American countries within the global prefabrication research landscape. Within this regional context, Peru contributes approximately 22% of the South American studies (4 out of 18), reflecting increasing academic interest despite persistent implementation challenges associated with regulatory adaptation, industrial capacity, and technological maturity when compared with more consolidated international construction ecosystems.

Figure 2 presents a keyword cloud providing an exploratory visualization of the most recurrent concepts identified in the reviewed literature on advances in prefabricated systems in real estate projects between 2015 and 2025. The prominence of terms such as housing and modular construction confirms that a substantial portion of research focuses on residential applications, highlighting industrialized and modular approaches as central innovation pathways within the sector.

The frequent appearance of concepts associated with environmental impact, sustainable construction, and environmental benefits reflects the growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, positioning prefabrication as a strategic alternative for reducing emissions, material waste, and lifecycle costs. Likewise, economic-oriented terms such as cost efficiency and time efficiency reinforce the productivity and performance advantages commonly attributed to industrialized construction practices.

From a technological perspective, keywords including BIM, Digital Twin, Technology 4.0, and 3D printing illustrate the increasing convergence between digitalization and construction industrialization. Additionally, the presence of terms such as regulations, project management, and user perception indicates that current research extends beyond technical performance to incorporate social, regulatory, and organizational dimensions influencing prefabrication adoption.

It should be noted that this visualization does not represent a temporal or network-based bibliometric analysis; rather, it offers an intuitive overview of dominant research orientations derived from author keywords in the selected studies. The distribution of terms supports the thematic findings discussed in the Results section and complements the structured thematic interpretation presented in Figure 3.

Likewise,

Table 5. Articles published chronologically by stage and authorship.

Year and Frequency	Authors and Years of Publication of Scientific Articles
(2021–2025) (n = 34) 59%	Wang Y.G. (2021); Marín N. (2021); Wu Z. (2021); Kedir F. (2021); Gusmao Brissi S. (2021); Qi B. (2021); Masood R. (2022); Shang Z. (2022); Sampaio A.Z. (2022); Ginigaddara B. (2022); Li N. (2023); Zhang Z. (2023); Vargas-Mosqueda J. (2023); Wu S.W. (2023); Wang Q. (2023); Omrany H. (2023); Sánchez-Garrido A.J. (2023); Waqar A. (2023); Cheng Z. (2023); Hamza M. (2023); Benites Meregildo M.S. (2024); Meireles I. (2024); Filion M.L. (2024); Li K. (2024); Ouda E. (2024); Khan A.A. (2024); Negi P. (2024); An H. (2024); Rojas-Herrera C. (2025); Djukanovic M. (2025); Parracho D. (2025); Soares N. (2025); Silva H. (2025); Narula Y. (2025); Myhre S.F. (2025); Hernandez Aros L. (2025); Kalús D. (2025); Krajewska M. (2025); Kamali M. (2025); Yang Y. (2025); Xing H. (2025)
(2015–2020) (n = 24 ) 41%	Tam V.W.Y. (2015); Abanda F. (2017); Woo J. (2017); Jobim C. (2017); Pasetti Monizza G. (2017); Lu W. (2018); Wuni I.Y. (2019); Kamali M. (2019); Navaratnam S. (2019); Jiang Y. (2019); Li J. (2019); Thai H.T. (2020); Wang H. (2020); Steinhardt D.A. (2020); Minhas M.R. (2020); Zohourian M. (2020); Wuni I.Y. (2020)

shows the chronological evolution and authorship of scientific articles on the research under study. Between 2015 and 2020, 24 articles (41%) were published, which shows an initial stage of consolidation of the subject, marked by pioneering contributions to the digitization of processes [23,24], in promoting sustainability [25] and in the first applications adapted to various regional contexts [26,27,28].

In contrast, the period 2021–2025 accounts for 34 publications (59%), reflecting sustained growth in academic output and increasingly marked international interest [29,30,31,32]. At this stage, there is a noticeable presence of recurring and emerging authors, which highlights the consolidation of research networks and the continuity of thematic lines in the field [33,34,35,36]. Overall, this evolution over time shows a transition from foundational approaches to more applied and technologically advanced research, consolidating prefabrication as a strategic area for construction innovation [37].

Table 6. Methodological and thematic trends in research on prefabricated systems.

Quantitative (n = 27 (%))
Experimental (n = 5 (19%))	Non-Experimental (n = 22 (81%))
Sustainability of buildings with modular prefabrication during the construction phase. (n = 2)	Comparison of the environmental, energy, and economic performance of prefabricated construction systems. (n = 8)
Environmental benefits of the prefabrication life cycle in housing. (n = 2)	Strengthening regulatory frameworks, government incentives, training technical personnel, and promoting technology transfer and digitization. (n = 2)
Carbon emissions throughout the life cycle (prefabricated and conventional). (n = 1)	Economic impacts of system implementation (n = 3)
Qualitative (n = 18 (31%))
Conceptual-theoretical development of structural barriers that limit the adoption of prefabrication in technical standards. (n = 2)	Benefits of promoting digitization, sustainability, and modernization in the construction sector. (n = 2)
Perception of BIM implementation, exploring integration strategies with 3D printing, modularity, and Industry 4.0 technology. (n = 5)	Technical, economic, and environmental benefits of prefabricated systems. (n = 3)
Environmental benefits and impact of implementing prefabricated components. (n = 5)	Comprehensive conceptualization of technological innovation in construction (n = 1)
Mixed (n = 13 (22%))
Evolution of prefabricated and modular construction from various technical, environmental, social, and technological perspectives. (n = 2)	Conceptualization of BIM and Digital TWIN shows how these tools optimize the management, coordination, and performance of prefabricated projects. (n = 3)
Technical and economic comparison with traditional systems, as well as technical efficiency, digital innovation, and environmental and social commitment. (n = 2)	User perception in the acceptance of housing. (n = 1)
Effectiveness in terms of costs, quality, and execution times. (n = 2)	Regulatory gaps and frameworks in Latin America to strengthen housing sustainability. (n = 3)

summarizes the methodological and thematic distribution of 58 studies related to prefabricated systems in the construction sector, classified into quantitative (47%), qualitative (31%), and mixed (22%) approaches [38]. Quantitative studies predominate in the comparative analysis of the environmental, energy, and economic performance of prefabricated systems, with an emphasis on carbon emissions, life cycle benefits, and economic impact assessment [39,40]. On a qualitative level, studies focus on conceptualizing regulatory barriers, exploring user perceptions, and highlighting the relevance of digitalization, sustainability, and emerging technologies such as BIM, 3D printing, and Industry 4.0 [41,42,43]. Finally, mixed approaches integrate technical, social, environmental, and regulatory dimensions, emphasizing both efficiency and costs, as well as regulatory gaps and the social impact of prefabrication [44,45].

In support of the findings,

Table 7. Record of articles analyzed according to the database.

Database Engine	Quantity	%
Web of Science	4	7%
Redalyc	4	7%
SciELO	3	5%
Scopus	47	81%

shows the search engines that enabled these results to be found, with 81% of findings supported by Scopus, 7% by Web of Science, 7% by Redalyc, and 5% by SciELO.

From a qualitative methodological approach and following the thematic synthesis conducted under the PRISMA protocol, 58 articles were identified and analyzed, allowing the classification of research categories presented in

Table 8. Categorization matrix and categories.

Category	Description	Years of Article Publication
Economic (n = 8)—14%	Cost and time reduction, with comparative analysis against traditional methods.	(2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2025)
Social (n = 9)—16%	Perception, acceptance, and cultural barriers associated with prefabrication.	(2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Environmental (n = 8)—14%	Assessment of environmental impact, waste, and resource efficiency.	(2017, 2019, 2020, 2022)
Regulatory (n = 6)—10%	Regulation through technical codes, standards, and legal restrictions.	(2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Technical (n = 12)—21%	Optimizes the construction and environmental efficiency of prefabricated systems, integrating technologies such as BIM, digital twins, and 3D printing.	(2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Technological (n = 15)—26%	Use of emerging technologies, automation, and innovation in prefabricated materials.	(2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025)

. The economic category represents 14% of the reviewed literature, with eight studies addressing cost and time reduction through comparative analyses with traditional construction methods [46,47,48].

