The National Index of Civil Construction (Sinapi), estimated by IBGE in partnership with CAIXA, recorded a change of 1.26% in May, down 0.76 percentage points in relation to April (0.50%). Considering the January-May period, the result was 2.40%.  In the last twelve months, the rate was 5.51%, below the 5.30% registered in the previous 12 months. In May 2014, the index was 1.06%. The complete publication is available at http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/indicadores/precos/sinapi/default.shtm.

The national cost of construction, by square meter, which closed April at R$ 923.58 ,changed to R$ 935.20 in May, being R$ 505.02 relative to material and R$ 430.18 to workforce.

Materials recorded change of 0.54%, having increased 0.11 percentage points over the previous month (0.43%). Workforce recorded change of 2.12% and was 1.53 percentage points above the April result. Cumulative indexes in the year are 1.55% (materials) and 3.42% (workforce), and in 12 months , 3.53% (materials) and 7.89% (workforce).

South Region records biggest change in May

With a change of 2.78%, the South Region recorded the biggest increase in May. The other results were: 0.33% (North); 0.16% (Northeast); 0.48% (South) and 0.26% (Central West).

Regional costs, by square meter, were: R$ 937.10 (North); R$ 868.48 (Northeast); R$ 986.87 (Southeast); R$ 945.35 (South) and R$ 934.22 (Central West).

São Paulo State recorded the biggest change in the month

Due to the pressure exerted by salary rises resulting from a collective agreement, São Paulo, among the states, recorded the biggest monthly change: 3.79%. Rio de Janeiro came in second place, with 3.63%, and then Rondônia, with 3.60%, both also affected by salary rises.