Construction costs for new housing rose 4.0% in 2025 versus 2024, accelerating from a 3.4% increase the prior year, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The rise was driven chiefly by a 7.7% increase in labour costs — the largest component — although that labour increase actually eased compared with 2024. The data point suggests mounting pressure on housing affordability and margins for developers, with labour market dynamics continuing to be the main cost-side risk for the sector.