The social dimension accounts for nine studies (16%), focusing on user perception, acceptance, and cultural barriers associated with prefabrication adoption [49,50]. Although increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing implementation, this proportion indicates comparatively lower research attention relative to the technical (21%) and technological (26%) categories, highlighting the social dimension as an underexplored area within the current literature.

Similarly, the environmental category represents eight studies (14%) centered on environmental impact mitigation, waste management, and resource efficiency [51,52,53]. The regulatory category comprises six articles (10%) addressing technical codes, standards, and legal restrictions affecting large-scale adoption [54,55], emphasizing the importance of regulatory alignment for the consolidation of modular construction in the real estate sector.

Finally, the analysis reveals a predominance of the technical category, with 12 studies (21%) focused on optimizing construction and environmental performance through technologies such as BIM, digital twins, and 3D printing [56]. The technological category includes 15 studies (26%) emphasizing automation, digital innovation, and advancements in prefabricated materials, confirming the central role of technological development and process optimization in the evolution of prefabrication systems [57,58,59].

Table 9. Overview of included studies and research objectives.

Author	Country	Article	Study Objective	Category
Wang, Y.G.; Wang, Y.M. (2021) [1]	China	Research on the Integration of BIM Technology in Prefabricated Buildings	To explore BIM integration in prefabricated buildings across their life cycle to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability.	Technical
Li, N.; Feng, Y.; Liu, J.; Ye, X.; Xie, X. (2023) [2]	China	Research on the Modular Design and Application of Prefabricated Components Based on KBE	To evaluate the modular design of prefabricated cantilever components using KBE theory and BIM technologies to enhance standardization and efficiency.	Technical
Thai, H.-T.; Ngo, T.; Uy, B. (2020) [3]	Australia	A review on modular construction for high-rise buildings	To develop and validate an optimized modular building design to enhance structural robustness and ensure continuity under local failures.	Technical
Zhang, Z.; Tan, Y.; Shi, L.; Hou, L.; Zhang, G. (2023) [4]	Australia	Current State of Using Prefabricated Construction in Australia	To identify key changes in the Australian prefabricated construction industry based on industry perceptions.	Economic
Tam, V.W.Y.; Fung, I.W.H.; Sing, M.C.P (2015) [5]	Hong Kong	Best practice of prefabrication implementation in the Hong Kong public and private sectors	To evaluate best practices for prefabrication implementation in Hong Kong’s public and private sectors.	Regulatory
Lu, W.; Chen, K.; Xue, F.; Pan, W. (2018) [6]	China	Searching for an optimal level of prefabrication in construction: An analytical framework	To determine the optimal level of prefabrication based on PEST factors influencing construction industrialization.	Economic
Vargas-Mosqueda, J.; Saelzer-Fuica, G.; Pereira, M.E.; Navarro-Ortiz, A.M.; García-Alvarado, R. (2023) [7]	Chile	Criterios De estandarización Modular Aplicados En Edificaciones Multi-Residenciales De Madera Contralaminada (CLT).	To determine modular standardization criteria applicable to multi-residential buildings made of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT).	Technical
Rojas-Herrera, C.; Martínez-Soto, A.; Avendaño-Vera, C.; Carrasco, R.C.; Barbato, N.R. (2025) [8]	Chile	Industrialized Construction: A Systematic Review of Its Benefits and Guidelines for the Development of New Constructive Solutions Applied in Sustainable Projects	To evaluate the advantages of industrialized construction over traditional methods based on cost, time, energy performance, and environmental impact.	Technological
Djukanovic, M.; Alegre, A.; Teixeira Bastos, F. (2025) [9]	Spain	Prefabricated Solutions for Housing: Modular Architecture and Flexible Living Spaces	To explore the development of a sustainable and flexible modular prefabricated concrete housing prototype.	Social
Wu, S.-W.; Yan, Y.; Pan, J.; Wu, K.-S. (2023) [10]	China	Linking Sustainable Project Management with Construction Project Success: Moderating Influence of Stakeholder Engagement	To examine the relationship between sustainable project management, stakeholder engagement, and construction project success.	Social
Marín, N.; Correa, L.; Marín, R. (2021) [11]	Peru	Implementación de la metodología BIM en el Perú: Una revisión.	To understand the state of implementation of the BIM methodology in Peru (situation review).	Technical
Woo, J. (2017) [12]	Australia	A Post-occupancy Evaluation of a Modular Multi-residential Development in Melbourne, Australia	To evaluate resident experience in a modular multi-residential development, focusing on comfort and indoor environmental quality.	Social
Wang, Q.; Shen, C.; Guo, Z.; Zhu, K.; Zhang, J.; Huang, M. (2023) [13]	China	Research on the Barriers and Strategies to Promote Prefabricated Buildings in China	To identify and categorize barriers to prefabricated building adoption in China across political, economic, social, technological, and organizational dimensions.	Regulatory
Benites Meregildo, M.S.; Contreras Cruz, R.E.; Gavidia Calle, M.S.; Vílchez Chávez, D. (2024) [14]	Peru	Benefits of Technology 4.0 in the Construction Sector: Systematic Review	To determine the benefits of Industry 4.0 in the construction sector.	Technological
Wu, Z.; Luo, L.; Li, H.; Wang, Y.; Bi, G.; Antwi-Afari, M.F. (2021) [15]	China	An Analysis on Promoting Prefabrication Implementation in the Construction Industry towards Sustainability	To develop a framework for analyzing prefabrication implementation considering environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions.	Regulatory
Wuni, I.Y.; Shen, G.Q.P. (2019) [16]	Hong Kong	Holistic Review and Conceptual Framework for the Drivers of Offsite Construction: A Total Interpretive Structural Modelling Approach	To review drivers promoting offsite construction adoption and develop a hierarchical conceptual framework using TISM and MICMAC analysis.	Social
Wang, H.; Zhang, Y.; Gao, W.; Kuroki, S. (2020) [17]	China /Japan	Life Cycle Environmental and Cost Performance of Prefabricated Buildings	To evaluate the environmental and cost performance of prefabricated buildings compared to traditional on-site construction.	Economic
Kamali, M.; Hewage, K.N.; Sadiq, R. (2019) [18]	Canada	Conventional versus modular construction methods: A comparative cradle-to-gate LCA for residential buildings	To compare the environmental performance of conventional and prefabricated modular homes using cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis.	Environmental
Kedir, F.; Hall, D.M. (2021) [19]	USA	Resource efficiency in industrialized housing construction–A systematic review of current performance and future opportunities	To evaluate the efficiency of resource use within the industrialized construction of housing	Environmental
Parracho, D.F.R.; Nour El-Din, M.; Esmaeili, I.; et al. (2025) [20]	Portugal	Modular Construction in the Digital Age: A Systematic Review on Smart and Sustainable Innovations	To evaluate modular construction integrating digital technologies and sustainable practices through a PRISMA-based systematic review.	Technological
Soares, N.; Tavares, V. (2025) [21]	Portugal	Bibliometric analysis of the intersection of circular economy, prefabrication, and modularity in the building industry.	To examine the literature at the intersection of circular economy (CE), prefabrication and modularity in construction.	Environmental
Silva, H.; Rodrigues, C.; Farias, H.; Silva, F.; Silva, M. (2025) [23]	Portugal /Brazil	Resilience in Social Housing Projects from Architecture Competitions in Portugal and Brazil (2013–2023): Evaluating Flexibility, Environmental Adequacy, and Comfort.	To evaluate the presence and quality of resilience attributes (flexibility, environmental suitability, comfort) in social housing projects in Brazil and Portugal.	Social
Shang, Z.; Wang, F.; Yang, X. (2022) [24]	China	The Efficiency of the Chinese Prefabricated Building Industry and Its Influencing Factors: An Empirical Study	To evaluate the efficiency of the prefabricated construction industry in China and analyze its influencing factors.	Economic
Gusmao Brissi, S.; Debs, L.; Elwakil, E. (2021) [25]	USA	A Review on the Factors Affecting the Use of Offsite Construction in Multifamily Housing in the United States	To identify factors influencing Offsite Construction adoption in U.S. multifamily housing projects.	Economic
Qi, B.; Razkenari, M.; Costin, A.; Kibert, C.; Fu, M. (2021) [26]	USA	A systematic review of emerging technologies in industrialized construction.	To analyze emerging technologies in industrialized and prefabricated construction to enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency.	Regulatory
Narula, Y.; Finnegan, S. (2025) [27]	United Kingdom	Can light gauge steel frame (LGSF) modular housing achieve net zero and support the UK social housing crisis?	To analyze modular construction with lightweight galvanized steel structures (LGSF) in the United Kingdom	Economic
Myhre, S.F.; Olkkonen, V.; Kvalbein, L. (2025) [28]	Norway	The impact of array orientation and inclination on the techno-economic feasibility of building-applied photovoltaic systems: Case of Norwegian power market until 2050	To evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of building-applied photovoltaic systems under different panel orientations in Norway.	Technological
