Construction output up by a fifth in Latvia in 2023

Output in the construction of buildings increased by 26.8 %, in specialized construction activities by 17.8 %, and in civil engineering by 10.8 %.

In Q4 2023, compared to Q4 2022, construction output rose by 25.7 % (calendar adjusted data at constant prices). Increased output was registered in civil engineering (up by 32.5 %), construction of buildings (up by 26.7 %) as well as specialized construction activities (up by 19.5 %). 

Higher construction output in civil engineering was facilitated by an upturn in the construction of utility projects (52.4 %), construction of other civil engineering projects not elsewhere classified (water projects and other civil engineering not elsewhere classified) (32.4 %), and construction of roads and railways (22.7 %).

Among specialized construction activities, a notable rise was registered in electrical, plumbing and other construction installation activities (29.1 %), other specialized construction activities (24.6 %), and demolition and site preparation (9.9 %). However, output in building completion and finishing (plastering, floor and wall covering, painting and glazing, etc.) dropped by 4.7 %.

In Q4 2023, compared to Q3 2023, construction output rose by 4.7 % (seasonally adjusted data at constant prices). Construction of buildings went up by 1.8 %, civil engineering by 29.5 %, and specialized construction activities by 3.6 %.

In 2023, 3133 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of residential buildings with the intended area of 829 thousand m² (2537 permits for the construction of new buildings with the intended area of 650 thousand m²).Out of the number, 2073 permits were granted for the construction of one-dwelling buildings with the intended area of 429 thousand m².