Official data released Friday by the Statistical Federal Office (Destatis) indicates a fluctuating landscape in German residential construction approvals. In May 2025, 16,800 residential units received building permits, representing a 5.3% decrease, or 900 fewer approvals, compared to May 2024.
However, considering the period from January to May 2025, a slightly more positive trend emerges. A total of 90,700 residential units were approved during this timeframe, a 1.9% increase, equivalent to 1,700 more units, compared to the same period in 2024.
These statistics encompass approvals for both new residential and non-residential buildings, as well as for new residential units within existing structures. The month of May saw 13,500 residential units approved in new residential buildings, a 4.8% decrease, or 700 fewer approvals, compared to May 2024.
Looking at the cumulative figures for January to May 2025, the number of new-build residential units approved in residential buildings rose by 3.3%, or 2,400 units, compared to the January-May 2024 period. Notably, approvals for new single-family homes experienced a substantial increase of 14.3%, adding 2,200 units to reach a total of 17,700, marking a continuing upward trend observed since December 2024.
Conversely, approvals for two-family homes declined by 7.9%, resulting in 400 fewer approvals, bringing the total to 5,100. Approvals for multi-family dwellings, the most prevalent building type, saw a decrease of 1.6%, representing 800 fewer approvals and a total of 47,200 approved units.