Meireles, I.; Martín-Gamboa, M.; Sousa, V.; Kalthoum, A.; Dufour, J. (2024) [29]	Portugal	Comparative environmental life cycle assessment of partition walls: Innovative prefabricated systems vs. conventional construction	To evaluate the environmental life cycle performance of innovative prefabricated walls compared to conventional walls	Environmental
Filion, M.-L.; Ménard, S.; Carbone, C.; Bader Eddin, M. (2024) [30]	Canada	Design Analysis of Mass Timber and Volumetric Modular Strategies as Counterproposals for an Existing Reinforced Concrete Hotel	To compare mass timber and prefabricated volumetric modules as sustainable alternatives to reinforced concrete structures.	Social
Hernandez Aros, L.; Buitrago Mejia, A.; Binns Hernández, H.A.; Gutierrez Portela, F. (2025) [31]	Colombia	Sustainability reporting in the construction sector: trends, models, metrics and challenges towards achieving the SDGs	To examine the lack of up-to-date literature on sustainability disclosure in the construction sector.	Environmental
Kalús, D.; Mučková, V.; Straková, Z.; Ingeli, R.; Antošová, N.; Šťastný, P.; Dubek, M.; Füri, M.; Bolček, M. (2025) [32]	Slovakia	Energy Sustainability, Resilience, and Climate Adaptability of Modular and Panelized Buildings with a Lightweight Envelope Integrating Active Thermal Protection: Part 2—Design and Implementation of an Experimental Prototype of a Building Module for Modular Buildings	To design structures using standardized prefabricated components with integrated energy-active elements.	Environmental
Krajewska, M.; Siemińska, E.; Rącka, I.; Szopińska, K.; Kostov, I. (2025) [33]	Poland	Prefabricated Construction in the Residential Real Estate Market	To identify factors influencing prefabricated construction adoption in multifamily housing and assess buyer preferences in Central and Eastern Europe.	Economic
Klaus-Rosińska, A.; Iwko, J. (2021) [34]	Poland	Stakeholder Management—One of the Clues of Sustainable Project Management—As an Underestimated Factor of Project Success in Small Construction Companies	To analyze stakeholder management and its relationship with project success and sustainability in small construction companies.	Social
Sánchez-Garrido, A.J.; Navarro, I.J.; García, J.; Yepes, V. (2023) [35]	Spain	Systematic Literature Review on Modern Methods of Construction Using Machine Learning	To analyze modern methods of construction literature using machine learning to identify research trends and future directions.	Technological
Navaratnam, S.; Ngo, T.; Gunawardena, T.; Henderson, D. (2019) [36]	Australia	Performance review of prefabricated building systems and future research in Australia	To review the performance, benefits, and challenges of prefabricated building systems in Australia.	Technical
Waqar, A.; Khan, A.M.; Othman, I. (2023) [37]	Malaysia	Blockchain empowerment in construction supply chains: Enhancing efficiency and sustainability for an infrastructure development	To assess blockchain impacts on efficiency, traceability, transparency, and sustainability in construction supply chains.	Technological
Yang, Y.; Chen, C.; Liu, X.; Zhang, Z. (2025) [38]	China	Integration of Lean Construction and BIM in Sustainable Built Environment: A Review and Future Research Directions.	To analyze research trends, evaluate benefits, and identify barriers to integrating Lean Construction (LC) and BIM for sustainability.	Technological
Xing, H. (2025) [39]	China	Evaluating environmental impacts of prefabricated construction in China: An analytic hierarchy process with whitening weight function model.	To propose a comprehensive framework for assessing the environmental impacts of prefabricated construction in China.	Environmental
Steinhardt, D.A.; Manley, K.; Bildsten, L.; Widén, K. (2020) [40]	Australia /Sweden	The structure of emergent prefabricated housing industries: a comparative case study of Australia and Sweden	To examine factors influencing prefabricated housing industry development in Australia and Sweden.	Social
Hamza, M.; Azfar, R.W.; Mazher, K.M.; Sultan, B.; Maqsoom, A.; Khahro, S.H.; Memon, Z.A. (2023) [41]	Pakistan	Exploring Perceptions of the Adoption of Prefabricated Construction Technology in Pakistan Using the Technology Acceptance Model	To propose an expanded version of the hypothetical model based on TAM	Social
Kamali, M.; Hewage, K.; Rana, A.; Alam, S.; Sadiq, R. (2025) [42]	Canada	Advancing Urban Resilience with Modular Construction: An Integrated Sustainability Assessment Framework	To develop and test a framework assessing sustainability performance of modular homes compared to conventional construction.	Environmental
Jobim, C.; Gonzalez Stumpf, M.; Edelweiss, R.; Kern, A. (2017) [43]	Brazil	Analysis of the Implementation of BIM Technology in Project and Building Firms in 2015 in a Brazilian City	To analyze the BIM implementation process in project offices and construction projects and compare it with the literature	Technical
Li, K.; Gan, V.J.L.; Li, M.; Gao, M.Y.; Tiong, R.L.K.; Yang, Y. (2024) [44]	Singapore /China	Automated Generative Design and Prefabrication of Precast Buildings Using Integrated BIM and Graph Convolutional Neural Network	To develop an automated algorithm integrating BIM and neural networks for generative design and prefabrication planning.	Technical
Jiang, Y.; Zhao, D.; Wang, D.; Xing, Y. (2019) [45]	China	Sustainable Performance of Buildings through Modular Prefabrication in the Construction Phase: A Comparative Study	To compare the sustainable performance of modular prefabrication and conventional construction during the construction phase.	Technical
Omrany, H.; Al-Obaidi, K.M.; Husain, A.; Ghaffarianhoseini, A. (2023) [46]	Malaysia	Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: A Comprehensive Review of Current Implementations, Enabling Technologies, and Future Directions	To investigate digital twin implementation in the construction industry and its impact on project performance.	Technical
Khan, A.A.; Amirkhani, M.; Martek, I. (2024) [47]	UK	Overcoming Deterrents to Modular Construction in Affordable Housing: A Systematic Review	To identify barriers to modular construction adoption in affordable housing and propose strategies to overcome them.	Technological
Sampaio, A.Z.; Gomes, A.M. (2022) [48]	Portugal	Professional One-Day Training Course in BIM: A Practice Overview of Multi-Applicability in Construction	To present the implementation and applicability of a BIM training course in construction processes and professional development.	Technical
Ouda, E.; Haggag, M. (2024) [49]	Egypt	Automation in Modular Construction Manufacturing: A Comparative Analysis of Assembly Processes	To evaluate the impact of automation on industrial assembly processes in modular construction,	Technological
Li, J.; Greenwood, D.; Kassem, M. (2019) [50]	UK	Blockchain in the built environment and construction industry: A systematic review, conceptual models and practical use cases	To analyze blockchain applications in the construction industry to improve transparency, traceability, security, and efficiency.	Technological
Negi, P.; Thakur, G.; Thakur, K.; Singh, R.; Gupta, L.R.; Gehlot, A.; Priyadarshi, N.; Twala, B. (2024) [51]	India	Perception of Lean Construction Implementation Barriers in the Indian Prefabrication Sector	To identify and analyze the main barriers to the implementation of Lean Construction in the Indian prefabricated sector	Technological
Wuni, I.Y.; Shen, G.Q.P. (2020) [52]	Hong Kong	Barriers to prefabrication in Latin America: The Chilean case	To identify and analyze the barriers to prefabrication in Latin America, focusing on the Chilean case.	Regulatory
Cheng, Z.; Zhang, T.; Zhou, X.; Li, Z.; Jia, Y.; Ren, K.; Xu, T.; Li, C.; Hong, J. (2023) [53]	China	Life Cycle Environmental and Cost Assessment of Prefabricated Components Manufacture.	To review how Lean Construction and BIM integration promotes sustainable built environments.	Economic
An, H.; Jiang, L.; Chen, X.; Gao, Y.; Wang, Q. (2024) [54]	China	Cloud Model-Based Intelligent Construction Management Level Assessment of Prefabricated Building Projects	To develop a comprehensive evaluation system for intelligent construction management (ICM)	Regulatory
Pasetti Monizza, G.; Rauch, E.; Matt, D.T. (2017) [55]	Italy	Parametric and Generative Design Techniques for Mass-Customization in Building Industry: A Case Study for Glued-Laminated Timber	To evaluate parametric and generative design techniques for enhancing mass customization in construction.	Technical
Minhas, M.R.; Potdar, V. (2020) [56]	Australia	Decision Support Systems in Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis	To conduct a bibliometric analysis of trends and research areas in decision support systems applied to construction.	Technological
Masood, R.; Lim, J.B.P.; González, V.A.; Roy, K.; Khan, K.I.A. (2022) [57]	New Zealand	A Systematic Review on Supply Chain Management in Prefabricated House-Building Research	To review supply chain management research in prefabricated housing construction and identify key gaps and challenges.	Technological
Ginigaddara, B.; Perera, S.; Feng, Y.; Rahnamayiezekavat, P. (2022) [58]	Sri Lanka	Development of an Offsite Construction Typology: A Delphi Study	To develop a validated typology of offsite construction methods integrating Industry 4.0 advances.	Technological
Zohourian, M.; Pamidimukkala, A.; Kermanshachi, S.; Almaskati, D. (2020) [59]	USA	Modular Construction: A Comprehensive Review	To systematically review modular construction benefits, challenges, methods, and emerging technologies.	Technological

