UK construction cost index: new housing
UK construction cost index: new housing stood at 168.2 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) | |||||||||||
| New housing | 168.2 | 167.4 | 166.7 | 164 | 162.9 | 161.5 | 160.3 | 159.8 | 159.6 | 159.5 | |
| Other new work | 167.8 | 167.8 | 167 | 166.1 | 163 | 159.7 | 157 | 156.1 | 155 | 155.3 |
Understanding UK construction cost index: new housing
Material and labour cost inflation specifically associated with building new residential properties across the United Kingdom is tracked by this index. Unlike general consumer price inflation, this metric isolates the factory-gate prices of bricks, timber, concrete, and roofing products alongside site labour costs incurred by residential developers. Infrastructure projects and commercial building materials are weighted differently in other indices, making this measure unique to the residential construction sector.
Users analysing these figures should note that supply chain bottlenecks and energy price fluctuations can introduce sudden volatility across the United Kingdom. Revisions occur as manufacturers update their pricing schedules and trade associations provide verified cost submissions. Comparing this index with finished property prices helps analysts gauge developer margins, while twelve-month metrics help bypass short-term monthly noise in raw material costs.
Frequently asked questions
- What specific costs does this housing cost index measure?
- It tracks the changing prices of building materials and labour inputs specifically required for residential construction projects within the United Kingdom.
- Does this index include the cost of acquiring residential land?
- No, land values and administrative planning fees are excluded, as the index focuses strictly on physical construction inputs and labour.
- How does this index differ from general consumer inflation measures?
- While consumer prices cover a broad basket of household goods, this index is weighted specifically to reflect the industrial inputs consumed by residential builders.