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Date Published: 14/03/2025

Builders warn of growing housing deficit in Murcia amid construction setbacks

Despite a solid year for construction, the Region of Murcia is building fewer homes than needed to meet its growing demand

The construction sector in the Region of Murcia saw sustained growth in 2024, but builders are expressing concern over a growing housing deficit. The region's annual need for new homes is 8,410, yet only 4,526 permits were granted in 2024, far fewer than required.

The Region’s public works sector saw a 16.8% drop in tenders, equating to a loss of €150 million. Rising material costs, exacerbated by the ongoing global supply chain issues, are also slowing progress. While housing sales increased to 23,604 transactions in 2024, the number of completed homes plummeted to just 1,009 — a stark contrast to the 9,737 completions in 2010.

José Hernández, president of the Regional Federation of Construction Employers (Frecom), noted that the Region’s construction industry employs 44,000 people, but 8,000 vacancies remain, particularly for skilled trades like bricklayers and electricians. Despite these workforce shortages, the sector continues to face rising demand, which has contributed to a projected increase in housing prices in 2025.

That is partly the reason why there has been a renewed interest in new housing projects across the Region’s urbanisations and resorts, but demand is such that the current rate of construction is still insufficient, according to Frecom.

Hernández also criticised the national government’s direct contracting in housing projects, warning that such practices may lead to the nationalisation of the sector. He called on the regional and national governments to implement a price review law to stabilise material costs and help the industry continue to grow.

Despite these challenges, the demand for housing remains high, and the sector is hopeful that increasing sales and rising prices will prompt further construction activity in the Region.

Image: Freepik

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