summarizes the main characteristics of the studies included in this systematic literature review, presenting information on authorship, study objectives, and research classification. The reviewed literature reflects the multidisciplinary nature of research in prefabricated and modular construction, encompassing technical, technological, economic, environmental, social, and regulatory perspectives. This classification allows for a structured comparison of the different approaches addressed in the selected studies and supports the identification of dominant research topics in the field.

Technical and technological studies constitute most of the reviewed literature, focusing primarily on design optimization, digitization processes, BIM integration, automation, and innovative building systems. Environmental and economic studies also represent a significant line of research, with an emphasis on sustainability assessment, life cycle performance, cost-effectiveness, and resource optimization. Conversely, social and regulatory categories appear less frequently, highlighting existing research gaps regarding stakeholder engagement, governance frameworks, and policy implementation for the adoption of prefabricated construction.

Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate a growing convergence between technological innovation and sustainability-oriented approaches, integrating digital technologies such as BIM, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital twins with environmental performance and industrialization strategies. This trend reflects a shift toward holistic research frameworks that combine technical development with economic, environmental, and management considerations, providing a comprehensive understanding of current advances in prefabricated construction research.

3.2. Bibliometric Thematic Structure Analysis

The main findings of the systematic review are synthesized in Figure 3 through a thematic map generated using RStudio, which provides a graphical representation of the intellectual structure of research on prefabricated systems. The thematic map classifies research topics according to their degree of centrality (relevance within the field) and density (level of internal development), allowing the identification of four thematic quadrants.

Figure 3. Record of research content results (Thematic map).

Figure 3. Record of research content results (Thematic map).

(a)

Driving themes (upper-right quadrant) include sustainable construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM), environmental management, life cycle assessment, and modular construction. These topics present both high centrality and high density, indicating that they constitute well-developed and structurally influential research areas that currently drive innovation and sustainability-oriented developments in prefabricated construction research [36,39].

(b)

Basic themes (lower-right quadrant) comprise modular housing construction, architectural design, sustainability, profitability, and prefabricated concrete construction. These themes show strong relevance to the research field but comparatively lower internal development, suggesting their role as foundational topics supporting the expansion of prefabrication within real estate markets, particularly through efficiency and performance-oriented approaches [44,45].

(c)

Niche themes (upper-left quadrant) include cost–benefit analysis, habitability, construction processes, and computer-aided design approaches. Although conceptually mature, these themes exhibit limited connectivity with the broader research structure, representing specialized technical domains that contribute analytical depth but remain relatively isolated within the scientific network [53,55].

(d)

Emerging or declining themes (lower-left quadrant) encompass topics such as construction quality, reinforced concrete systems, low-cost housing, and structural analysis approaches (e.g., finite element methods). Their lower levels of centrality and density suggest either emerging research directions or areas undergoing conceptual transition, reflecting ongoing concerns related to affordability, durability, and technical performance of prefabricated systems [57,58,59].

Overall, the thematic structure illustrates a progressive transition from traditional material- and process-oriented research toward an integrated agenda combining digitalization, sustainability, environmental performance, and economic viability. This evolution confirms the consolidation of prefabrication as a strategic research domain supporting transformation within the real estate construction sector [59].

4. Discussion

The evolution of research on prefabricated systems in real estate projects between 2015 and 2025 indicates that their adoption cannot be explained solely by isolated technical or economic advantages. Rather than independent dimensions, the economic, social, environmental, regulatory, technical, and technological categories identified in the Results operate as components of an interconnected socio-technical system. Prefabrication emerges not merely as an alternative construction method, but as a structural transformation that requires alignment among technological capability, regulatory adaptation, economic feasibility, and social acceptance.

Across the reviewed literature (Table 3, Table 4, Table 5 and Table 6 and Figure 2 and Figure 3), a persistent structural tension becomes evident: while technological and technical innovations consistently demonstrate measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, large-scale implementation remains constrained by regulatory fragmentation and social perception barriers. This imbalance suggests that prefabrication adoption depends not only on technological maturity but on the synchronized evolution of institutional frameworks and stakeholder trust. Consequently, the discussion moves beyond descriptive categorization toward examining how interactions among these dimensions condition implementation outcomes across different regional contexts.

4.1. Economic

The reviewed literature confirms that the economic dimension has consolidated prefabrication as a financially competitive alternative to conventional construction methods. Evidence from Australia shows that the transition toward prefabricated construction improves productivity, cost predictability, and overall industry performance, strengthening its economic feasibility within mature construction markets [4]. Analytical studies further demonstrate that determining an optimal level of prefabrication (considering political, economic, social, and technological factors) directly influences project profitability and investment efficiency [6]. Life-cycle economic assessments indicate that prefabricated buildings achieve better cost performance than conventional construction when long-term operational and environmental impacts are incorporated into financial evaluations [17]. Likewise, empirical analyses of the Chinese prefabricated industry reveal that efficiency levels at both enterprise and regional scales significantly affect economic outcomes and sector competitiveness [24].

