That's according to Director General of the Construction Industry Federation, Offaly's Tom Parlon.
Construction costs of bricks, morter and labour account for less than half the price of building a house.
That's according to Director General of the Construction Industry Federation, Offaly's Tom Parlon, who says soft costs such as VAT, levies and professional fees make up the majority of the expense.
A report from Remax auctioneers shows buyers could save an average of €28,000 if the government reduced VAT to just 5% on new housing.
The Coolderry man says these costs are driving the lack of supply to the market:
Outdoor Event Space Will Boost Laois' Night Time Economy - Fine Gael
Good Things Happen When You Get A Group Of Committed People - Castlepollard Local Development
60km Memorial Walk Starting In Westmeath This Weekend
Car Parking Costs Add Unnecessary Stress To Cancer Treatment Patients - LARCC
Laois Gardaí Investigating Stolen Car
Thousands Of Westmeath Homes Told Not To Consume Tap Water
Under-Utilised Facility Could Get New Education And Training Centre
Most Of The Country Lives Within 300 Metres Of A Licenced Premises
HSE Funding Insufficient For Midlands Population Growth - Sinn Féin
"A Wonderful Husband, Father And Friend" - Mark Walsh Remembered At His Funeral
Rock Legends 'The Cult' To Headline Forest Fest
"A Huge Relief" Parent Reacts To Return Of Nurse To MRHM
Motorist In Westmeath Clocked Speeding On National Slow Down Day
Midlands Student Among Winners At Prestigious Trad Music Awards
Midlands Man Who Died In Workplace Incident To Be Laid To Rest Today
'Exceptional' Nurse To Return To MRHM Paediatric Diabetes Service
Children's Health Ireland Disputing Stats On Cancellations
Support The Bees For 'No Mow May' - Offaly County Council
10 Year Masterplan For Derryounce Lakes and Trails Nearly Set