Sharp increase turnover construction sector in first six months of 2007

The construction sector looks back on an extremely successful first half year. In all branches, turnover increased by more than 11 percent in 2007. With over 8 percent, last year’s turnover growth was also considerable.

Construction turnover, from 2002

More productive hours on account of the mild winter

The turnover growth of 14 percent in the first quarter exceeded the second quarter (9 percent). The sharp growth in the first quarter is predominantly caused by the mild weather last winter. Fewer working hours were lost due to frost resulting in an increase in productive hours of over 7 percent. In the second quarter, the amount of productive hours was 5 percent down on the same period in 2006.

Construction turnover, first six months of 2007

More building permits issued

Residential and non-residential building recorded turnover increases of more than 13 and nearly 10 percent in the first quarter and second quarter respectively. The turnover growth in residential and non-residential building is largely caused by an increase in the value of building permits issued last year for the construction of new dwellings, offices, shops, etc. Last year, the amount of building permits issued increased by16 percent relative to 2005.

Declining growth in civil engineering

In all branches of the construction sector, turnover growth slowed down relative to the first quarter. The most substantial decline was reported in civil engineering, where turnover growth decreased from 18 percent in the first quarter to 7 percent in the second quarter. Turnover growth in civil engineering has gradually slowed down from January 2007 onwards. Turnover still increased more than 25 percent in January as opposed to less than 5 percent in June.

Turnover in civil engineering, January-June 2007

Ron Duijkers and Wilco de Jong