SANTO DOMINGO – Although the Direct Housing Construction Cost Index (ICDV) showed a slight negative variation of -0.04% during May 2025, the group of tools stood out with a significant increase of 4.08% , becoming the main driver of the increases recorded in the aforementioned month, according to the National Statistics Office (ONE).
The report, which covers the metropolitan region and measures the direct costs of building single-family and multi-family homes, revealed that the overall index fell from 236.26 in April to 236.16 points in May, reflecting apparent stability. However, when analyzed by cost groups, a mixed trend is evident, with tools experiencing the greatest upward pressure.
Among the subgroups that contributed most to this increase were PVC pipes and fittings , with a rise of 2.66% , and natural stone and marble , which increased by 2.45% . A slight increase was also observed in plumbing and sanitary equipment and fixtures , at 0.32%.
In contrast, other cost groups showed reductions, such as machinery (-0.93%) and subcontracts (-0.19%) . Labor , on the other hand, showed no change during the month, remaining at 0.00%.
By housing type, the highest ICDV was reported in single-family homes with one level , with an index of 241.76 points, while multi-family homes with eight levels or more registered the lowest value, with 231.73 points.
Despite the slight monthly decrease, the index maintains an accumulated variation of 3.72% so far this year and a year-on-year increase of 5.32% , reflecting a sustained increase in the cost of building homes compared to May 2024.
