According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the number of approved residential construction permits in Germany rose significantly in May 2026. In that month, 21,000 housing units were permitted, a 24.7% increase-or 4,200 more-than the figure recorded in May 2025.
Looking closer at the May approvals, new construction permits increased by 29.9%, rising by 4,100 units to 17,800. Simultaneously, permits for rebuilding existing structures grew by 2.0%, increasing by 100 units to reach 3,200.
Over the cumulative period from January to May 2026, Destatis reported that 104,700 total housing units were approved for construction in both new and existing buildings. This represents a 15.4% jump, or 13,900 more units, compared to the same period in 2025.
Specifically regarding newly built residential structures, 86,000 units were approved between January and May 2026, marking a 16.6% increase (12,200 more) over the previous year. Within this category, single-family houses saw a 12.6% rise (+2,200) to hit 19,900 permits. Two-family houses fared even better, increasing by 21.6% (+1,100) to 6,200. The largest segment, multi-family houses, accounted for 56,100 new units, representing an 18.9% rise (+8,900) year-over-year. Permits for dormitories remained relatively flat, rising only 0.1% to 3,900 units (+5).
In addition to residential structures, 1,700 units in new non-residential buildings were approved between January and May 2026, a substantial increase of 26.8% (+400). These permits include various uses such as staff housing integrated into school buildings or apartments built over commercial spaces in city centers.
Furthermore, when counting modifications to existing residential and non-residential buildings, 16,900 units were approved during the first five months of 2026. This total represents an 8.6% increase, or 1,300 more units, than the period in 2025.
