Survey on Public Facility Development Amid Rising Construction Costs: JRI Urges Fundamental Review
The Japan Research Institute, Limited (JRI) surveyed municipalities on the impact of soaring construction costs. Results reveal that approx. 90% have experienced 'failed bids,' highlighting a severe gap between budgets and market prices. JRI recommends planning based on sustained high costs and expanded use of PPP/PFI.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 27, 2026 at 10:00 (187h 28m after Collected)
The Japan Research Institute, Limited (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Jun Uchikawa) conducted a survey among 557 basic municipalities in Japan with populations over 50,000 (excluding special wards) regarding 'Public Facility Development in an Era of Soaring Construction Costs' from January 30 to February 20, 2026. The survey aimed to understand the impact of rapid construction cost increases on municipal infrastructure maintenance and to recommend sustainable development strategies.
According to the findings, 154 out of 155 responding organizations recognized that 'construction costs are soaring,' with approximately 80% feeling the impact strongly within the last five years. The impact on bidding processes is particularly severe: about 90% of municipalities experienced 'failed bids' (no successful bidder) for public facility development or repairs over the past three years. The most common reason cited (by over 70%) was that 'the estimated price was too low to match market rates,' highlighting a disconnect between municipal budgeting and market reality.
In response, about 70% of municipalities are considering or implementing downsizing or postponement of projects, affecting the delivery of public services. Based on these results, JRI recommends a fundamental shift in public facility management. This includes creating realistic plans predicated on costs remaining high, reducing total floor area through facility consolidation, setting appropriate estimated prices through public-private dialogue, and accelerating the use of private sector expertise such as PFI.
[Survey Overview]
- Target: 557 basic municipalities in Japan with population > 50,000 (excl. special wards)
- Respondents: 155 (Response rate: 27.8%)
- Period: January 30 – February 20, 2026
According to the findings, 154 out of 155 responding organizations recognized that 'construction costs are soaring,' with approximately 80% feeling the impact strongly within the last five years. The impact on bidding processes is particularly severe: about 90% of municipalities experienced 'failed bids' (no successful bidder) for public facility development or repairs over the past three years. The most common reason cited (by over 70%) was that 'the estimated price was too low to match market rates,' highlighting a disconnect between municipal budgeting and market reality.
In response, about 70% of municipalities are considering or implementing downsizing or postponement of projects, affecting the delivery of public services. Based on these results, JRI recommends a fundamental shift in public facility management. This includes creating realistic plans predicated on costs remaining high, reducing total floor area through facility consolidation, setting appropriate estimated prices through public-private dialogue, and accelerating the use of private sector expertise such as PFI.
[Survey Overview]
- Target: 557 basic municipalities in Japan with population > 50,000 (excl. special wards)
- Respondents: 155 (Response rate: 27.8%)
- Period: January 30 – February 20, 2026
FAQ
自治体は現在の建設工事費をどのように認識していますか？
回答した155団体のうち154団体（ほぼ全て）が「高騰している」と回答しており、極めて深刻な課題として捉えられています。
入札不落（不調）の発生状況はどうなっていますか？
過去3年間で、公共施設の整備や修繕において入札不落を経験した自治体は約9割に達しています。
入札が成立しない主な理由は何ですか？
「予定価格が低すぎて価格が合わない」という理由が7割を超えており、予算と実勢価格の乖離が主な要因です。
工事費高騰に対し、自治体はどのような対応を検討していますか？
約7割の自治体が「施設の規模縮小」や「事業時期の見直し」を検討・実施しています。
日本総研はどのような提言を行っていますか？
工事費の高止まりを前提とした現実的な計画策定や、施設の集約化、PFI（官民連携）の活用など、公共施設管理の抜本的見直しを求めています。