Development

Construction Inflation

Project build cost inflation between appraisal and completion.

Beginner

Introduction

Who this is for: Developers appraising schemes that will start on site months after pricing.

Why it matters: Build costs are rarely fixed at appraisal. A scheme priced today but starting in a year, running 18 months, faces inflation across the whole period — and mid-point inflation is the right measure, not end-point.

Typical scenario: A scheme priced now, starting in 9 months, with an 18-month build.

Common mistakes:
  • Appraising at today’s costs for a scheme starting in 12 months.
  • Applying inflation to the end date rather than the mid-point of the build.
  • Assuming a fixed-price contract removes the risk — it prices the risk in instead.

Inputs

Scheme

£

months

months

%

Analysis

At 4% annual build inflation, a £3,000,000 scheme starting in 9 months with an 18-month programme should be appraised at £3,181,788 — the cost at the build mid-point, 18 months out. That is £181,788 of inflation to carry.

This analysis provides context, not financial advice. Consult a qualified adviser before making investment decisions.

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Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity

Adjust the variables below to stress-test this scenario. Results update instantly.

£3,000,000
£0£6,000,000
4%
-1025

Export

Live Results

Inflated Build Cost

£3,181,788

Inflation Allowance

£181,788

Total Inflation

6.06%

Months to Build Mid-Point

18.00x

Cost at Start on Site£3,089,557
Cost at Completion (worst case)£3,276,772