Accelerated growth in construction sector

Turnover in construction increased by 3.2 percent over the first three quarters of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. The increase was almost entirely due to the positive results realised in the second and third quarter of 2005. Growth in the construction sector is mainly caused by construction of new houses; construction of new non-residential buildings virtually remained the same.

Turnover construction sector, 2005

Fewer working days

The number of working days (productive hours) in construction in the first nine months of 2005 was more than 2 percent down on the same period last year. Turnover in construction is even higher, if productive hours are taken into account.

Turnover construction sector, 12-monthly progressive average

Accelerated growth persists

In the third quarter of 2005 construction turnover increased by 5.9 percent. Turnover growth recorded in second quarter (7.1 percent) persists. The most recent figures show that average turnover over the last twelve months reached the highest level since December 2002. Prices in non-residential building have hardly changed.

Installers and finishing enterprises fastest risers

The fastest risers in the third quarter are installers and construction companies specialised in finishing work. Installer companies saw their turnover rise by 8.4 percent, specialised finishing companies by 6.7 percent.
Turnover increase in building companies specialised in civil and non-residential building (houses, office buildings, hospitals, etc.) was 5.3 percent. Companies specialised in civil engineering works saw their turnover rise by 3.9 percent in the third quarter.

Turnover wood and construction materials, change compared to the previous year

Also higher turnover for manufacturers of wood and construction materials

Manufacturers of wood and building materials also report better results on the domestic as well as the export market. In the first three quarters of 2005 turnover increased by 2 percent against the same period one year previously. Manufacturers of wood and building materials strongly depend on developments in the construction sector. The most important products are doors, windows and window frames made of wood, concrete, concrete products, window panes, mortar, roof tiles, wall and floor tiles.

Robbert de Ruijter and Hans Draper