Municipalities across Albania issued 322 building permits during the first quarter of this year. The figures indicate growth in the number of permits, construction area, and total project value compared to the same period last year.

The value of approved construction projects in Albania reached 20.4 billion lekë during the first quarter of 2026. The data confirms that the construction sector continues to be a key driver of investment in the economy. According to INSTAT, although the annual increase in project value was relatively moderate at 1.6% compared to the same period in the previous year, the level of investment remains high and signals continued strong activity in the construction market.

Alongside the value of projects, the number of building permits also increased significantly. A total of 322 permits for new buildings were approved nationwide, representing a 25% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.

The total approved construction area reached approximately 377,000 square meters, marking a 12.5% increase from a year earlier. This indicates that investments are growing not only in number but also in scale and development capacity.

Residential construction continues to dominate the Albanian market. During the first quarter, 237 permits were issued for housing developments and residential complexes, covering a construction area of more than 185,000 square meters. Strong demand for new apartments, urbanization, and private investment continue to support the expansion of this segment.

At the same time, a significant share of investment has also been directed toward non-residential buildings, including hotels, commercial facilities, and industrial properties. For this category, 85 building permits were approved, with a total construction area exceeding 191,000 square meters, reflecting the expansion of sectors such as tourism, trade, and services.