Construction in Bulgaria
Output
Construction output in August 2026 was 4.2% higher than a year earlier. Building construction rose 7.4%, civil engineering 4.2% and specialised construction 0.8%.1
Residential building
In the second quarter of 2026 permits were issued for 2,216 residential buildings with 11,499 homes, 14% more homes than a year earlier. Work started on 1,774 residential buildings with 8,913 homes.2
Source: BTA: Permits for new residential buildings rise 8.2% in Q2 2026 (3 August 2026)2
Commercial and industrial building
- Permits for other non-residential buildings, including industrial, warehouse and retail, rose 13.1% in Q2 2026, and their floor area 42.2%, to 820,066 m².
- Office permits were unchanged in number at 15, but their floor area halved.
- 118 hotel projects are under construction, adding about 500,000 m² of hospitality space.
Source: BTA: Permits for new residential buildings rise 8.2% in Q2 2026 (3 August 2026); Bulgarian Tourism: Hotels market report, August 20262,3
For building costs per square metre, see construction costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did construction output grow in Bulgaria in August 2026?
Construction output in Bulgaria was 4.2% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier. Building construction rose 7.4%, civil engineering 4.2% and specialised construction 0.8%.
How many new homes were permitted in Bulgaria in Q2 2026?
Permits were issued for 11,499 homes in Bulgaria in Q2 2026, across 2,216 residential buildings. The number of permitted homes was 14% higher than a year earlier.
How many homes started construction in Bulgaria in Q2 2026?
Construction started on 8,913 homes in Bulgaria in Q2 2026, across 1,774 residential buildings. The number of homes started was up 10.5%.
How did non-residential building permits change in Bulgaria in Q2 2026?
Permits for other non-residential buildings, including industrial, warehouse and retail, rose 13.1% in Q2 2026, and their floor area increased 42.2% to 820,066 m². Office permits were unchanged at 15, while their floor area halved.
How many hotel projects are under construction in Bulgaria?
There are 118 hotel projects under construction in Bulgaria, adding about 500,000 m² of hospitality space, according to the Bulgarian Tourism hotels market report dated August 2026.
Sources
- BTA: Annual growth in construction output slows in August 2026 (NSI data)
- BTA: Permits for new residential buildings rise 8.2% in Q2 2026 (3 August 2026)
- Bulgarian Tourism: Hotels market report, August 2026 (PDF)
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