In the housing sector, modular systems such as light-gauge steel frame solutions demonstrate strong potential to reduce lifecycle costs while supporting net-zero targets and addressing social housing shortages in the United Kingdom [27]. Studies focused on residential real estate markets in Europe highlight that prefabrication enhances financial planning, shortens construction schedules, and improves market acceptance when aligned with sustainable housing policies [33]. From a manufacturing perspective, integrating Lean Construction and BIM into prefabricated component production contributes to cost optimization through waste reduction and process efficiency improvements across the supply chain [53]. Furthermore, research conducted in the United States shows that off-site construction increases economic returns in multifamily housing developments by stabilizing labor costs and reducing execution time, despite existing adoption barriers [25].

From an investment perspective, the economic performance of prefabricated systems varies significantly according to project scale and housing typology. Studies indicate that large-scale or social housing developments tend to achieve faster cost recovery due to standardization and production repetition, whereas smaller or high-end residential projects may experience longer investment payback periods associated with customization requirements and higher initial capital expenditure [24,25,26,27]. Furthermore, lifecycle cost assessment models highlight that financial benefits are strongly dependent on supply chain maturity, logistics efficiency, and regulatory support mechanisms. These findings suggest that investment decisions should consider not only construction costs but also risk factors related to market demand, production volume, and institutional readiness, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive economic evaluation frameworks.

The findings indicate that although prefabrication may involve higher initial investments, its lifecycle advantages (derived from improved productivity, reduced construction time, and optimized resource management) generate sustainable financial returns and enhance long-term competitiveness in the construction industry [4,6,17,24,25,27,33,53]. However, these benefits materialize predominantly in contexts characterized by regulatory stability, industrial maturity, and technological readiness, suggesting that economic performance is contingent upon broader systemic alignment rather than cost efficiency alone.

The literature further reveals notable divergences regarding the economic performance of prefabricated systems across regional contexts. While several studies conducted in Asia and Northern Europe report significant cost reductions associated with industrialized production, standardized manufacturing, and economies of scale, research from Latin America and certain North American contexts identifies higher initial investment requirements and uncertain short-term financial returns. These contrasting conclusions can be explained by differences in supply chain consolidation, logistics efficiency, regulatory maturity, and production volume capacity. Regions such as China and parts of Europe benefit from integrated industrial ecosystems and supportive policy frameworks that enable lifecycle cost optimization. In contrast, emerging regions (including Latin America) often experience fragmented supply chains, limited prefabrication infrastructure, and regulatory adaptation challenges that increase implementation costs during early adoption stages.

Cross-regional comparison additionally indicates that technological availability alone does not guarantee economic success. Instead, prefabrication performance depends strongly on institutional readiness, workforce specialization, transportation infrastructure, and levels of societal acceptance. Asia demonstrates accelerated adoption supported by state-driven industrial policies, Europe emphasizes lifecycle sustainability regulation, North America exhibits selective implementation depending on project typology, whereas Latin America reflects a transitional adoption phase characterized by pilot-based implementation and progressive regulatory evolution. Consequently, the economic outcomes of prefabricated construction should be interpreted as context-dependent rather than universally transferable across regions.

4.2. Social

Within the social dimension, cultural acceptance and user perception emerge as critical factors influencing the adoption of prefabricated construction systems. Studies addressing modular housing design highlight that, despite persistent social prejudices historically associated with low construction quality, users increasingly recognize improvements in flexibility, spatial adaptability, and living conditions provided by prefabricated solutions [9]. Research linking sustainable project management with construction success further demonstrates that stakeholder engagement plays a decisive role in strengthening social acceptance and project outcomes [10]. Post-occupancy evaluations conducted in Australia confirm that resident satisfaction largely depends on indoor comfort conditions—such as thermal performance, acoustics, lighting, and environmental control—thereby reinforcing confidence in modular residential developments [12].

From a broader perspective, conceptual and structural analyses of offsite construction adoption identify social awareness, collaboration among stakeholders, and institutional support as key drivers shaping public perception and implementation success [16]. Comparative studies on social housing projects in Portugal and Brazil additionally show that resilience attributes (including flexibility, environmental adequacy, and user comfort) directly influence occupants’ acceptance and long-term satisfaction [23]. Similarly, research comparing mass timber and volumetric modular strategies demonstrates that socially oriented design alternatives can enhance sustainability perception while improving architectural adaptability [30]. The importance of stakeholder management is also emphasized in small construction enterprises, where social coordination and communication significantly contribute to sustainable project delivery [34].

At the industry level, comparative international analyses reveal that the development of prefabricated housing sectors depends not only on technological maturity but also on social structures, institutional trust, and market culture [40]. Studies based on technology acceptance models further confirm that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and professional training strongly determine adoption willingness, particularly in emerging economies such as Pakistan [41].

Cultural resistance identified in the literature extends beyond general user perception and is frequently rooted in historical and institutional factors. Several studies associate skepticism toward prefabrication with past experiences involving low-quality industrialized housing, limited technical familiarity among practitioners, and negative perceptions reinforced by market uncertainty and insufficient institutional validation [12,23,30,40]. Cross-regional evidence indicates that acceptance improves when stakeholders are exposed to demonstrative pilot projects, transparent performance information, and professional training initiatives that reduce uncertainty regarding durability and habitability [9,10,34,41]. Consequently, overcoming social resistance requires coordinated communication strategies, integration of prefabrication concepts into engineering and architectural education, and community-based pilot implementations capable of strengthening long-term institutional and societal trust.

A recurrent inconsistency across studies is that post-occupancy satisfaction often exceeds initial user expectations, indicating that resistance is frequently perception-based rather than performance-based [12,23]. This gap between demonstrated performance and public perception reinforces the need for communication strategies and institutional endorsement mechanisms.

Overall, the literature indicates that prefabrication adoption extends beyond technical performance, constituting fundamentally a social and cultural transition process that requires improved communication strategies, stakeholder involvement, and public trust to facilitate widespread implementation [9,10,12,16,23,30,34,40,41].

4.3. Environmental

The environmental dimension of prefabricated construction is predominantly addressed through life-cycle assessment approaches and sustainability performance evaluations. Comparative studies between modular and conventional residential construction demonstrate that prefabricated systems significantly reduce environmental impacts during material production and early construction stages due to improved resource control and industrialized manufacturing conditions [18]. Systematic reviews further confirm that industrialized housing contributes to higher resource efficiency by minimizing material waste, optimizing logistics, and improving energy performance throughout the construction process [19].

Research exploring the intersection between prefabrication, modularity, and circular economy principles highlights the growing integration of circular strategies aimed at extending material life cycles and reducing construction-related emissions [21]. At the component level, environmental life-cycle comparisons of innovative prefabricated partition systems reveal lower embodied impacts compared with traditional on-site construction solutions, reinforcing the ecological advantages of standardized manufacturing processes [29]. Complementary studies addressing sustainability reporting in the construction sector emphasize the importance of environmental metrics and transparency mechanisms to align prefabrication practices with global sustainability goals and SDG implementation frameworks [31].

Experimental investigations on modular buildings incorporating lightweight envelopes and active thermal protection systems demonstrate enhanced energy efficiency, climate adaptability, and operational resilience, supporting long-term environmental sustainability [32]. In parallel, multi-criteria evaluation models applied to the Chinese context provide structured frameworks for assessing environmental impacts associated with prefabricated construction adoption at industry scale [39]. Finally, integrated sustainability assessment frameworks indicate that modular construction contributes not only to environmental efficiency but also to urban resilience by simultaneously improving resource performance, economic viability, and adaptive capacity in residential developments [42].

