Building materials cost 3.3% more than a year ago, CSO figures show
The CSO's wholesale price index for building materials was 3.3% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier. Steel reinforcement rose most; cement fell.
In brief
- Wholesale building material prices (excluding VAT) were 3.3% higher in August 2026 than in August 2025, according to the CSO.
- Reinforcing metal rose 10.8% and ready-mixed concrete 7.6%, while cement fell 7.8%.
- Timber and blocks rose 2.7% to 4.1%. Insulating materials rose 1.3%.
- These are wholesale prices. Your quote depends on your builder's suppliers and when they buy.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) published its wholesale price index for building and construction materials for August 2026 on 22 September 2026. Prices were 3.3% higher than in August 2025, the same annual rise as July. Prices were unchanged on the month.
The index measures wholesale prices excluding VAT. It is not the price you pay at a builders’ merchant, but it shows which parts of a build are getting dearer.
Which materials rose most?
The annual changes to August 2026 for materials that matter on a typical house:
| Material | Change on a year earlier |
|---|---|
| All materials | +3.3% |
| Reinforcing metal | +10.8% |
| Ready-mixed mortar and concrete | +7.6% |
| Stone | +5.7% |
| Concrete blocks and bricks | +4.1% |
| Machined, treated engineered timber | +3.3% |
| Rough timber (softwood) | +2.7% |
| Insulating materials | +1.3% |
| Plumbing materials including sanitary ware | -0.8% |
| HVAC (heating and ventilation equipment) | -2.3% |
| Cement | -7.8% |
Foundations and structure are where the increases are. Reinforcing steel, concrete and stone all sit in the early stages of the build, when most of your money is spent in a short time. Heating, ventilation and plumbing prices fell slightly.
What does 3.3% mean for a house?
Materials are one part of a build cost, alongside labour, fees and site works. If materials were half of a €300,000 build and all rose by 3.3%, that is about €5,000 extra. That is an illustration, not a forecast, and your own spend on materials will differ.
For how the total breaks down, see what it costs to build a house in Ireland.
What should you do now?
- If you have a fixed-price quote, check how long it is valid for and whether it allows price rises on materials. See choosing a builder and contracts.
- If you are project managing, get quotes for concrete and steel early, and ask suppliers how long they hold a price.
- Keep a contingency for materials. A rise of a few per cent on structure is within ordinary variation.
This article reports published statistics. It is not a forecast of future prices.
Sources
Last reviewed 22 September 2026. Rules and figures change, so confirm anything important with the source before you rely on it.
- WPM39: Wholesale Price Index (Excl VAT) for Building and Construction MaterialsCentral Statistics Office
News articles describe what was announced or published on the date shown. They are general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and measures announced in a Budget may change before they become law.