The number of building permits for residential buildings increased in the first quarter of 2025 by 2.8%, compared to the same period in 2024, with 7,630 such permits being issued, according to data published on Wednesday by the National Institute of Statistics.

Increases were recorded in the following development regions: West (+155 authorizations), Center (+104), Southwest Oltenia (+35), Northwest (+32), Bucharest-Ilfov (+11) and Southwest Muntenia (+4). Decreases were recorded in the Northeast (-125 authorizations) and Southeast (-8) development regions.

According to the INS, in March 2025, 3,095 building permits for residential buildings were issued (+18.3% compared to February 2025), with a total usable area of 712,017 sq m (+18.4%). Of the total building permits for residential buildings, 69.4% are for rural areas.

In March 2025, there was an increase in the number of building permits issued for residential buildings compared to the previous month (+478 permits). In terms of territory, this increase is reflected in the following development regions: South-Muntenia (+157 permits), North-East (+134), South-West Oltenia (+72), North-West (+66), Bucharest-Ilfov (+48) and South-East (+34). Decreases were recorded in the West (-31 permits) and Center (-2) development regions.

Also, in March 2025, 544 building permits were issued for non-residential buildings (+7.1% compared to February 2025), with a total usable area of 240,221 sq m (-13.3%).

Compared to the previous month, in March 2025 there was a decrease in the usable area of building permits issued for non-residential buildings (-36,845 sq m). In territorial terms, this decrease is reflected in the development regions: North-West (-67,235 sq m) and Center (-37,874). Increases were recorded in the following development regions: South-East (+25,102 sq m), Bucharest-Ilfov (+17,968), South-Muntenia (+16,234), South-West Oltenia (+5,444), North-East (+2,711) and West (+805).

In March 2025, there was an increase in both the number of building permits issued for residential buildings (+1.9%) and the total usable area (+1.5%) compared to March 2024.

In terms of territory, this increase in the number of building permits issued for residential buildings (+58 permits) is reflected in the following development regions: South-West Oltenia (+45 permits), West (+29), South-Muntenia (+16), Bucharest-Ilfov (+14) and Center (+7). Decreases were recorded in the following development regions: North-East (-20 permits), North-West (-18) and South-East (-15).

Compared to March 2024, in March 2025 there was a decrease in both the number of building permits issued for non-residential buildings (-9.0%) and the total usable area (-25.3%).

In territorial terms, this decrease in the usable area of building permits issued for non-residential buildings (-81,256 sq m) is reflected in the following development regions: Center (-43,139 sq m), Northwest (-29,003), Northeast (-23,613), West (-23,258) and Southwest Oltenia (-7,497). Increases were recorded in the following development regions: South-Muntenia (+26,736 sq m), Southeast (+15,875) and Bucharest-Ilfov (+2,643).

AGERPRES