PHOTO: The cost to build a standard 200 square metre brick and tile house rose 6.1 percent in 2021, CoreLogic says. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Residential construction costs are rising at their fastest pace in four years with further increases expected.
CoreLogic’s Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) for the fourth quarter of 2021 indicates the cost to build a standard 200 square metre brick and tile house rose 0.9 percent, and 6.1 percent over the calendar year.
CoreLogic chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said timber prices and record building consents were a couple of the key drivers.
“Despite reports of a slight softening in the rate of price growth for timber in the last quarter of 2021, our perception is that timber products for housebuilding are generally continuing to see
significant price increases,” Davidson said, noting future demand was high with dwelling consent numbers at record highs.
“This, combined with consented alterations and additions projects, work that doesn’t need consent, plus the wildcard that is Omicron indicates that there is plenty more to come in terms of cost growth.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if construction costs accelerate further in the next few quarters, possibly even hitting double digits.”
Rising construction costs were likely to add to affordability challenges as house values rose 27.5 percent in the year ended January.
“Mortgage rates have risen sharply, meaning households will be less able to stretch their budgets than before,” Davidson said.
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