UK construction cost index: all construction work
UK construction cost index: all construction work stood at 166.9 in Aug 2026, according to GOV.UK official statistics. It is one of the indicators in the Construction output and materials table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2021 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Construction output and materials table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction cost index (2015=100) | |||||||||||
| All construction work | 166.9 | 166.3 | 165.7 | 163.9 | 161.7 | 159 | 157.1 | 156.6 | 155.9 | 156.1 | |
| New housing | 168.2 | 167.4 | 166.7 | 164 | 162.9 | 161.5 | 160.3 | 159.8 | 159.6 | 159.5 |
Understanding UK construction cost index: all construction work
Quantifying the changing price of inputs required for construction projects across the United Kingdom, this series measures inflation in material costs, labour rates, and plant hire charges for all building work. It is constructed using a weighted basket of cost components reflecting industry-wide expenditure patterns. Unlike output indices that measure physical volume, this metric evaluates the financial cost pressures faced by construction firms.
Cost indices are subject to revisions as supplier pricing returns are verified and updated. Analysts should monitor the index relative to previous periods to assess margin compression for contractors. Comparing this input cost series with output price indices reveals whether builders can successfully pass rising expenses downstream to clients.
Frequently asked questions
- What components make up this cost index?
- It tracks prices for building materials, labour wages, and plant equipment hire across the industry.
- Does this measure output values or input expenses?
- It measures input costs incurred by construction firms, not the final price charged to clients.
- How often are the cost weights updated?
- Index weightings are periodically rebased to reflect structural shifts in industry expenditure.