Four traps in the construction market: How Romanians may overpay for homes in 2026

Romania's construction market in 2026 presents a dynamic landscape, yet the way offers are presented and contracts are structured can significantly inflate the final cost of a home beyond initial estimates. With online platforms, including social media, becoming primary sources for information and comparison, specialists are cautioning that a lack of detailed technical and commercial information in offers can turn an apparently advantageous price into a much larger investment than anticipated. This trend risks misleading consumers into overpaying for properties.

Official data indicates a mixed performance in the construction sector. While the volume of construction work saw an 11.7% increase in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with a notable 20.7% annual advance in April, the residential segment faces pressure. Analyses show a roughly 20% decrease in housing transactions nationwide and in Bucharest during early 2026. This scenario suggests an active service market but more cautious, informed, and hesitant buyers, intensifying competition among builders.

The shift in consumer behavior is evident, with social media and digital platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and various announcement sites becoming the initial point of contact for many Romanians. With over 68% of the population active on social media, decisions are increasingly influenced by visual content, brief recommendations, or summarized prices lacking comprehensive analysis. "The market has changed a lot. Today, many people choose a builder after seeing a TikTok video, a Facebook post, or an ad on various advertising sites. Digitalization is a good thing, but a house is not bought like a phone. If you don't understand exactly what the offer includes, you can discover the true cost much too late," explained Cosmin Răileanu, founder of Depozit Virtual.

One of the most common pitfalls highlighted by experts is the misleading "price per square meter" tactic. For instance, an offer of 445 euros per square meter for a 120 square meter house might lead a buyer to quickly calculate a total investment of 53,400 euros. However, the problem arises because this advertised price often excludes crucial elements that contribute to the final cost, leaving buyers unprepared for the actual expenses involved.

“

The market has changed a lot. Today, many people choose a builder after seeing a TikTok video, a Facebook post, or an ad on various advertising sites. Digitalization is a good thing, but a house is not bought like a phone. If you don't understand exactly what the offer includes, you can discover the true cost much too late.