Romania's construction sector sees an 11.7% growth in early 2026

The construction sector in Romania has experienced a notable growth of 11.7% in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This positive trend indicates a resilient market, even as the residential segment faces challenges.

In April alone, the annual growth reached an impressive 20.7%. However, the residential market has been complicated by a decline of approximately 20% in housing transactions across the country and in Bucharest during the first two months of the year, according to analyses from Colliers.

As of the end of 2025, Romania boasted around 12.9 million active identities on social media platforms, representing over 68% of the population. This digital presence plays a crucial role as users increasingly turn to the internet for searching builders and house models.

Cosmin Răileanu, founder of Depozit Virtual, highlights a shift in how people choose their contractors. "The market has changed significantly. Today, many people select their builders based on a TikTok video, a Facebook post, or an ad on various advertising sites," he noted.

While digitalization offers clear advantages, Răileanu warns that a house is a long-term investment, and careful analysis of the components included in offers is essential. There are frequent pitfalls, such as prices expressed solely in euros per square meter, which can be misleading.

Additionally, rates that often cover only the initial construction phase, "la roşu," typically exclude finishes, installations, or foundations. Mixing costs for materials and labor into a single lump sum deprives clients of control over their investments.

Răileanu points out that requesting large advances, sometimes up to 30% of the project's value without clear documentation or completed milestones, poses significant issues. Attractive images or digital renderings cannot replace the need for a technical project tailored to the land and the necessary building permits.

Conflicts on construction sites usually stem from a lack of transparency in initial offers rather than the quality of materials used. Therefore, beneficiaries are advised to ensure they have a complete project, clear cost separation, and the contractor's ability to issue justifiable invoices for each requested amount. "Materials and labor are two completely different components and should be treated separately. Materials should be purchased based on a quote and invoice, while labor should be paid in stages, according to the work completed," Răileanu emphasized.