Environmental performance assessments reported in the literature commonly rely on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) models (particularly cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave approaches) to compare prefabricated and conventional construction systems. Empirical studies indicate that industrialized construction can achieve significant reductions in construction waste and carbon emissions depending on material configuration, transportation distance, and supply chain efficiency [18,19,29,39]. These environmental improvements are primarily attributed to controlled off-site manufacturing processes, material standardization, and reduced on-site inefficiencies. Furthermore, the integration of digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twins supports environmental optimization through improved design coordination, lifecycle assessment, and operational monitoring capabilities [42]. Overall, reported environmental benefits should be interpreted as context-dependent outcomes rather than universal performance benchmarks.

Overall, the reviewed studies consistently indicate that prefabrication represents a key pathway toward environmentally sustainable construction by reducing emissions, improving energy performance, promoting circular material use, and enhancing resilience across the building life cycle [18,19,21,29,31,32,39,42].

Despite consistent evidence of environmental superiority, the literature reveals limited integration between sustainability assessment tools and regulatory certification systems. This disconnect suggests that environmental performance alone is insufficient to accelerate adoption without policy translation mechanisms and digital monitoring support [21,39,42].

From a sustainability perspective, prefabrication enables a transition from resource-intensive construction practices toward industrialized and life cycle–based production models. Standardized manufacturing processes allow precise material quantification, reducing construction waste generation and improving energy efficiency throughout production and assembly stages. Life Cycle Assessment studies demonstrate that prefabricated systems can achieve lower embodied carbon emissions and improved operational performance when compared with traditional construction methods. Consequently, prefabrication supports sustainable urban development by integrating environmental efficiency, long-term material performance, and reduced ecological impact across the entire building life cycle.

4.4. Regulatory

The regulatory dimension plays a decisive role in enabling or constraining the large-scale implementation of prefabricated construction systems. Studies analyzing best practices in Hong Kong demonstrate that governmental policies, standardized procedures, and coordinated public–private initiatives significantly accelerate prefabrication adoption by reducing institutional uncertainty and improving implementation efficiency [5]. In the Chinese context, systematic investigations identify regulatory, economic, social, technological, and organizational barriers as the main constraints limiting industry expansion, emphasizing the need for integrated policy frameworks to promote prefabricated buildings [13]. Complementary research further proposes structured strategies that align sustainability objectives with regulatory instruments, highlighting the importance of long-term governmental planning and incentive mechanisms to support industrial transformation in construction [15].

At the international level, analyses of developing Asian countries reveal that insufficient regulatory support, fragmented standards, and limited institutional capacity remain major obstacles to prefabrication deployment, despite recognized economic and environmental benefits [26]. Similar challenges are observed in Latin America, where case studies focusing on Chile indicate that weak policy alignment, lack of technical regulations, and limited industrial ecosystems hinder widespread adoption of prefabricated solutions [52]. In response, recent research proposes intelligent construction management evaluation systems capable of supporting regulatory monitoring and improving governance performance through multidimensional assessment frameworks applied to prefabricated projects [54].

In general, the literature demonstrates that regulatory environments significantly influence the success of prefabrication implementation. Effective adoption depends on coherent policy frameworks, standardized regulations, institutional coordination, and governance mechanisms capable of reducing market uncertainty while promoting innovation and sustainable industrial development in the construction sector [5,13,15,26,52,54].

Therefore, the regulatory dimension acts as a mediating variable between technological capacity and market scalability, which would explain why similar technical solutions exhibit different adoption rates in different regions [5,13,26,52].

Experiences reported in emerging construction markets demonstrate that regulatory consolidation typically evolves through progressive institutional adaptation rather than immediate large-scale reform. Countries such as China and several European regions have advanced prefabrication adoption through phased implementation strategies combining technical standardization, BIM integration into public procurement, and pilot demonstration programs [5,13,26,52]. Drawing from these experiences, the development of prefabrication regulation in Peru and Latin America may follow a staged pathway. In the short term, priorities should include the definition of technical guidelines and certification procedures for prefabricated components. Medium-term actions should focus on integrating BIM requirements into public housing and infrastructure projects while strengthening industry–academia collaboration. In the long term, regulatory frameworks should promote industrial standardization, circular economy principles, and digitalized lifecycle monitoring systems capable of supporting scalable and sustainable construction ecosystems.

In the Peruvian context, the adoption of prefabricated systems has been primarily associated with social housing initiatives and institutional efforts aimed at reducing construction time and addressing housing deficits. However, implementation experiences reveal several operational challenges, including limited regulatory standardization for prefabricated components, logistical constraints related to transportation infrastructure, fragmented supply chains, and insufficient technical specialization among local contractors. Additionally, market acceptance remains influenced by historical perceptions linking industrialized housing with reduced quality or durability. These conditions illustrate that, despite technological feasibility, prefabrication adoption in Peru depends strongly on institutional coordination, workforce training, and pilot-based validation projects capable of demonstrating long-term performance and reliability under local conditions.

4.5. Technical

The technical dimension focuses primarily on engineering performance and design optimization, while digital tools are considered insofar as they support structural and construction performance within prefabricated systems.

The technical development of prefabricated construction mainly addresses design optimization, structural reliability, and performance efficiency throughout the building life cycle. Research on Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration demonstrates that its application across design, manufacturing, assembly, and operation stages improves coordination accuracy, reduces construction conflicts, and enhances overall project performance in prefabricated buildings [1]. Complementary studies on modular component design indicate that knowledge-based engineering and BIM-supported environments facilitate standardization and enable more efficient development of structural prefabricated elements [2].

Technical advancements are particularly evident in structural performance analyses of modular and high-rise buildings, where optimized configurations improve robustness and resistance to progressive failures, ensuring structural continuity under real operating conditions [3]. Similarly, investigations on modular standardization criteria applied to cross-laminated timber (CLT) residential buildings emphasize dimensional coordination and repeatability as key factors for scalable prefabricated solutions [7]. In the Latin American context, reviews of BIM implementation highlight gradual technical adoption processes, identifying interoperability challenges and workforce training requirements that influence implementation effectiveness in countries such as Peru [11].

Performance-oriented reviews further confirm improvements in construction precision, productivity, and quality control achieved through prefabricated building systems compared with conventional on-site approaches [36]. Studies examining BIM adoption in project and construction firms also show that organizational maturity and technical preparedness significantly affect implementation outcomes in practice [43]. Advanced developments integrating BIM with artificial intelligence techniques, such as graph convolutional neural networks, support automated generative design processes that improve the transition from digital modeling to prefabrication manufacturing workflows [44].

Comparative analyses conducted during construction phases demonstrate that modular prefabrication improves technical performance by reducing on-site activities and optimizing assembly procedures [45]. Digital monitoring tools, including Digital Twins, contribute to technical performance management by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and lifecycle performance assessment of prefabricated buildings [46]. In addition, professional BIM training initiatives strengthen technical competencies and facilitate effective industry adoption [48]. Parametric and generative design approaches further support mass customization while maintaining industrial efficiency and construction precision [55].

Nevertheless, the coexistence of advanced engineering solutions with fragmented supply chains or insufficient workforce training (particularly in emerging economies) indicates that technical optimization alone does not automatically lead to systemic industry transformation [11,43].

Overall, the literature indicates that technical innovation in prefabrication is driven by improvements in digital-supported design coordination, structural optimization, and assembly efficiency, collectively enhancing construction precision, productivity, and lifecycle performance in industrialized building systems [1,2,3,7,11,36,43,44,45,46,48,55].

