Dry construction costs surpass traditional methods in Argentina amid rising prices

Construction costs in Argentina continue their upward trajectory, with a 1.6% increase in May alone, bringing the total rise to 138% since October 2023. Building today costs 3.5 times more than in October 2020, and 50% above the 2012-2025 average, according to Leandro Molina, director of Zonaprop.

In this challenging economic climate, questions arise about the cost-effectiveness of different construction methods. Dry construction, which avoids water and wet mixes by using interlocking, nailed, or screwed components, offers faster building times. Federico Azzollini, managing partner at Icon+, highlights its additional advantages.

Despite its efficiency, the cost of dry construction is currently outpacing traditional masonry. In June 2026, the cost per square meter for galvanized steel structures rose 4% to approximately $2,300,000-$2,400,000 (around US$1,615 at the official exchange rate). This is significantly higher than the traditional construction cost of about US$1,435 + VAT. Experts attribute the recent sharp increase in dry construction costs to seasonal factors and high demand for industrialized housing.