The number of new houses and apartments being built in Switzerland has fallen despite strong economic growth. Last year 32,200 new apartments were built, one per cent less than the year before.

Figures released on Friday showed housing construction weaker across most parts of the country. One exception was in communities with a population of less than 2,000 where 20 per cent more apartments were built.

In the fourth quarter of last year, the rate of new apartments being constructed in the country's five biggest cities fell by five per cent. The level of new construction was particularly weak in Basel, Geneva and Lausanne.

Friday's figures also show that the number of building permits granted has fallen slightly by 0.3 per cent.

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