New Build Construction in Girona 2026: Trends and Management for Contractors

The construction sector, especially in the field of new build construction in the province of Girona, has shown remarkable dynamism in recent years, with interesting projections for 2026. After periods of uncertainty, activity is consolidating, driven by housing demand and the region's appeal. However, this growth is not without its challenges, such as efficient cost management and the shortage of skilled labour.

For construction companies operating or planning to operate in Girona, understanding current and future trends is fundamental. From the evolution of building permits to the areas with the most intense construction activity, each piece of data offers insight into where to direct efforts and how to prepare operations.

Analysis of the New Build Market in Girona (2025-2026)

The residential construction market in Girona is characterised by a duality: demand for primary residences in the metropolitan area of the capital and the interior, and the strong attraction of second homes and tourism on the Costa Brava. This combination has maintained a constant pulse of activity.

Current indicators suggest that 2026 will continue the path of moderate growth, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Developers and contractors face an environment where access to financing remains a key factor, although conditions have improved compared to previous years.

Key Factors Influencing the Sector

Demographic evolution, household economic capacity, and tourist flows are pillars supporting the demand for new construction in Girona. The province continues to be an attractive hub for national and international residents, which translates into a constant need for new homes.

Furthermore, the pressure to comply with energy efficiency regulations and the growing demand for more sustainable homes are redefining projects. This implies greater investment in innovative materials and construction systems, but also opens up a market niche for specialised companies.

Evolution of New Build Permits in the Province of Girona

New build permits are a reliable barometer of the sector's health. While exact data for 2026 are projections, the trend observed in recent years by professional associations such as the COAC (College of Architects of Catalonia) points to stability or a slight increase in the number of authorised projects.

Historically, the province has maintained a steady pace of permits, with peaks in coastal areas and the capital region. The agility of administrative processing and the availability of buildable land are factors that inflate or deflate these figures.

It is common to see that, after a period of planning and obtaining licenses, the execution of works extends over time. Therefore, today's permits represent tomorrow's activity. Contractors monitor this data to anticipate workloads and plan their resources.

Housing Prices and Construction Costs: The Landscape in Girona

Housing prices in the province of Girona have experienced a significant revaluation in recent years, especially along the coastal strip. Towns such as Platja d'Aro, Begur, or Cadaqués often rank among the most expensive in Spain. The capital, Girona, also maintains a high price level.

This price increase, while benefiting developers, has also been accompanied by a notable rise in construction costs. Volatility in the prices of materials such as steel, concrete, aluminium, and timber has been constant, forcing companies to revise their budgets more frequently.

Impact of Building Costs

Material inflation and the shortage of skilled labour have exerted considerable pressure on contractors' margins. The rise in labour costs, driven by the lack of professionals and the need to retain talent, also directly impacts the final project budget.

Rigorous procurement management and thorough control of each bill of quantities item are more necessary than ever. Companies must be agile in negotiating with suppliers and adjusting their project schedules, seeking alternatives without compromising quality.

Areas of Highest New Build Activity in Girona

The province of Girona presents a diverse map of construction activity, with well-defined focal points:

Girona Metropolitan Area

Towns such as Salt and Sarrià de Ter, adjacent to the capital, continue to be growth poles for primary residences. The expansion of Girona city pushes demand towards these municipalities, where land is more accessible, and new neighbourhoods with services and infrastructure are being developed. Here, projects typically involve apartment blocks and terraced houses aimed at young families or individuals seeking a permanent home at a more affordable price than in the capital.

The Costa Brava

The coastal strip remains the engine for second homes and high-end housing.

• Platja d'Aro: Maintains constant activity, with luxury apartment and villa projects, targeting a national and international clientele with high purchasing power. Demand in this area is driven by tourism and investment in holiday properties.
• Blanes: As the gateway to the Costa Brava from the south, Blanes combines demand for primary and secondary residences. The construction of apartment blocks and some detached houses is observed, leveraging its infrastructure and its appeal as a family destination.
• Other towns such as Lloret de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, or even more exclusive ones like Begur or Calella de Palafrugell, also record significant activity, albeit with smaller volume projects but higher unit value.

Interior of the Province

Although to a lesser extent, the interior of Girona also shows activity, especially in municipalities of a certain size or those acting as regional capitals, such as Figueres, Olot, or Ripoll. Here, new build projects usually respond to local needs or rehabilitation projects rather than large-scale developments.

Challenges and Opportunities for Contractors in Girona

The current context presents a double-edged sword for construction companies in Girona.

Challenges

• Labour Shortage: The lack of skilled professionals in trades such as formworkers, steel fixers, or bricklayers remains a significant handicap that slows down projects and increases execution costs.
• Price Volatility: Uncertainty over material costs necessitates more sophisticated risk management and greater flexibility in budgeting and contracting.
• Urban Planning and Environmental Regulations: Growing demands regarding sustainability, energy efficiency, and urban planning require constant updating and adaptation by companies.
• Digitalisation: Many companies still operate with traditional methods, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to competitors who have already adopted digital tools for management.

Opportunities

• Sustained Demand: Girona's appeal as a place to live and holiday ensures a constant demand for new housing.
• Energy Efficiency Retrofit Projects: The existing housing stock offers a vast field for rehabilitation and energy improvement projects, driven by European funds and public aid.
• Industrialised Construction: The pursuit of efficiency and the need to reduce execution times open the door to the adoption of industrialised and prefabricated construction systems.
• Management Efficiency: Companies that manage to optimise their internal processes, control their costs, and manage their resources more efficiently will be best positioned in the market.

Construction Project Management in the Current Context: Beyond Spreadsheets

To tackle a complex market like new build construction in Girona, management has become a central component. The era of controlling budgets in spreadsheets or coordinating teams via WhatsApp is increasingly unfeasible for projects of a certain scale. Errors, lack of visibility, and loss of information are hidden costs that directly impact profitability.

Construction companies are seeking solutions that allow them to have a 360-degree view of their projects. This includes detailed control of budgets by work package, allocation of personnel and machinery to each site, management of invoicing and expenses, and fluid communication with clients and suppliers.

Various integrated management software options are available on the market, adapted to the sector's needs. From more global solutions like SAP or Microsoft Dynamics (which require considerable adaptation) to more specific programmes like Presto or Constrack. The choice will depend on the company's size, the complexity of its projects, and its budget.

A system like Constrack, designed specifically for contractors and with a focus on ease of use and Spanish language support, allows for centralising all project information. From monitoring staff clock-ins and their assignments, to tracking machinery maintenance or publishing progress updates so clients can see the status of their project without constantly calling. This digitalisation is not just a trend; it's an operational necessity to maintain competitiveness and profitability in a demanding market.

Conclusion

New build construction in the province of Girona is shaping up for 2026 as a market with clear opportunities and challenges. Sustained demand, especially on the coast and in the metropolitan area of Girona, offers a favourable framework for investment and project development. However, the volatility of construction costs, the shortage of labour, and increasing regulatory demands oblige contractors to be more efficient and adaptable than ever.

The key to success in this environment lies in rigorous project management, supported by tools that allow total control over every aspect of the project. Those companies that commit to digitalisation and the optimisation of their processes will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of the market and capitalise on the opportunities offered by new build construction in Girona.