Population growth correlates closely with the number of square metres of new housing space, both at the regional level and in the 38 cities of regional significance (see Figure 1.19). However, some smaller towns, where population is stagnating or falling, are nevertheless seeing significant housing stock growth. In the city of Shu (Karaganda oblast), where population is stagnating, the housing stock has increased by 2.7% every year since 2011.