25/05/2026
You've been saving. You've been planning. Now you're wondering… is now still the right time to build or renovate? 🤔
According to the latest QV data, while the rapid inflation of previous years has eased, new short-term pressures are emerging:
🏗️ Fuel-driven spikes: Rising diesel prices have caused an immediate 7.8% jump in excavation costs, with site preparation and demolition also trending upward.
⏳ Shorter quote validity: Due to this volatility, many builders are narrowing their quote validity periods to 30 days or less, requiring homeowners to be ready to act quickly.
💰 Contingency buffers: Lenders are closely monitoring project feasibility, often requiring a robust contingency buffer of 10% to 20% to account for variations.
The good news? With overall cost growth remaining relatively moderate at 0.4% in March, a well-structured plan can still see a project move forward successfully.
Read more on the blog for our full breakdown of what is driving costs and how to plan your finances smarter.
https://adviser.loanmarket.co.nz/universal/blog/construction-costs-steady-overall-but-fuel-prices-add-pressure/