Construction prices fall slightly
Construction prices in the building construction sector fell in April 2017. This is shown by the current construction price index of the Federal Statistical Office.
In April 2017, the construction price index recorded a decline of 0.4 percent compared with October 2016. It thus stands at 98.6 points (base October 2015 = 100). According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), construction prices fell in building construction and remained stable in civil engineering. Within the space of a year, construction prices have fallen by 0.8 percent.
In the building construction sector, the price decline compared with the previous half-year was primarily due to lower prices for sanitary installations, the report continues. There was also a drop in prices for architects' and engineers' fees and for transportation equipment (elevators). By contrast, "Shell 1" (masonry and reinforced concrete work, steel and timber structures) became more expensive.
According to FSO figures, prices declined in all major regions except eastern Switzerland and the Lake Geneva region. Central Switzerland recorded the largest decrease at -1.6 percent.
The price stability in civil engineering compared with October 2016 was mainly due to the increase in prices for earthworks and substructures (minor roadway structures) and the decrease in prices for supporting structures (minor engineering structures). Central Switzerland showed the largest increase (+1.6 percent) and Northwestern Switzerland the most significant decrease (-1.6%). In the Zurich region, prices have remained stable.
