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Real Estate News What are the 5 cheapest and most expensive materials to build, expand or refurbish: keys to saving - Infobae

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What are the 5 cheapest and most expensive materials to build, expand or refurbish: keys to saving - Infobae
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December 08, 2024

Identifying the most accessible and the most expensive ones allows for the application of strategies that help reduce construction costs.



By Jose Luis Cieri





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Bricks are among the most economical construction products.

Despite the slowdown in the rate of cost increases, building or remodeling a home represents a significant economic challenge. According to data from the Association of Construction SMEs of the Province of Buenos Aires (Apymeco), the price per square meter for construction reached $1.5 million in October , with an annual increase of 145.4 percent.



Prices in pesos grew below inflation, creating opportunities for those seeking to implement projects in this context, but exchange rate stability contributed to an increase in the price of materials in dollars.

Basic products such as cement, which historically cost around USD 6 per bag, are now sold for USD 10.



This distortion, together with the projected recovery of the sector by 2025, is driving an upturn in sales, estimated at 15% more than the previous quarter, according to private surveys.

Below are the 5 cheapest and most expensive materials on the market. In addition, tips are offered to take advantage of offers and optimize expenses in construction, expansion or home renovation projects.



The most economical

According to Pablo Gaytan , from Corralón Ciudadela, the most economical materials include thick products essential for the structure of the works. These include:



  • Sand (1 m3 bag): $30,000.
  • Stone (1 m3 bag): $60,000.
  • Cement (bag): $10,000.
  • Lime (bag): $6,000.
  • Hollow brick 12 : less than $400 per unit.


Alejo Staffieri , from Construyo al Costo, also pointed out that steel products such as iron, nails and structural tubes are among the most affordable on the market, with prices starting at $2,441 for small sizes. “These materials are key in the initial stages of any project and their price stability allows planning the progress of projects without major setbacks.”

The five most expensive materials

On the other hand, finishing materials top the list of the most expensive due to the influence of factors such as the price of energy and fuel. Gaytan highlighted the following:



  • Porcelain : between $5,000 and $30,000 per square meter.
  • Ceramics : from $5,000 per m2.
  • Faucets : between $50,000 and $1 million, depending on quality and design.
  • Sanitary : toilets from $40,000 to more than $1 million.
  • Concrete bricks : with high prices due to their manufacturing process (starting at $2,900 per unit).






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Refurbishing is 145% more expensive than a year ago (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Staffieri stressed that these materials are often the last to be acquired during a construction project, “which can create financial pressure if not planned in advance.”

Recommendations for saving

In a market with constant variations, experts advise planning purchases strategically.

"It is advisable to take advantage of interest-free installment promotions, especially from state banks, or to stock up on key materials during periods such as the payment of Christmas bonuses," Gaytan explained.

Large chains often offer discounts on high-demand products, which can mean a considerable reduction in the total costs of a project.



With the expectation of a more active real estate market in 2025, specialists and buyers consider that the current moment is propitious to advance strategic purchases, provided that the financing conditions, the quality of the materials and the availability of stock are evaluated.


For his part, Staffieri recommended prioritizing the purchase of materials such as bricks, cement and steel products, whose prices remain stable and competitive. “Although sudden changes in prices are not expected, current opportunities represent savings for the future,” he added.

Expectations

The construction materials market is undergoing a period of significant changes, with demand still contracted but with positive signs for the future.

Diego Aguirre , from Construyo al Costo, stated that the accumulated drop in sales in the sector during 2024, close to 30%, is due to lower investment in public works and the loss of purchasing power of the end consumer. “The drop in real wages has a direct impact on demand, although there are signs of recovery driven by private developers and more stable macroeconomic prospects.”





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Activity is expected to pick up in 2025 (Illustrative Image Infobae)

The executive stressed that the current context shows stability in the prices of materials, with average increases of 1.7% per month in the last quarter.

“The cost per square meter in October 2024 reached $1.5 million, which implies an increase of 58% in pesos compared to last December and 30% in blue dollars. This increase, compared to the increase of just 6.6% in the average sales price in CABA, shows the need for greater demand boosted by mortgage credit and money laundering to balance the market,” he explained.

The sector maintains that recent economic measures, such as the easing of imports, are helping to stabilise costs.

“The real estate market is showing signs of recovery, and divisible mortgages for projects represent a key opportunity to boost activity. Expectations for 2025 point to growth that will accompany the reactivation of demand and greater economic stability,” Aguirre concluded.


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