Robust increase in residential building permits

The number of residential building permits issued rose by 30 percent in the first nine months of 2006, relative to one year previously. The number of newly completed homes increased by 14 percent.

Newly constructed homes in the first nine months

Nearly 71 thousand building permits issued

In the first nine months of 2006, nearly 71 thousand residential building permits were issued, an increase by more than 16 thousand compared to the same period last year. The number of building permits granted increased across all provinces, excluding Flevoland. The largest increase was recorded in the provinces of South Holland (+4.9 thousand), Gelderland and North Holland (+2.2 thousand).

Dwellings completed

Also increase in dwellings completed

In the first three quarters of this year, 41 thousand new dwellings were completed, over 5 thousand more than in the same period of 2005. It concerned 11 thousand rented homes and 30 thousand owner-occupied homes.
The amount of rented and owner-occupied dwellings completed in 2006 rose by 33 and 9 percent respectively.
The largest increase in newly completed houses was registered in the province of North Brabant (+2.6 thousand). The amount of newly completed homes was only smaller in South Holland and Zeeland.

Building permits issued

Projected housing stock larger

At the end of September 2006, the projected housing stock totalled nearly 177 thousand, i.e. 15 percent more than one year ago. In 80 percent of cases, the building permits of dwellings close to completion were less than two years old. By the end of September 2005, the rate was 75 percent. In 9 percent of cases, the building permit was issued two to three years ago and in 11 percent of cases, the issue of the building permit dated back more than three years.

New housing stock by date of issue building permit

Cees Steijn