The National Index of Civil Construction (Sinapi), calculated by IBGE, changed by 0.82% in March, being 0.02 percentage points below the February rate (0.84%). The result of the last twelve months stayed at 0.79%, above the rate of 0.52% recorded in the previous twelve months. In July 2015, the index was 0,23%.

The complete publication of the survey can be accessed here.

The national cost of construction, by square meter, which ended February at R$ 976.82, changed to R$ 984.81, being R$ 525.38 relative to material and R$ 459.43 to workforce.

Materials recorded a change of 0.35%, being 0.69 percentage points below the February rate (1.04%). The share relative to labor force registered a change of 1.35%, that is, 0.75 percentage points above the result of the previous month (0.60%).

The cumulative indexes in the first quarter of the year were 1.80% (materials) and 2.69% (labor force), whereas the cumulative indexes in 12 months were 5.05% (materials) and 9.70% (labor force).

South region records the highest monthly change

The Southeast region, with a hike 1.62% recorded the biggest regional change in March. The other regions registered the following figures: 0.30% (North), 0.14% (Northeast), 0.68% (South) and 0.26% (Central-West).

Regional costs, by square meter, were: R$ 1,009.38 (North); R$ 912.41 (Northeast); R$ 1,026.97 (Southeast); R$ 1,018.20 (South) and R$ 988.63 (Central-West).

Minas Gerais records biggest increase

Due to the pressure exerted by salary rise resulting from collective agreement, Minas Gerais, among the states, recorded the highest monthly change: 5.38%, followed by the state of Roraima (2.17%), also affected by salary adjustment.