4.6. Technological

The technological dimension highlights the transformative role of Industry 4.0 technologies in advancing prefabricated construction toward intelligent, automated, and data-driven production systems. Reviews focused on Construction 4.0 demonstrate that digital technologies (including automation, artificial intelligence, and cyber-physical systems) significantly improve productivity, safety, and decision-making processes across construction projects [14]. Systematic analyses of modular construction in the digital era further confirm that the integration of smart technologies such as BIM, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence strengthens sustainability performance while enabling more efficient industrialized construction practices [20].

Energy-related technological innovations also contribute to prefabrication development, as techno-economic evaluations of building-applied photovoltaic systems highlight the growing integration of renewable energy solutions within industrialized buildings to enhance long-term operational efficiency [28]. In parallel, machine learning applications in modern construction methods demonstrate increasing automation capacity in design optimization, planning, and project management processes [35]. Blockchain-based solutions have additionally emerged as enabling technologies capable of improving transparency, traceability, and efficiency within prefabricated construction supply chains, thereby supporting sustainable infrastructure delivery [37,50].

The integration of Lean Construction principles with BIM technologies further strengthens digital collaboration environments, reducing inefficiencies and improving sustainability outcomes throughout project lifecycles [38]. Systematic reviews addressing modular construction adoption identify technological deterrents (such as limited digital maturity and integration challenges) while proposing innovation-driven strategies to overcome implementation barriers in affordable housing projects [47]. Automation in modular manufacturing processes also shows substantial improvements in assembly precision, production speed, and quality consistency under controlled industrial environments [49].

Efficient Supply Chain Management (SCM) in prefabricated construction requires the integration of sequential yet interdependent processes encompassing digital design coordination, off-site manufacturing, logistics planning, transportation scheduling, and on-site assembly operations. Unlike conventional construction supply chains, prefabrication systems rely on synchronized production–delivery workflows where delays in a single stage may affect overall project performance [57]. In this context, Decision Support Systems (DSS) play a critical role by enabling multi-criteria evaluation of suppliers, material alternatives, production sequencing, and logistics optimization. DSS frameworks reported in the literature support decision-making through performance indicators related to cost efficiency, delivery reliability, environmental impact, and risk assessment, facilitating coordination among stakeholders and improving planning accuracy in industrialized construction environments [56]. Consequently, the integration of SCM and DSS constitutes a key operational mechanism for achieving scalable and reliable prefabrication implementation.

From an organizational perspective, studies examining Lean implementation barriers in prefabricated sectors emphasize the importance of technological readiness and workforce adaptation to successfully transition toward industrialized construction models [51]. Bibliometric analyses on decision support systems reveal a growing reliance on digital analytical tools to support complex construction decision-making processes [56]. Likewise, research on prefabricated housing supply chains highlights the strategic relevance of digital management systems for coordination, logistics optimization, and risk reduction [57]. Emerging studies proposing updated offsite construction typologies demonstrate how Industry 4.0 innovations are reshaping classification systems and operational frameworks within the sector [58].

Comprehensive reviews on modular construction consolidate these technological advances by identifying automation, artificial intelligence, and digital integration as central drivers of future industrialized construction development [59]. Similarly, systematic evaluations of industrialized construction confirm that technological innovation enables reductions in construction time, costs, energy consumption, and environmental impacts, reinforcing prefabrication as a key pathway toward sustainable construction transformation [8].

The reviewed literature demonstrates that technological progress constitutes the primary catalyst for the expansion of prefabricated construction, enabling smarter production systems, enhanced supply chain integration, improved decision-making processes, and increased sustainability performance across the construction industry [8,14,20,28,35,37,38,47,49,50,51,56,57,58,59]. However, increasing technological sophistication may simultaneously widen adoption gaps in contexts lacking digital infrastructure or institutional readiness.

Although emerging technologies such as BIM, Digital Twins, blockchain, and automated prefabrication systems are frequently presented as complementary drivers of construction innovation, their simultaneous implementation introduces practical feasibility challenges. The literature indicates that integration often requires substantial initial investment in digital infrastructure, workforce training, and data management systems, which may limit adoption in developing construction markets [14,47,56,57,58]. Furthermore, interoperability issues between software platforms, inconsistencies in data standards, and fragmented information exchange among stakeholders can generate coordination inefficiencies during project execution. The coexistence of multiple digital environments may therefore increase operational complexity if governance protocols and standardized data frameworks are not clearly established. Consequently, successful implementation depends not only on technological availability but also on organizational readiness, compatible digital standards, and phased integration strategies aligned with project scale and institutional capacity.

From an integrative perspective, beyond the category-specific findings discussed above, the literature indicates that technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and social acceptance operate as interdependent drivers of prefabrication adoption in real estate projects. These dimensions interact dynamically as components of a unified socio-technical system, where an imbalance in one domain constrains progress in the others. The analysis reveals a structural imbalance within current research: while technological advances such as BIM, digital twins, and automation consistently demonstrate improvements in efficiency and sustainability, regulatory adaptation and social acceptance evolve at a considerably slower pace. This imbalance helps explain why proven technical advantages do not necessarily translate into large-scale implementation. Consequently, the adoption of prefabricated systems should be understood not only as a technological transition but as a socio-technical process requiring simultaneous institutional regulation, industry capability development, and cultural trust formation. This integrative perspective advances the theoretical understanding of prefabrication beyond descriptive consensus toward a systemic framework supporting large-scale adoption.

A key contribution of this study lies in identifying the convergence between digital construction technologies and circular economy principles as complementary drivers of prefabricated system adoption. Unlike prior studies that examine technological innovation or sustainability performance independently, the present review demonstrates that digital tools such as BIM, Digital Twins, and decision-support systems enable lifecycle-based optimization processes that facilitate material efficiency, waste reduction, and component reuse. This integrative perspective highlights prefabrication as part of a broader transition toward circular and data-driven construction ecosystems, extending current research beyond isolated efficiency improvements toward systemic sustainability transformation.

4.7. Limitations and Future Research Directions

Although this systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 protocol and rigorous inclusion criteria, several limitations should be acknowledged. The final sample includes studies indexed across databases with different impact levels (Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Redalyc). While this approach improves geographical representation (particularly for Latin American contexts) it also introduces variability in methodological rigor. To mitigate this limitation, interpretative emphasis was placed on convergent findings predominantly supported by Scopus- and WoS-indexed journals, representing approximately 88% of the reviewed evidence. Consequently, conclusions are derived from consistent thematic patterns, recognizing that contextual heterogeneity may limit direct generalization while enhancing regional interpretative relevance.

Furthermore, the predominance of studies originating from technologically mature regions such as China, the United States, and Europe reflects construction environments characterized by advanced industrialization, consolidated supply chains, and mature regulatory frameworks. As a result, some reported efficiency and implementation outcomes may not fully capture institutional, economic, and socio-cultural conditions present in emerging regions such as Latin America. Therefore, the interpretation of Latin America as an emerging hub for prefabrication adoption should be understood as a transitional development stage rather than evidence of comparable technological maturity.

Beyond these limitations, the multi-category analysis conducted in this review indicates that future research should move beyond isolated technological or environmental evaluations toward integrated socio-technical investigations. In particular, longitudinal and cross-regional studies are required to examine how institutional readiness, technological capability, regulatory maturity, and social acceptance interact to influence prefabrication adoption pathways across diverse construction contexts. Comparative analyses linking supply chain integration, lifecycle environmental performance, and governance structures remain limited and represent a key opportunity for advancing context-sensitive implementation models.

Future research should also prioritize the evaluation of lifecycle performance under real operational conditions, addressing interoperability challenges among digital construction technologies and supporting the development of standardized sustainability assessment indicators applicable across regions. Pilot-based implementation studies capable of validating real-world performance and socio-cultural acceptance mechanisms are especially necessary in emerging economies.

