Construction output rose by 18.9 % in 2023

The latest Central Statistical Bureau calendar adjusted data at constant prices show that in 2023, compared to 2022, construction output¹ rose by 18.9 %. Output in construction of buildings increased by 26.8 %, in specialised construction activities by 17.8 %, and in civil engineering by 10.8 %.

In Q4 2023, compared to Q4 2022, construction output rose by 25.7 % (calendar adjusted data at constant prices). Increased output was registered in civil engineering (up by 32.5 %), construction of buildings (up by 26.7 %) as well as specialised construction activities (up by 19.5 %). 

Higher construction output in civil engineering was facilitated by upturn in construction of utility projects (52.4 %), construction of other civil engineering projects not elsewhere classified (water projects and other civil engineering not elsewhere classified) (32.4 %), and construction of roads and railways (22.7 %).

Among specialised construction activities, notable rise was registered in electrical, plumbing and other construction installation activities (29.1 %), other specialised construction activities (24.6 %), and demolition and site preparation (9.9 %). However, output in building completion and finishing (plastering, floor and wall covering, painting and glazing, etc.) dropped by 4.7 %.

In Q4 2023, compared to Q3 2023, construction output rose by 4.7 % (seasonally adjusted data at constant prices). Construction of buildings went up by 1.8 %, civil engineering by 29.5 %, and specialised construction activities by 3.6 %.

Change in construction output

(per cent, at constant prices)

Building permits granted²

In 2023, 3133 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of residential buildings with the intended area of 829 thousand m² (2537 permits for the construction of new buildings with the intended area of 650 thousand m²).Out of the number, 2073 permits were granted for the construction of one-dwelling buildings with the intended area of 429 thousand m².

During the period, 1106 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of non-residential buildings with the intended area of 1100 thousand m² (787 permits for the construction of new non-residential buildings with the intended area of 688 thousand m²). Out of the number, 273 permits were issued for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of industrial buildings and warehouses with the intended area of 475 thousand m² (188 permits for the construction of new buildings with the intended area of 318 thousand m²).

In Q4 2023, 628 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of residential buildings with the intended area of 183 thousand m² (522 permits for the construction of new buildings with the intended area of 149 thousand m²). Out of the number, 418 permits were granted for the construction of one-dwelling buildings with the intended area of 87 thousand m².

During the period, 265 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of non-residential buildings with the intended area of 295 thousand m² (180 permits were issued for the construction of new non-residential buildings with the intended area of 150 thousand m²). Out of the number, 72 permits were granted for the construction of industrial buildings and warehouses with the intended area of 159 thousand m² (44 permits for the construction of new buildings with the intended area of 83 thousand m²).

Methodological information

¹ Own account construction works, including those performed abroad.

² Since Q4 2014, the term ‘granted permits’ in construction statistics characterises the number of records entered in a construction permit confirming that conditions for commencement of construction work have been met.

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