The total number of constructions with approved building permits in the Philippines saw a steep annual decline of 25.0 percent in September 2025, falling to 11,746 from 15,663 recorded in the same month of 2025. This follows a slight 0.6 percent annual decrease in August 2025.
Residential buildings were the primary driver of the contraction, registering the highest number of constructions at 7,209, accounting for more than three-fifths of the total.
This recorded a significant annual decline of 30.5 percent from 10,379 constructions in September 2024. Single-type houses comprised the majority of residential builds, totaling 6,131 constructions or 85.0 percent.
The value of constructions also dropped 16.1 percent year-on-year to P45.14 billion in September 2025 from P53.78 billion a year earlier.
Residential buildings contributed the highest value at P19.94 billion, or 44.2 percent of the total, reflecting a 13.7-percent annual decrease. Single-type houses led residential construction values at P11.32 billion, accounting for 56.7 percent.
Non-residential constructions were the second-highest type in number, reaching 2,782 or 23.7 percent of the total, a 15.4-percent annual decline.
Commercial buildings dominated this sector with 1,808 constructions or 65.0 percent. The value of non-residential buildings was P19.03 billion, or 42.2 percent of the total construction value, which marks a 24-percent annual drop. Institutional-type buildings held the highest value within this category at P7.57 billion or 39.8 percent.
The total floor area of constructions in September 2025 was recorded at 3.19 million square meters, a 14.3-percent annual decline. Non-residential constructions accounted for the largest share of floor area at 1.84 million square meters, or 57.8 percent, despite a 7.1 percent decrease. Residential constructions recorded 1.28 million square meters, which is a 24.6 percent annual decrease.
The average cost of constructions was P12,390.23 per square meter, or 4.9 percent lower than P13,033.19 per square meter recorded in September 2024. Residential buildings reported the highest average cost at P15,562.38 per square meter.
