In 2009, the Dutch building sector's business was 4.5 percent lower than that of 2008.

Although the year began reasonably well, Statistics Netherlands said the fall in the last quarter was dramatic. Turnover then was ten percent lower than in the corresponding period in 2008. In particular, the building of houses and offices fell into a slump.

The building of bridges, dykes and canals fared a little better, however: turnover increased by four percent in 2009. Statistics Netherlands says this was due mainly to increased government investment.