U.S. construction costs expected to rise 14% year over year by close of 2022

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) is forecasting a 14.1% year-on-year increase in U.S. construction costs by the close of 2022.

It is the largest jump since CBRE began making cost projections in 2007. The firm cited financial pressures such as inflation, labor shortages, supply chain challenges, Covid-19, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as causes for the sharp rise.

CBRE predicts relief next year, with cost inflation falling to 4.3% and further moderation to 2.9% in 2024. Although the firm sees inflation and supply chain problems receding over the next two years, it foresees that delays in material deliveries, labor scarcity, and semiconductor shortages will endure.

The firm’s forecast notes that demand for new projects remains strong despite cost pressures.