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Compared to the 1^st quarter of 2014, construction output in the 2^nd quarter of 2014 decreased by 2.0%, according to seasonally adjusted data at constant prices. Of which construction of buildings rose by 9.6%, while construction of civil engineering structures dropped by 7.9%.

Construction output volume index (2010 = 100)

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

Compared to the corresponding period of 2013, construction output in the 2^nd quarter of 2014 grew by 15.8%, according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices. Construction of buildings rose by 50.4%; of which construction of residential buildings – by 67.3% (14.5% of total construction volume), and construction and repair of educational buildings grew 2.3 times (7.5% of total construction volume).  Construction of civil engineering structures, as compared to the 2nd quarter of the previous year, dropped by 8.8%, which was affected by a significant construction output volume drop in construction of streets and roads – of 2.4% (19.3% of total construction volume), in construction of main pipelines, communication and power lines – of 20.4% (5.4% of total construction volume), as well as in construction of harbours – of 64.5% (2.2% of total construction volume). At the same time construction of local pipelines and cables increased by 14.8% (4.9% of total construction volume).

Compared to the 1^st half of the previous year, construction volume in the first six months of this year grew by 18.9%, according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices. Of which construction of buildings increased by 43.2%, while construction of civil engineering declined by 2.8%.

Construction output volume and changes

During the 2^nd quarter of 2014, 613 building permits were granted for construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of single dwelling buildings with the total floor space of 128.2 thousand m². Compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, it is 56 building permits less, and the intended total floor space has decreased by 10.7%. 418 building permits were issued for the construction of new single dwelling buildings with the total floor space 92.5 thousand m², which is 7.4% of intended floor space and 16 permits less than last year.

In turn, 89 building permits were granted for construction of industrial buildings and warehouses with the total floor space of 117.7 thousand m². As compared to the 2^nd quarter of the previous year, it is 35 building permits less for the total floor space smaller by 40.9%. 53 permits were granted for the construction of new industrial buildings and warehouses with the total floor space of 65.9 thousand m² – 15 permits and 18.7% of intended floor space less than in the 2^nd quarter of 2013. 

More information on construction volume indices and building permits is available in the CSB homepage database Construction.