In 2022 construction output fell by 11.3 %

The latest data compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia show that, compared to 2021, in 2022 construction output¹ reduced by 11.3 % (according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices). Construction output decline in civil engineering constituted 13.1 %, in specialised construction activities 11.3 %, and in construction of buildings 9.8 %.

Compared to the 4^th quarter of 2021, in the 4^th quarter of 2022 construction output fell by 8.3 % (according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices). Output decline was observed in civil engineering (9.8 %), specialised construction activities (8.1 %) and in construction of buildings (7.7 %).

The output drop in civil engineering was influenced by the decrease in construction of other civil engineering projects (construction of water projects and construction of other civil engineering projects not elsewhere classified) (56.4 %) as well as construction of utility projects (construction of utility projects for fluids, construction of utility projects for electricity and telecommunications) (15.9 %). Output in construction of roads, railways and bridges increased by 2.3 %.

Output decline was observed in all specialised construction activities: electrical, plumbing and other construction installation activities (10.9 %), building completion and finishing (plastering, joinery installation, floor and wall covering, painting and glazing) (7.9 %), other specialised construction activities (roofing activities and other specialised construction activities not elsewhere classified) (2.4 %), as well as demolition and site preparation (0.3 %).

Compared to the 3^rd quarter of 2022, in the 4^th quarter of 2022 construction output did not change (according to seasonally adjusted data at constant prices). Output in construction of buildings grew by 8.3%, while in civil engineering and specialized construction activities fell by 4.3 % and 0.7 %, respectively.

Construction output changes

(per cent, at constant prices)

Building permits granted²

In 2022, 3376 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of residential buildings with the total floor space of 917 thousand m², of which 2754 permits with the intended floor space of 702 thousand m² were issued for construction of new buildings. Out of the total number, 2185 permits were granted for the construction of new one-dwelling buildings (with the intended floor space of 438 thousand m²).

During the period, 1 408 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of non-residential buildings with the total floor space of 1 046 thousand m², of which 1 038 permits with the intended floor space of 615 thousand m² were issued for construction of new non-residential buildings. In its turn, 256 building permits were granted for the construction of industrial buildings and warehouses with the total intended floor space of 436 thousand m², of which 174 permits were issued for the construction of new buildings with the intended floor space of 316 thousand m².

In the 4^th quarter of 2022, 701 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of residential buildings with the total floor space of 196 thousand m² (581 permits with the intended floor space of 144 thousand m² were issued for the construction of new buildings). Out of the total number, 471 permits were granted for the construction of new one-dwelling buildings (with the intended floor space of 98 thousand m²).

During the period, 277 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of non-residential buildings with the total floor space of 292 thousand m², of which 197 permits with the intended floor space of 167 thousand m² were issued for the construction of new non-residential buildings. In its turn, 60 building permits were granted for the construction of industrial buildings and warehouses with the total intended floor space of 149 thousand m², of which 38 permits were issued for construction of new buildings with the intended floor space of 110 thousand m².

Methodological explanations

¹ Own account construction works, including those performed abroad.

² Since the 4th quarter of 2014 the term granted permits in construction statistics characterises the number of records entered in the construction permit confirming that conditions for commencement of construction work have been met.

Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366989, +371 27880666

More information on data:
Industrial and Construction Statistics Section
Dmitrijs Medvedevs
E-mail: Dmitrijs.Medvedevs@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366908