Events by industry Construction and environment The construction industry in Europe increased its production by 3.5 % in 2017 thanks to a more upbeat economic outlook. In Spain, the recovery can also be seen as positive, despite the negative situation of civil works. The residential and non-residential building market grew by 5.5 % in 2017, but civil engineering remained in a negative situation. The close of the year saw an upswing in housing starts (15.3 %), completed housing (20.2 %) and new project validations (25.9 %). The stock of new construction fell by 17.8 % to 324,000 dwellings, with a gradual reduction in the accumulation of unsold housing due to the crisis. Stock had peaked in 2009 with 650,000 units. Public works are not expected to pick up. Source: Institute of Construction Technology (ITeC); EUROCONSTRUCT; Association of Construction Companies and Infrastructure Concessionaires (SEOPAN) Barcelona Meeting Point International Real Estate Show The rental market situation, access to housing for the younger generation (so-called millennials) and the digitalisation of the real estate sector were the main topics in this edition of Barcelona Meeting Point, an event that confirmed the rise in the The price of housing Spanish housing market. 61 % of the properties sold in the in Spain increased by course of the fair were main residences, 30 % vacation homes, 3.1 % in 2017 compared and 9 % business spaces. to the previous year Ministry of Public Works and Transport 18-22 October Venue Montjuïc Edition 21st Area 22,0002m Exhibitors 265 Type Professional and public Activities Conferences; seminars; awards Organisedby Consorci de la Zona Franca www.bmpsa.com ACTiViTY AT THe VenUeS — 67