The number of completed new buildings increased in the second quarter of 2011, but the number of dwellings in them decreased, according to preliminary data the National Statistical Institute (NSI).

A total of 742 new residential buildings were put into exploitation in Q2 2011, up by 13.1% from the same period in 2010.

The number of dwellings, however, decreased by 26.2% to 3 497.

The largest number of newly completed residential buildings and dwellings was registered in the Black Sea city of Burgas- 121 buildings with 1122 dwellings, followed by Bulgaria's Black Sea capital, Varna, with 100 buildings and 573 dwellings, Stara Zagora with 74 buildings and 313 dwellings and the capital, Sofia, with 36 buildings and 260 dwellings.

At the same time, the average useful area of a newly built dwelling increased from 71.9 sq. m. in Q2 2010 to 80.6 sq. m. in Q2 2011.

The largest average useful area of a newly built dwelling was registered in the districts of Smolyan and Gabrovo, 129.0 sq. m. and 126.0 sq. m., respectively, followed by Ruse with 122.9 sq. m., and Sofia with 122.0 sq. m.

The smallest average useful area of a newly built dwelling was recorded in the districts of Vratsa- 52.5 sq. m. and Sofia - 64.6 sq. m.

The statistical data about the newly built residential buildings and dwellings is developed on the basis of quarterly reports obtained from the municipal administrations.