The index is expected to perform more stably in 2026, although pressures persist in key materials such as PVC, fuels, and electrical components, according to ICDV bulletins
SANTO DOMINGO.– The cost structure of housing construction in the Dominican Republic has shown relevant transformations between 2025 and 2026. Although the Direct Housing Construction Cost Index (ICDV) continues to reflect increases in both periods, the comparative analysis reveals a change in the factors driving these variations.
According to the National Statistics Office (ONE), the first months of 2025 were marked by significant increases in labor costs, while in 2026 the behavior of the index has been more stable, with pressures concentrated mainly on specific materials such as PVC, fuels and electrical components.
According to statistical reports, this change does not imply a general reduction in costs, but a reconfiguration of the elements that affect the behavior of the index.
Two years with different dynamics
According to ICDV bulletins, January 2025 began with a monthly variation of 3.68%, one of the highest in the analyzed period. This performance was directly associated with increases in labor costs, which had a widespread impact on the sector.
In contrast, during the first months of 2026 the index showed a more moderate evolution, with variations ranging between 0.16% and 0.67%, reflecting a greater relative stability in the overall behavior of costs.
The breakdown of the bulletins shows that the pressures have not disappeared, but have concentrated on specific inputs of the construction process.
Monthly evolution of the ICDV
| Month | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| January | +3.68% | +0.53% |
| February | -0.22% | +0.16% |
| March | +0.52% | +0.32% |
| April | -0.22% | +0.67% |
| May | -0.04% | +0.19% |
In 2025 the pressure came from wages
According to the January 2025 bulletin, labor costs increased by 7.14%, becoming the main pressure factor.
The report broke down simultaneous increases in various essential construction activities, including masonry, painting, carpentry, excavation, day laborers, and plumbing installations.
According to the data, this type of increase usually has a broader effect than that of individual materials, since it influences multiple construction processes at the same time.
Major labor market increases in January 2025
| Activity | Variation |
|---|---|
| Masonry | +7.14% |
| Paint | +7.14% |
| Carpentry | +7.14% |
| Excavation | +7.14% |
| Day laborers | +7.14% |
| Plumbing and sanitary installation | +7.14% |
| Steels | +7.14% |
In 2026 the index shows greater stability, but with focused pressures
Unlike what was observed in 2025, the 2026 reports reflect a more stable behavior of the ICDV, suggesting less volatility in the short term.
However, according to ONE reports, this stability does not imply an absence of increases, but rather a concentration of pressures on specific materials related to technical installations and energy supply.
Materials with the biggest price increases in 2026
| Input | Variation |
|---|---|
| PVC pipes and fittings (April) | +7.14% |
| PVC pipes and fittings (May) | +9.51% |
| Electrical wires (February) | +6.04% |
| Electrical wires (January) | +4.56% |
| Steels (April) | +3.46% |
| Electrical accessories (May) | +2.24% |
PVC went from registering declines to leading the increases
One of the most significant changes between the two years is observed in the behavior of PVC pipes and fittings.
According to the ONE, this input registered a drop of -2.99% in February 2025, followed by an increase of 3.81% in March of the same year.
However, in 2026 the behavior changed significantly, with increases of 7.14% in April and 9.51% in May, becoming one of the main drivers of the index.
Evolution of PVC
| Month | Variation |
|---|---|
| February 2025 | -2.99% |
| March 2025 | +3.81% |
| April 2026 | +7.14% |
| May 2026 | +9.51% |
Fuels and electrical materials will gain importance in 2026
Another relevant element identified in the ICDV bulletins is the behavior of fuels during 2026.
According to the data, this component registered consecutive increases in March (+2.70%), April (+5.38%) and May (+3.49%), which shows sustained pressure in this area.
Although fuels are not a direct part of the housing, their impact extends to the entire construction chain, including transportation and machinery operation.
Fuel price variation in 2026
| Month | Variation |
|---|---|
| March | +2.70% |
| April | +5.38% |
| May | +3.49% |
.
What drove costs in each year?
| 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Labour | PVC |
| Masonry | Fuels |
| Paint | Electric wires |
| Carpentry | Electrical accessories |
| Day laborers | Steels |
In general terms, the behavior of the ICDV in 2026 shows greater stability compared to 2025.
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