Construction prices rise slightly

According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the construction price index increased by 0.2% to 100.0 points between October 2019 and April 2020. In the process, prices had risen in both building construction and civil engineering. Within a year, the price level in the construction industry has increased by 0.2%.

The increase in the price index in building construction compared with the previous half-year was mainly due to higher prices for "sanitary installations", according to the FSO. Prices in "building shell 2" (windows and exterior doors) had also increased, but to a lesser extent. With the exception of central Switzerland and Zurich, prices rose in almost all major regions, according to the data. Eastern Switzerland recorded the largest price growth with +0.8%, the most significant decline was in central Switzerland with -0.1%.

In civil engineering, "ancillary construction costs and transition accounts" (engineering fees) and prices in "superstructure" (foundation layers) in particular had risen compared with the previous half-year. By contrast, work in the "earthwork and substructure" segment has become more favorable. With the exception of eastern Switzerland, northwestern Switzerland and the Lake Geneva region, all regions recorded price increases. The largest increase was in Central Switzerland (+1.9%), while the largest decrease was recorded in Eastern Switzerland (-0.9%). (ah)