In February 2026, building permits were issued for a total of 22,200 residential units across Germany. According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Friday, this figure represents a significant increase compared to the same month in 2025, making up 24.1% or 4,300 permits more than seen in February 2025. Specifically, the number of newly constructed units grew by 30.6%, increasing by 4,500 units to reach 19,000. In contrast, units created through the renovation of existing buildings saw a slight decline of 4.0% compared to the previous year, falling by 100 units to 3,200.
Looking at the combined period from January to February 2026, authorities approved construction for 41,700 homes, both new builds and renovated units. This total marks a rise of 16.2% or 5,800 units compared to the January-February period of 2025.
For purely new residential constructions during this two-month period, 34,500 units were permitted, an increase of 17.6% or 5,100 units compared to the prior year. Within this new construction category, permits for single-family houses rose by 14.2% (+1,000) to 7,800. Double-family houses saw a 25.8% increase (+500), totaling 2,400 permitted units. The largest segment, multi-family buildings, accounted for 21,900 new units, marking a substantial 18.0% rise (+3,300) from the previous year. Furthermore, the number of permitted apartments in dormitories increased by 16.8% (+300) year-on-year, reaching 2,400 units.
In the development of new non-residential buildings, 950 units were authorized during January-February 2026, a considerable jump of 85.6% (+450) compared to the same period last year. These permits include various uses, such as caretaker apartments in schools or urban dwellings above commercial spaces.
Finally, concerning renovation measures in both existing residential and non-residential structures, a total of 6,300 units were permitted between January and February 2026. This figure represents a modest increase of 3.9% or 200 units relative to the same period in 2025.