2026 IBS
 
Register by Feb. 14 to Avoid Onsite Pricing in Orlando. Register now
 

Cost to Construct a Home Rose Significantly Over Last Two Years

Construction Costs
Published

Construction costs accounted for 64.4% of the average price of a new home in 2024 compared to 60.8% in 2022, according to NAHB’s most recent Cost of Construction Survey.

The latest finding marks a record high for construction costs since the inception of the series in 1998 and the fifth instance where construction costs represented over 60% of the total sales price.

Broad inflation in the global economy since 2022 — particularly in building material prices — is largely to blame for the increased construction costs.

The finished lot was the second largest cost at 13.7% of the sales price, down more than four percentage points from 17.8% in 2022. The average builder profit margin was 11.% in 2024, up from 10.1% in 2022. 

Explore the interactive dashboard below to view the costs and percentage of construction costs for eight stages of construction and their 36 components.

For more on the survey, please see this Eye on Housing post from NAHB economists.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Economics | Multifamily

Feb 12, 2026

Low-Rise Multifamily Shows Strength at End of 2025; Other Segments Weak

Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing decreased year-over-year in the fourth quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 45, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 74, down seven points year-over-year.

Sponsored Content

Feb 11, 2026

5 Reasons Home Builders Are the Unsung Heroes of the American Dream

Behind the homes people cherish are builders quietly carrying more responsibility — and having more impact — than most Americans realize. Here’s why their work matters far beyond the jobsite.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Feb 12, 2026

Existing Home Sales Retreat Amid Low Inventory

Existing home sales fell in January to a more than two-year low after December’s strong rebound, as tight inventory continued to push home prices higher and winter storms weighed on activity. Despite mortgage rates trending lower and wage growth outpacing price gains, limited resale supply kept many buyers on the sidelines.

Economics

Feb 12, 2026

Residential Building Worker Wages Slow in 2025 Amid Cooling Housing Activity

Wage growth for residential building workers moderated notably in 2025, reflecting a broader cooling in housing activity and construction labor demand. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both nominal and real wages remained modest during the fourth quarter, signaling a shift from the rapid post-pandemic expansion to a slower-growth phase.

Economics

Feb 12, 2026

Low-Rise Multifamily Shows Strength at End of 2025; Other Segments Weak

Even though garden/low-rise continues to be strong, overall confidence in the market for new multifamily housing decreased year-over-year in the fourth quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).