CLA recent report by GPS Property indicates significant improvements in building permit processing times during the first half of the year in Chile. Between January and June, approved permits increased, while processing times in municipalities decreased substantially. For larger projects in the Metropolitan Region, including housing developments and apartment buildings, approvals rose by 12.7%, compared to the same period in 2024. This corresponds to a 15% increase in approved usable area. Housing units approved during the first half were 1.4% higher than last year. The increase is attributed to the Service of Housing and Urbanization (Serviu), which nearly doubled its participation, along with suburban house plots. Apartment buildings, which drive the metropolitan market, remain stalled. The recovery in sales has not yet translated into new permits due to demand focusing on existing inventory and many already approved permits remaining unstarted, with extensions up to 30 months. Compared to the second half of the year, there was a slight 2.7% decline in building permits, explained by restrictive credit conditions for financing projects and home purchases, alongside a high inventory
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data and expert analysis on building permit trends without overtly favoring any political stance. It discusses factors such as government agencies like Serviu and mentions regulatory frameworks but does not exhibit clear ideological bias in its framing or sourcing.
