New orders in the construction industry in January were 7.4 percent lower than in December. Sales also fell significantly: in real terms they fell by 5.3 percent compared to January 2023.
The Main Association of the German Construction Industry (HDB) spoke of a ‘weak start to the year’ Sharply increased interest rates, with which the European Central Bank (ECB) wants to combat high inflation, are particularly causing problems for housing construction. According to many experts, affordable housing, especially in cities, is likely to remain in short supply for years to come.