Building Permits for Housing Units in Austria: Forecast for 2012-2014 and Regional Development in 2006-2011

Housing permits are an important indicator for total housing construction. In order to better estimate future housing production, the number of building permits for single and multi-family housing units as well as the total are forecast using econometric models. Important drivers are demographics, the macroeconomy and housing policy. From 2011 (43,200 units) onwards, a drop in building permits is expected until 2014 (36,900 units). This study includes a regional analysis of building permits over the last five years to gain a regional perspective. It is based upon regional economic developments and demographic trends.