The construction industry is flat out building houses, as costs continue to rise

The Cordell Construction Cost Index shows a 1.6 percent increase in the three months to September - almost twice the usual increase.

Soaring demand for housing, and supply chain disruptions have led to the swell in the costs for land and materials.

Construction Management Consultant Mike Blackburn says suppliers have been kept on their toes.

He says some suppliers have increased their costs three times this year.