Construction of new homes and apartments in urban areas fell 16.7% on the year to 4,236 units in the third quarter, the data showed.
However, housing construction in rural areas increased 2.6% to 6,352 units, from 6,190 units in the year-ago period.
Of the total new homes and apartments built in the third quarter, 9,970 units were privately funded, while 618 units were financed from public funds.
In January through September, housing construction fell 8.4% on the year to 26.654 units, the data showed. Urban constructions decreased 12.5% to 11,539 units in the first nine months, while new homes in rural areas were down 5% to 15,115 units.