Building a house in Pakistan is one of the biggest financial decisions for any family. Whether you are constructing your first home or planning a long-term investment property, understanding the real cost of home construction is essential. Many people begin with a rough estimate, but the actual cost depends on several factors—such as land size, design style, materials used, finishing level, and the reputation of the contractor.
In this detailed article, we break down how much it truly costs to build a house in Pakistan, what factors influence the price, and how you can stay within your budget while maintaining quality.
1. Factors That Influence the Cost of House Construction
Before jumping to numbers, it is important to understand the variables that affect the total budget:
a. Construction Type
There are usually three construction categories in Pakistan:
Grey Structure Construction
Finishing Construction
Complete Turnkey Construction
Grey structure is the skeleton of the house, professional construction companies while finishing includes tiles, paint, doors, kitchen, bathroom accessories, electrical fittings, AC piping, and exterior work.
b. Material Quality
Material choices—such as bricks, steel, cement, tiles, electrical accessories, woodwork—greatly impact cost. Higher quality materials increase durability but also increase the budget.
c. Floor Count & Covered Area
The number of floors and total covered area drastically influence costs. More floors mean more steel, more cement, more electrical wiring, and higher finishing expenses.
d. Location
Construction cost varies in:
Lahore
Islamabad
Karachi
Faisalabad
Multan
Labour and material rates in metropolitan cities are usually higher.
e. Design Complexity
A simple house design costs less. A contemporary design with:
Large windows
Fancy facades
Premium woodwork
Imported tiles
—will cost significantly more.
2. Average Construction Cost per Square Foot in Pakistan (2025 Estimates)
Below are realistic market numbers used by professional construction companies:
Grey Structure Cost
PKR 3,000 – 3,600 per sq. ft.
Finishing Cost
PKR 2,500 – 4,000 per sq. ft.
Complete House Construction (Turnkey)
PKR 5,500 – 7,500 per sq. ft.
(Depending on basic, standard, or premium finishes)
These estimates cover labour, materials, plumbing, electrical work, paint, woodwork, tiles, wardrobes, kitchen installation, and more.
3. Cost Breakdown for 5 Marla, 10 Marla & 1 Kanal Houses
Here is a practical breakdown of the most commonly built home sizes in Pakistan:
A. Cost to Build a 5 Marla House (Approx. 1,900–2,000 sq. ft.)
Grey Structure
PKR 6.0 – 7.0 million
Finishing
PKR 6.5 – 9.0 million
Total Construction Cost
PKR 12.5 – 16.0 million
This includes standard finishes such as local tiles, wooden doors, UPVC windows, branded electric fittings, and a stylish modern kitchen.
B. Cost to Build a 10 Marla House (Approx. 3,200–3,500 sq. ft.)
Grey Structure
PKR 11 – 13 million
Finishing
PKR 12 – 18 million
Total Construction Cost
PKR 23 – 31 million
This range varies depending on whether you choose basic, premium, or luxury finishing options.
C. Cost to Build a 1 Kanal House (Approx. 5,500–6,000 sq. ft.)
Grey Structure
PKR 18 – 22 million
Finishing
PKR 20 – 32 million
Total Construction Cost
PKR 38 – 54 million
A 1 Kanal house typically includes premium kitchens, imported tiles, high-end sanitary fittings, and elaborate exterior elevation work.
4. Hidden Costs People Often Forget
When planning your house construction, consider the following additional expenses:
a. Architectural & Structural Design Fees
PKR 100,000 – 300,000
(Depending on the quality of drawings and 3D design)
b. Government Charges
Map approval fee
Utility meters
Society NOCs
c. Boundary Wall & Exterior Development
Landscaping
Main gate
Driveway tiles
These can add PKR 300,000 to 800,000 depending on design.
d. Furniture & Interior Decor
Not included in construction cost—yet essential for a finished home.
5. How to Reduce Construction Cost Without Compromising Quality
1. Choose Smart Materials
Use durable yet affordable options:
UPVC windows
Local marble
Branded local tiles
2. Avoid Over-Designing
Unnecessary curves, glass work, and custom fabrications increase cost.
3. Hire a Professional Contractor
Professionals help you:
Control material wastage
Stay within budget
Ensure quality
Deliver on time
A trusted construction company can save you 10–15% on total cost.
4. Set a Realistic Budget
Always add 10% emergency buffer for unexpected expenses.
6. Final Thoughts: What Should You Expect?
Building a house in Pakistan is a major milestone, and knowing the real construction cost helps you make informed decisions. Whether you’re constructing a 5 Marla, 10 Marla, or 1 Kanal home, costs vary depending on materials, design, finishing quality, and contractor expertise.
If you choose a reputable construction company, you can expect:
Transparent costing
Quality materials
Timely delivery
Long-lasting construction
By planning wisely and choosing the right contractor, you can build your dream home within your budget—without sacrificing durability or aesthetics.
