Turnover in the construction sector climbed by 5.2% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, driven by strong growth in infrastructure projects and residential renovations. Despite this healthy increase in activity, many builders warn that a swelling pipeline of approved developments threatens to slow progress on the ground.
Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics shows that municipalities issued permits for approximately 15,600 new homes in Q2, up 9% year-on-year. Owner-occupied dwellings accounted for the bulk of approvals, while permits for rental units also rose modestly.
Yet the number of sanctioned projects that have not yet broken ground jumped to a record high. An estimated 70,000 homes now sit in the queue between permit issuance and construction start, as developers grapple with labour shortages, soaring material costs and complex planning procedures.
Key pressures in the pipeline
- Extended lead times: Average wait between permit approval and site mobilisation has stretched to 8.5 months.
- Labour and supply constraints: Firms report difficulty recruiting skilled trades and securing steel, timber and insulation.
- Planning bottlenecks: Local authorities face resource shortages, slowing down site inspections and environmental assessments.
“We’re granting more permissions than ever before, but it takes too long to translate those approvals into homes,” says Maria Dijkstra, director of the Aannemersfederatie. “Streamlining the planning process and boosting workforce training must be top priorities if we’re to meet the government’s target of 125,000 new homes a year.”
The Ministry of the Interior is reportedly reviewing measures to accelerate permit processing, including greater digitalisation of applications and additional funding for municipal planning departments. Industry stakeholders hope these steps will help clear the backlog and maintain momentum in one of the economy’s most vital sectors.