Housing Construction

Comments

Construction of 9 165 dwellings was started in the first quarter of 2007, i.e. up by 0.5% on the first quarter of 2006; 8 337 dwellings were completed, which was by 20.3% more than in the first quarter of 2006. There were 169 653 dwellings under construction, i.e. by 7.8% more year-on-year.

Dwellings started
9 165 dwellings were started in the first quarter of 2007, which was by 0.5% (+48 dwellings) more year-on-year. The highest percentage increases were registered for dwellings in family houses (by 27.4%, i.e. +969 dwellings) and dwellings in extensions to family houses (by 1.6%, +8 dwellings). Decrease in the number of dwellings started occurred in all the remaining construction categories. This applies most to dwellings in converted non-residential spaces (by 42.2%, i.e. -135 dwellings), in community care service homes and boarding houses (by 36.5%, -114 dwellings) and in residential buildings (by 17.5%, -606 dwellings).

Dwellings completed
8 337 dwellings were completed in the first quarter of 2007, which is the highest number of completed dwellings in the first quarter of a year since 1996 and translates into a 20.3% increase (+1 408 dwellings) year-on-year. The highest growth (43.4%, i.e. +49 dwellings) was recorded for dwellings in community care service homes and boarding houses. Dwellings completed in residential buildings rose by 30.8% (+788 dwellings) and in family houses by 27.2% (+788 dwellings). Decreases were reported only for dwellings in converted non-residential spaces (49.2%, -184 dwellings) and dwellings in extensions (8.0%, -69 dwellings).

Dwellings under construction
The total number of 169 653 dwellings under construction on 31 March 2007 was by 7.8% (+12 263 dwellings) higher year-on-year. The highest share in dwellings under construction was recorded for family houses (48.6%), the lowest for dwellings in community care service homes and boarding houses (1.5%).
Dwellings under construction are on the increase in the long term because the number of dwellings started grows faster than the number of dwellings completed and because they also include dwellings whose construction has been suspended.

Dwelling modernisations (building permit-based)
Modernisation of 5 312 dwellings was completed in the first quarter of 2007, which was by 2.6% more year-on-year.