Cost alarm in construction: Reached a 15-month high

According to the construction cost index data for March 2026, the index rose by 2.76 percent compared to the previous month. On an annual basis, an increase of 27.24 percent was recorded.

With the announced data, the annual construction cost increase reached the highest level seen since the December 2024 period.

RISE IN MATERIAL AND LABOR EXPENSES

In March, the material index increased by 3.50 percent compared to the previous month. In the same period, the increase in the labor index was recorded as 1.54 percent.

When viewed on an annual basis, the material index rose by 25.61 percent, while the labor index rose by 30.07 percent.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION COSTS EXCEEDED 26 PERCENT

The building construction cost index also showed an increase in March. Accordingly, the index increased by 1.89 percent compared to the previous month and by 26.26 percent compared to the same month of the previous year.

In building construction, the material index increased by 2.23 percent and the labor index by 1.33 percent on a monthly basis.

According to annual data, there was an increase of 24.17 percent in material costs and 29.76 percent in labor costs.

INCREASE WAS HIGHER IN NON-BUILDING STRUCTURES

The construction cost index calculated for non-building structures increased by 5.63 percent on a monthly basis in March. The annual growth rate was announced as 30.46 percent.

In this area, the material index rose by 7.48 percent compared to the previous month, while the labor index increased by 2.28 percent.

Compared to the same month of the previous year, an increase of 30.09 percent was recorded in material costs and 31.16 percent in labor costs.

News Source: 12punto