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Published: 22 June 2021

Cubic volume covered of granted building permits increased from one year back

According to Statistics Finland, in February to April 2021, building permits were granted for a total of 12.0 million cubic metres, 6.6 per cent more than one year ago. The cubic volume of residential building construction increased by 22.3 per cent during the period and that of other than residential building construction by 0.4 per cent. At the same time, 12.5 per cent more building projects were started than last year, but completed building projects remained 6.0 per cent lower than one year ago.

Granted building permits and building starts, mil. m3, moving annual total

Cubic volume granted for residential building grew, blocks of flats projects boost growth

In February to April, building permits granted for residential building projects totalled 3.9 million cubic metres, the figure being 3.2 million cubic metres one year earlier. The clear growth in residential building construction was mostly due to the cubic volume granted for blocks of flats, which represented around 57 per cent of the cubic volume of total residential building construction. The sizeable cubic volume granted for blocks of flats with respect to one year ago is also visible as an increase in the number of dwellings. The cubic volume granted for detached houses went up by 13.5 per cent over the period.

Building permits were granted for a total of 12,929 dwellings during February to April. The figure was 26.9 per cent higher than one year previously. Building permits were granted for 21 projects and 1,814 dwellings in high buildings with at least ten storeys. The number of building permits granted for high buildings was 14 per cent of all granted building permits in February to April. The construction of a total of 11,361 dwellings was started and 7,694 dwellings were completed.

Volume of building production decreased further

In February to April, the constant-price value or the volume of ongoing building production decreased by 5.0 per cent year-on-year. The volume of construction of residential buildings decreased by 0.4 per cent and that of other than residential building construction by 8.6 per cent. At the same time, building projects were started for a total of 10,3 million cubic metres. However, the number of residential building starts amounted to 3.4 million cubic metres, 17.7 per cent more than one year ago.

Volume index of newbuilding 2015=100, trend

Preliminary data for May

For the time being, Statistics Finland publishes preliminary data on building projects started. This time series is available from 2018 onwards.

According to preliminary data, the moving annual total of building projects started grew in May by 3.4 per cent compared to April. The moving annual total of volume grew briskly by 9.0 per cent in May from the previous year.

Preliminary registered starts, mil. m3, moving annual total

The figures are not comparable with the estimated starts given in the publications. Preliminary data are based on registered starts and their values are not supplemented from the first publication.

Source: Building and dwelling production, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Kalle Laukkanen 029 551 3017, Merja Järvinen 029 551 2458, Petri Kettunen 029 551 3558, rakennus.suhdanne@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Hannele Orjala

Publication in pdf-format (239.3 kB)

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Appendix tables

• Appendix table 1. Building production, three month total and year-on-year change (22.6.2021)
• Appendix table 2. Preliminary registered starts, moving annual total and month-on-month change (22.6.2021)

Revisions in these statistics

• Revisions in these statistics (22.6.2021)

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Updated 22.6.2021