Construction output volume in Latvia down by 11.3%

Compared to 2021, construction output reduced by 11.3% in 2022, 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%, according to the latest data compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.
Compared to Q4 2021, in Q4 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 Q3 2022, construction output did not change in Q4 2022, based on 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.
In 2022, a total of 3 376 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 2 754 permits with the intended floor space of 702 thousand m2 were issued for construction of new buildings. Out of the total number, 2 185 permits were granted for the construction of new one-dwelling buildings.
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 Q4 2022, a total of 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.
Also read: New Riga Theatre’s reconstruction stage takes unexpected turn