Moldova’s construction sector fell in the first three months of the year, with construction work in non-residential buildings dropping 27.6%. Capital repair work also fell 23.5%, pulling the sector back after 18.7% growth in the first quarter of 2025.
Non-residential work leads the slide
27.6% was the largest decline in the quarter, and it came from non-residential buildings, including commercial, industrial and administrative premises. For firms tied to that segment, the slowdown hit the part of the market that usually carries larger projects and steadier scheduling than smaller repair jobs.
23.5% lower capital repair work added to the weakness, while maintenance and current repair work declined 13.1%. New construction also fell 7.1% in the first three months of the year, showing that the drop was not isolated to one line of work.
Moldova’s construction mix shifts
52.1% of all work performed in the first quarter came from new construction, making it the biggest slice of activity even as it contracted. Maintenance and repair work accounted for 23.3% of total work, while major repairs made up 20.6%, so the softer repair figures weighed on a meaningful share of the market.
2.8% growth in residential building work and 5.2% growth in other construction work were the only clear gains in the period. That split left Moldova’s construction market with a narrow base of strength: housing and miscellaneous projects rose, but not enough to offset the decline in repairs and non-residential building.
Q1 2025 growth flips
18.7% growth in the first quarter of 2025 now sits in sharp contrast to the current decline. If non-residential work and capital repairs stay weak, the first quarter points to a market leaning harder on residential projects and smaller categories to keep overall activity from sliding further.
