The average surface area of homes sold in the first quarter was 82 square metres. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The average surface area of homes sold in the first quarter was 82 square metres. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Statec has just published the sales prices of housing in the first quarter of 2022. The general index remains on the rise with +10.5% but shows a slowdown. This dynamic can be seen in the average sales prices, particularly for new homes.

A major concern for would-be buyers and a key economic issue, house prices are also one of the most closely watched indicators in this period of inflation.

The statistics published by national statistics bureau Statec on prices during the first quarter of 2022 provide an initial insight.

During the first three months of the year, the number of transactions fell by 2.4% in annual comparison, after  a decrease of 17.4% in the last quarter of 2021.

As for the price index, it is on the rise in annual comparison with a 10.5% growth. However, the trend towards an annual decline has continued since the second quarter of 2021, after a significant 17.2% increase in the first quarter of 2021.

Average salesprices continue to rise in annual comparison, but show a decrease compared to the last quarter of 2021, from €8,819/m2 to €8,716/m2.

In detail, new-built properties (flats only) fall from an average of €9,550/m2 to €8,963/m2. Older properties, on the other hand, are up, from €8,460 to €8,596/m2.

The average surface area of homes sold remains relatively stable at 82m2. In new flats, the average surface area has increased slightly, to 83m2.

These are indicators whose evolution will be monitored from all angles, including the question of the impact of the rise in interest rates and the final cost of housing.

This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.