Slightly more homes completed in first quarter

Nearly 3 percent more new homes were completed in the first quarter of 2009 than in the same period last year. This increase was the result of a 16 percent increase in the number of rent-sector homes completed. Construction companies completed fewer own homes than in the first quarter of 2008, on the other hand, although 71 percent of newly completed homes are still for owner-occupiers.

Nearly 16 thousand building permits were granted for new homes in the first three months of 2009. This is just over 5 percent less than in the same period in 2008, when municipalities issued nearly 17 thousand building permits.

The number of building permits for own homes was 17 percent lower in the first quarter than in the same period last year. For rented homes, 29 percent more permits were issued.

Building permits issued and homes completed, first quarter

Jérôme van Biezen