Thursday, 16 October 2025
Serbia’s construction sector showed signs of easing in August, as the number of building permits issued slipped slightly compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the national statistics office.
Authorities issued 2,542 permits in August, representing a small decline of just over one percent year-on-year. Despite the drop, overall activity in residential and infrastructure development remains steady, indicating that the slowdown is moderate rather than structural.
Most permits – close to nine out of ten – were granted for building projects, primarily residential construction. The remainder covered civil engineering works, including energy, utility, and transport infrastructure. Within that category, the largest share related to pipeline and power line installations, reflecting continued investment in essential infrastructure.
Residential developments continue to dominate the market, accounting for more than four-fifths of total building permits. The number of non-residential permits, including offices and industrial spaces, remained relatively small but stable compared with last year.
Construction industry analysts note that Serbia’s permitting activity has fluctuated in recent months, reflecting mixed conditions in both private investment and public infrastructure spending. Some developers have delayed new projects amid higher financing costs, while public authorities have focused resources on strategic infrastructure such as road and utility upgrades.
Even with the modest decline in August, the longer-term trend still points to steady urban growth. The combination of rising housing demand, ongoing regional development programmes, and infrastructure modernisation under the national investment plan continues to support the sector’s resilience.
Source: SORS
