Building costs nearly 50% more | Construir cuesta casi 50% más

By Marco Antonio Belmonte, Vision 360:

Building a single-family home in Bolivia today costs 46.8% more than in 2023

In the case of residential buildings, the Housing Construction Cost Index (ICC) increased by 51.49%. These figures reflect the persistent impact of rising costs of materials, labor, and services associated with construction.

Obreros impulsan el levantamiento de una edificación en La Paz. Foto: ABI

Workers are building a structure in La Paz. Photo:ABI

Between December 2023 and September 2025, the cost of constructing a single-family home rose by 46.8%, while that of residential buildings increased by 51.49%, according to the Housing Construction Cost Index (ICC).

This index, developed by the Bolivian Chamber of Real Estate Developers (CBDI), serves as a technical tool for analysis, forecasting, and investment management in Bolivia’s formal real estate sector.

The ICC, based on the CAC index methodology from Argentina and adapted to Bolivian construction and market conditions, allows for transparent measurement of the evolution of direct construction costs.

It provides developers, investors, financial institutions, and buyers with reliable and up-to-date information for decision-making.

These figures reflect the ongoing impact of increases in material, labor, and service costs related to construction, within an economic context marked by exchange rate volatility, inflationary pressure, and adjustments in the supply chain.

“Having a reliable and transparent index like the ICC is key to strengthening formality, protecting investments, and building confidence among developers, financial entities, and end buyers,” said Óscar Paz Gutiérrez, president of the CBDI.

In September, the ICC-CBDI index for single-family home construction reached 146.8 points—46.8% higher than the baseline index of 100 recorded in December 2023.

For residential buildings, the index rose from 100 in December 2023 to 151.4 in September this year, an increase of 51.49%.

Relevance of the ICC

With this tool, a technical reference parameter is provided to facilitate:

  • Price adjustments and contractual clauses based on a specialized source.
  • Risk assessments and investment scenario evaluations.
  • Coordination of guarantees and metrics for banking and credit entities.
  • Transparency in relationships between developers, buyers, and public institutions.

The Construction ICC of the Bolivian Chamber of Real Estate Developers serves as a tool of stability and confidence amid potential inflationary effects in the market.

The ICC methodology is based on three quotes from formal suppliers/companies for each construction component—from materials to labor and equipment—averaging the three to ensure accuracy and prevent deviations that could harm consumers and investors.

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