UK construction cost index: other new work
UK construction cost index: other new work stood at 167.8 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) | |||||||||||
| Other new work | 167.8 | 167.8 | 167 | 166.1 | 163 | 159.7 | 157 | 156.1 | 155 | 155.3 | |
| Repair and maintenance | 168.1 | 167.4 | 166.8 | 164.1 | 162.6 | 160.2 | 159 | 158.6 | 158.8 | 158.4 |
Understanding UK construction cost index: other new work
Monitoring the changing price of materials, labour, and plant hire required for non-residential building projects, infrastructure, and industrial developments across the United Kingdom, this index tracks cost pressures distinct from residential housing or routine repair work. It isolates projects falling outside standard homebuilding, reflecting inputs specific to large structures, transport networks, and commercial spaces. Compared against sibling indices covering domestic or upkeep activities, this metric captures procurement dynamics tied heavier to heavy civil engineering supplies and specialised contracting.
Interpreting this series requires accounting for fixed base periods where the average equals one hundred, alongside potential lags between initial supplier price agreements and final recorded billing. Period-on-period movements highlight immediate supply chain shocks, whereas rolling annual comparisons smooth out seasonal procurement spikes typical of heavy engineering sectors. Analysts should avoid equating these input costs directly with output prices charged to clients, as contractor profit margins and tendering competition heavily influence final project bills.
Frequently asked questions
- What types of projects does this cost index cover?
- It tracks price changes for materials and labour used in non-housing construction, large infrastructure, and industrial developments across the United Kingdom.
- Why does this index differ from the repair and maintenance cost series?
- This series focuses on brand-new non-residential structures and heavy works requiring different supply chains, whereas upkeep indices measure smaller-scale restorative tasks.
- How should monthly movements in this index be evaluated?
- Monthly changes reveal immediate shifts in material prices and labour rates, though annual comparisons provide a clearer view of sustained cost inflation.