ING: Poland sees steep deceleration in housing construction

ING: Poland sees steep deceleration in housing construction
IPolish construction is slowing and is now one of the weakest segments of the economy. / bne IntelliNews
By Rafal Benecki and Piotr Poplawski economists at ING in Poland October 26, 2022

In September, construction output increased by just 0.3% year on year, against a consensus of 6.6% and an increase of 6.1% in August. The decline in growth is mainly the result of reduced building construction. Construction may be one of the weakest elements of the economy at the turn of the year. (chart).

Construction of buildings slowed to 8.7% y/y from 25.7% a month ago, although it remained by far the strongest category. New residential construction remains on a strong downward trend, as developers fear a further decline in demand and a collapse in real estate prices, while construction costs may be rising. The number of housing units under construction remains near record levels, but after a very strong 1H22, this is slowing sharply and is now below last year's level in August (see chart).

Infrastructure investment-related categories again performed poorly: civil engineering declined by 2.3% y/y (-1.6% y/y in August) and specialised construction works fell by 4.9% y/y (-1.3% y/y a month prior). This is likely the result of effects already seen in previous months a strong increase in production costs, which makes it difficult to issue new tenders, particularly by the public sector, (or forces companies to walk off job sites), or a lack of funds from the Recovery Fund.

Construction may turn out to be one of the weakest elements of the domestic economy at the turn of the year, with its annual dynamics sliding into negative levels. Its main driver, housing construction, is weakening significantly, and the necessary monetary tightening does not promise a recovery in demand in the coming quarters. Without access to the Recovery Fund, it is also difficult to assume an imminent improvement in infrastructure investment.

 

Rafal Benecki and  Piotr Poplawski are economists with ING in Poland.

This note first appeared on ING’s THINK.ING portal here.

Content Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared by ING solely for information purposes irrespective of a particular user's means, financial situation or investment objectives. The information does not constitute investment recommendation, and nor is it investment, legal or tax advice or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any financial instrument. Read more

 

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