Approximately 15,000 rent quotes and 45,000 other quotes are collected each month at approximately 7,000 outlets. Most other collection is done by personal visits using hand-held computers. A few prices are collected centrally or by telephone. A fairly narrow quality range may be specified. In some cases specific models are identified.
Weighting is used to combine micro-indexes.
New weights are used between link month and the subsequent month. The old and new series are chained together. Hedonic techniques are used for computer equipment and are being investigated for clothing and other products. The new item must meet the specification, and should be similar to the item previously priced. Components are mortgage interest cost, replacement cost, property taxes, homeowners' insurance, homeowners' maintenance and repairs, and other owned accommodation expenses.