Executive summary:

Tender price index

The decline in tender prices continued in the fourth quarter but decelerated, falling 1% on the third quarter. This leaves prices 17% below their peak 18 months ago.

Building cost index

The building cost index rose 1% in the fourth quarter as materials prices resumed an upward trend. The index still shows a fall of 0.3% over the year.

Retail prices index

The retail prices index has been on an ascending trend since April last year and increased 3.8% between January and December 2009. This will rise further in January 2010 with the reimposition of 17.5% VAT.