Steel, stones, insulating materials - the prices for building materials are rising so much that, according to industry information, fewer people want to build.
According to the Federal Construction Industry Association, new construction is losing momentum.
"The client's investment budgets for measures in residential construction, commercial construction and infrastructure are simply no longer sufficient," explained Chairman Marcus Nachbauer at an event.
Adjusted for prices, the industry is therefore expecting a drop in sales of one to two percent this year.
"Overall, construction activity and sales remain at a high level," Nachbauer said.
In the coming year, new construction activity will decrease because orders are already declining.
The loss of sales in the new building could probably not be fully compensated for by refurbishment.
At best, the association expects a constant sales level in real terms.
The price of wood has also been a major topic in the construction industry for months.
In the Corona crisis, many consumers suddenly discovered DIY and thus drove prices up significantly.