The prices for new conventional residential buildings in Germany increased by 5.5 percent in August 2026 compared to August 2025, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), which released the figures Friday. This figure follows a 5.0 percent rise recorded in May 2026 compared to the previous year. Furthermore, prices for construction increased by 1.0 percent in August 2026 relative to May 2026. All prices stated refer to construction services within the building structure, including value-added tax.
For the structural groundwork of residential buildings, prices rose by 5.4 percent in August 2026 compared to August 2025. Concrete and masonry work represent the largest components of the structural work and the overall index for new residential construction. While prices for concrete work increased by 4.3 percent year-on-year, pricing for masonry work saw a rise of 4.2 percent. Dach covering works became 7.6 percent more expensive in August 2026 versus August 2025, wooden and interior construction saw a 7.2 percent increase, and earthworks prices climbed by 6.1 percent.
Finishings and installation work saw a 5.7 percent increase in August 2026 compared to the previous year. Heating systems and central water heating installations (which include heat pumps) and metal construction comprise the largest parts of this category. Heating systems and central water heating installations specifically increased by 5.2 percent year-on-year, while metal construction costs rose by 5.0 percent. However, prices for electrical, security, and IT installations-which encompass electrical hot water heaters and communication systems, for instance-jumped by 7.2 percent. Furthermore, composite thermal insulation systems increased in price by 5.7 percent.
Beyond new construction, prices for maintenance work on residential buildings (excluding cosmetic repairs) reached 6.0 percent higher in August 2026 compared to its counterpart in the previous year. Separately, new prices for office buildings rose by 5.7 percent between August 2025 and August 2026, and commercial operational buildings saw a 5.5 percent increase. In road construction, prices increased significantly by 6.9 percent in August 2026 compared to August 2025.
