Although the total number of permits issued in December saw a 16% decline, there was a 17% increase in the permits issued in Al Wakrah, according to figures released by the MDPS.
On a geographical basis, the MDPS found that Al Wakrah came at the top of the municipalities where the number of building permits issued stood at 209, or 30% of the total issued, followed by Al Rayyan 195 permits (23%), Doha 131 permits (19%), Al Daayen 88 (13%), Umm Slal 51 (7%), Al Khor 28 (4%), Al Shahaniya 26 (4%) and Al Shamal 7 (1%).
On a month-on-month basis, Al Shamal noticed a 46% plunge in building permits issued in December 2017, Al Shahaniya (40%), Al Daayen (35%), Doha (28%), Al Khor (26%) and Al Rayyan (17%); while Umm Slal saw a flat path.
The building permits data is of particular importance as it is considered an indicator for the performance of the construction sector which in turn occupies a significant position in the national economy.
In terms of type of permits issued, data indicates that the new building permits (residential and non-residential) constituted 64% (446 permits) of the total building permits issued in December this year, while additions constituted 34% (238 permits), and fencing 2% (17 permits).
Of the new residential buildings permits, the MDPS found that villas’ topped the list, accounting for 49% (143 permits) of all new residential buildings permits, dwellings of housing loans 40% (118 permits) and apartments 7% (19 permits).
Al Daayen, Umm Slal and Doha saw permits for villas outnumber other units such as apartments and dwelling of housing loans; while in the case of Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan saw permits for dwelling of housing loans more than those of villas. Commercial buildings were found to be in the forefront of non-residential buildings permits with 47% (73 permits).
