The cost of constructing new residential buildings across the European Union has increased by 48.2% since 2015, according to data featured in the 2026 edition of Key Figures

on European Business.

The publication presents key indicators on European business performance, covering topics such as business activity, investment, productivity, globalisation, technology and tourism. This edition highlights developments in the producer price index for the construction of new residential buildings (excluding residences for communities).

The index measures changes in construction prices from the perspective of building contractors and reflects the prices paid by clients for construction work.

Between 2015 and 2025, construction prices for new residential buildings rose by nearly half across the EU. The sharpest increases occurred in recent years, with annual growth reaching 5.8% in 2021, 12.2% in 2022 and 6.9% in 2023. Price growth moderated thereafter, increasing by 2.3% in 2024 and 1.3% in 2025.

At national level, the largest increases over the decade were recorded in Bulgaria (+166.1%), Hungary (+155.4%) and Romania (+130.7%). In contrast, the slowest growth was observed in Italy (+17.0%), Greece (+17.3%) and Finland (+22.1%).

Key Figures on European Business provides an overview of business-related developments across the EU and EFTA countries, enabling comparisons between economies and sectors. Readers interested in broader economic and social trends can explore the full range of Key Figures publications.