Particular attention should be given to the structural performance and reliability of prefabricated construction systems in seismic-prone regions such as Peru, where geological conditions impose specific design and implementation requirements. Research efforts should focus on assessing seismic response behavior, adaptability to local construction standards, and resilience-oriented design strategies that enhance long-term structural safety. In parallel, the integration of emerging digital technologies (particularly blockchain-based solutions) represents a promising avenue for improving transparency, traceability, and coordination within prefabricated construction supply chains. Advancing research at the intersection of seismic engineering, digital innovation, and socio-technical adoption processes may contribute to bridging the gap between technological advancement and scalable, resilient, and sustainable implementation of prefabricated systems in developing construction environments.

5. Conclusions

A systematic review of 58 articles on prefabricated systems in real estate projects (2015–2025) reveals a significant evolution: from initial studies with exploratory and descriptive approaches to applied research with a comprehensive vision. In this transition, technological innovation, sustainability, and production efficiency have become cross-cutting themes that redefine the role of prefabrication in the construction industry.

During the first stage (2015–2020), studies focused on documenting the technical, economic, and environmental benefits of prefabrication compared to conventional methods, highlighting substantial reductions in costs, execution times, and waste generation. In the second stage (2018–2025), more complex trends are emerging, with the growing integration of technologies such as BIM, 3D printing, and Digital Twins, which favor digitization, generative design, and process automation. This change not only expands the possibilities for innovation but also links prefabrication to strategic challenges such as urban resilience and social housing.

However, gaps remain that limit the consolidation of this field of study. These include insufficient standardization of sustainability metrics, a lack of comprehensive life cycle studies, and limited empirical evidence in Latin American contexts. Similarly, there is a geographical concentration of research in China, the United States, and Europe, which limits the extrapolation of results to developing realities.

In methodological terms, quantitative comparative approaches and life cycle analysis predominate, although in recent years there has been a shift toward mixed methods, integration with predictive models, and bibliometric analysis, reflecting a more sophisticated approach to the phenomenon. However, limitations remain in terms of the replicability of studies and the availability of homogeneous data, which raises the need to strengthen transparency and openness of information in real projects.

In the specific field of real estate projects, the findings confirm that the incorporation of prefabricated systems not only improves the profitability and final quality of buildings but also contributes to reducing environmental impacts and to progressive acceptance by users in normatively standardized contexts. Even so, further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the post occupancy performance of prefabricated housing, as well as the formulation of business models adapted to the Latin American reality.

From a regional policy perspective, Peru and Latin America require gradual regulatory transition strategies that align technological innovation with institutional readiness, enabling prefabrication adoption through coordinated public policy, industry capability development, and standardized digital construction practices.

From a practical perspective, the promotion of prefabricated systems in Peru requires a phased implementation strategy aligned with institutional and market readiness conditions. In the short term, regulatory efforts should focus on developing standardized technical guidelines for prefabricated components, certification procedures, and quality assurance protocols adapted to local construction practices. In the medium term, government-led pilot projects (particularly in social housing programs) may serve as demonstration platforms to validate technical performance and reduce market uncertainty. Long-term implementation should prioritize the consolidation of industry–university–government collaboration models aimed at fostering innovation, workforce specialization, and digital capability development through applied research and professional training initiatives. Such coordinated actions may facilitate scalable adoption of prefabricated systems while addressing structural barriers related to regulation, technical capacity, and social acceptance within the Peruvian construction ecosystem.

From a policy and practice perspective, the adoption of prefabricated systems in Peru and similar emerging economies requires a phased implementation strategy. In the short term, priority should be given to regulatory clarification, technical standardization, and professional training programs. In the medium term, efforts should focus on strengthening industrial supply chains and implementing BIM-based public procurement mechanisms to enhance transparency and coordination. In the long term, the consolidation of circular economy principles and fully digitalized construction ecosystems will be essential to support scalable, sustainable housing solutions aligned with national development goals.

From a regional perspective, the findings of this review provide relevant implications for the Peruvian construction sector, where prefabricated systems represent a strategic opportunity to address housing deficits and improve project delivery efficiency. Evidence synthesized in this study suggests that successful adoption in Peru requires strengthening regulatory frameworks for prefabricated components, improving logistics and supply chain coordination, and promoting workforce training aligned with industrialized construction practices. Furthermore, pilot housing projects and public-sector-led demonstration programs may play a critical role in reducing social resistance and validating the long-term performance of prefabricated solutions under local conditions. These actions may facilitate the gradual transition toward scalable, sustainable, and digitally supported construction models adapted to the institutional and socio-economic realities of Peru.

Strengthening collaboration among policy institutions, industry stakeholders, and academic organizations requires structured implementation mechanisms rather than conceptual alignment alone. A feasible pathway for emerging regions such as Peru involves the development of pilot prefabricated housing programs operating as regulatory and technological testbeds. In an initial phase, public authorities may establish experimental procurement frameworks enabling collaboration between universities and construction firms for prototype development and performance validation. Subsequently, industry participation can support scaling through standardized production processes, while academic institutions contribute lifecycle assessment, digital modeling validation, and workforce training. Such pilot-based collaboration models may reduce investment uncertainty, improve regulatory learning, and facilitate the gradual adoption of prefabricated systems adapted to regional economic and socio-cultural conditions.

From a forward-looking perspective, future research and policy development should prioritize the creation of region-specific implementation frameworks capable of translating technological innovation into practical adoption. For emerging economies such as Peru and Latin America, priority research lines include the development of social acceptance enhancement models, pilot-based validation of prefabricated housing systems, and standardized sustainability indicators integrated within digital construction platforms. These directions may support evidence-based regulatory development and facilitate the transition toward scalable, digitally enabled, and socially accepted prefabrication ecosystems.

The innovative contribution of this study resides in proposing an integrated socio-technical perspective that connects prefabricated construction, digital transformation, and circular economy strategies within a single analytical framework. By synthesizing multidisciplinary evidence, the study demonstrates that the future development of prefabricated systems depends not only on technological advancement but also on the alignment of digital infrastructure, sustainability objectives, and institutional readiness, particularly in emerging regional contexts.

The theoretical contribution of this study lies in the development of a six-dimensional analytical framework that extends existing prefabrication research models, which typically evaluate technological, economic, or environmental aspects in isolation. Unlike prior approaches, the proposed framework integrates technological, economic, environmental, regulatory, social, and technical dimensions into a unified socio-technical perspective, enabling a more comprehensive interpretation of prefabrication adoption dynamics across heterogeneous regional contexts. Furthermore, this study contributes methodologically by integrating bibliometric thematic analysis with Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) within a systematic review design. While bibliometric analysis supports the identification of dominant thematic structures in the literature, QCA facilitates the interpretative examination of recurring multidimensional relationships influencing adoption outcomes. This complementary analytical integration moves systematic review research beyond descriptive synthesis toward explanatory interpretation, offering an enhanced analytical pathway for future studies in prefabrication and construction management.

Beyond regional applications, the findings of this study highlight the growing global relevance of prefabricated construction as a key pathway toward sustainable and industrialized building practices. The integration of prefabrication with digital technologies, life cycle–based design approaches, and circular economy principles positions these systems as strategic solutions for addressing worldwide challenges related to housing demand, resource efficiency, and climate change mitigation. For the international scientific community, this review contributes to consolidating interdisciplinary research linking engineering innovation, sustainability assessment, and construction management. From an industry perspective, the results provide evidence supporting the transition toward more efficient, resilient, and digitally integrated construction supply chains. Future research should prioritize cross-regional comparative studies, long-term performance evaluations, and the development of standardized sustainability metrics capable of supporting global implementation and policy decision-making in both developed and emerging construction markets.

Finally, research projections aim to delve deeper into social acceptance, financing schemes, and participatory design with users, in addition to strengthening the link between academia and industry. The development of hybrid systems, resilient supply chains, and circular economy strategies is a key horizon for positioning prefabrication as a transformative and sustainable paradigm in the real estate projects of the future.