House construction cost Lahore 2026 ranges from Rs. 3,000 to 3,600 per sq ft for grey structure and Rs. 6,500 to 8,500 per sq ft for standard turnkey construction. For common plot sizes in DHA and Bahria Town Lahore (double storey, without basement):
- 5 Marla: Rs. 1.3 to 1.7 crore (standard turnkey)
- 10 Marla: Rs. 2 to 2.55 crore (standard turnkey)
- 1 Kanal: Rs. 3.25 to 4.25 crore (standard turnkey)
These are realistic estimates based on what we see on active projects as PCATP-licensed architects practising in Lahore. All figures are for double storey construction without basement. Rates are based on current material prices in Lahore as of 2026, verified against PEC guidelines. Scroll down for a full breakdown by plot size, finish level, and hidden costs most families overlook.
House Construction Cost Lahore 2026 — By Plot Size
The table below shows estimated construction costs for the most common residential plot sizes in DHA Lahore and Bahria Town Lahore. All figures are for double storey construction without basement.
| Plot Size | Covered Area (2 floors, no basement) | Grey Structure | Standard Turnkey | Premium / Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Marla | ~2,000 sq ft | Rs. 60 to 72 lakh | Rs. 1.3 to 1.7 crore | Rs. 2 crore+ |
| 10 Marla | ~3,000 sq ft | Rs. 90 lakh to 1.1 crore | Rs. 2 to 2.55 crore | Rs. 3 crore+ |
| 1 Kanal | ~5,000 sq ft | Rs. 1.5 to 1.8 crore | Rs. 3.25 to 4.25 crore | Rs. 5 crore+ |
Note: All figures are for double storey construction without basement in DHA Lahore and Bahria Town Lahore. Costs vary based on design complexity, material specifications, and market conditions.
Construction Cost Per Square Foot in Lahore 2026
| Finish Level | Cost Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Grey Structure only | Rs. 3,000 to 3,600 |
| Standard Turnkey (A-category) | Rs. 6,500 to 8,500 |
| Premium / Luxury Finish | Rs. 9,000 to 12,000+ |
| Basement Grey Structure | Rs. 4,000 to 4,600 |
What is Included in Each Finish Level?
Grey Structure
Grey structure is the basic structural shell — foundation, columns, beams, brickwork, roof slab, and plastering. It does not include flooring, tiles, paint, doors, windows, kitchen, or bathrooms. Grey structure for a 1 kanal house in Lahore (double storey, without basement, approximately 5,000 sq ft) typically costs Rs. 1.5 to 1.8 crore in 2026 at Rs. 3,000 to 3,600 per sq ft.
Standard Turnkey Finish
A standard turnkey finish includes all grey structure work plus flooring, tiles, paint, basic kitchen, bathrooms, electrical, plumbing, and doors and windows. This provides a fully functional, ready-to-move-in home with essential finishes. For a 1 kanal house (double storey, without basement), expect Rs. 3.25 to 4.25 crore for a standard turnkey finish in 2026.
Premium / Luxury Finish
A premium finish includes imported tiles and marble, modular kitchen, high-end bathrooms, home automation, feature walls, custom joinery, and high-quality paint finishes. For a 1 kanal luxury house in DHA Lahore (double storey, without basement), costs typically start from Rs. 5 crore and above depending on specifications.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a 1 Kanal House in DHA Lahore? (House Construction Cost Lahore 2026)
A 1 kanal house in DHA Lahore with a standard turnkey finish will cost approximately Rs. 3.25 to 4.25 crore in 2026 (double storey, without basement, approximately 5,000 sq ft covered area). A premium or luxury finish will push this to Rs. 5 crore and above. These figures are for construction only and do not include plot cost, architect fees, or approval fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a 10 Marla House in Lahore?
A 10 marla house in Lahore with a standard turnkey finish will cost approximately Rs. 2 to 2.55 crore in 2026 (double storey, without basement, approximately 3,000 sq ft covered area). With a premium finish, expect Rs. 3 crore and above.
Key Factors That Affect Construction Cost in Lahore
1. Plot Size and Location
Larger plots generally benefit from slightly lower per sq ft costs due to economies of scale. DHA and Bahria Town have slightly higher labour and material costs than older areas like Gulberg or Model Town due to stricter building controls and higher-quality expectations.
2. Number of Storeys
A double-storey house costs more in total than a single-storey due to additional structural requirements. However, building upward is more cost-effective per sq ft than building outward on smaller plots.
3. Basement
Adding a basement significantly increases cost. Basement grey structure in Lahore typically costs Rs. 4,000 to 4,600 per sq ft — higher than above-ground construction due to excavation, dewatering, retaining walls, and waterproofing. All cost estimates in this guide are for construction without basement.
4. Material Quality
Material choices have a major impact on cost. Local tiles versus imported marble, basic sanitary ware versus imported brands, standard paint versus premium finishes, and the type of wood used for doors, windows, wardrobes, and kitchen cabinets — all of these can double or triple the finishing cost of a house.
5. Design Complexity
Double height spaces, curved walls, complex elevations, and non-standard ceiling heights all increase structural cost. A straightforward rectangular design is always more cost-efficient than a complex one.
Grey Structure vs Turnkey: Which Is Better?
Many families consider completing the grey structure first and finishing later to spread costs. While this is financially understandable, it often ends up costing more in the long run due to rework, changing specifications, and the difficulty of retrofitting electrical and plumbing work after walls are built. A properly planned turnkey project from the start is almost always more cost-effective.
Hidden Costs Most Families Forget to Budget For
The construction cost estimates above cover the build itself. These additional costs are real and must be included in your total budget:
- DHA, Bahria Town, or LDA approval and scrutiny fees — mandatory before construction begins
- Utility connections — WAPDA electricity connection, SNGPL gas connection, and WASA water and sewerage connection charges
- Water bore — if water supply is unavailable or unreliable on site
- Main gate and all metalwork — main gate, window grills, stair railing, and any decorative metalwork are not included in grey structure
- Generator or solar system — both to manage load shedding and to reduce long-term electricity running costs
- Site levelling and earth filling — if your plot is uneven or below road level
- Temporary site facilities — site office, store, and sanitation during construction
- Architect and design fees — charged separately based on scope of work (architecture only, interior design, or full design and build). Discuss fee structure with your architect before signing any agreement.
Tips to Control House Construction Cost Lahore 2026
- Finalise your design completely before starting — every change during construction adds cost and time
- Get at least three contractor quotes and check references before appointing anyone
- Agree on a detailed bill of quantities (BOQ) before work starts so there are no hidden costs later
- Hire a qualified architect from the start — design errors are far more expensive to fix during construction than to get right at the design stage
- Supervise the project regularly or appoint a dedicated site supervisor
Frequently Asked Questions — House Construction Cost Lahore 2026
What is the grey structure cost per sq ft in Lahore in 2026?
Grey structure in Lahore costs Rs. 3,000 to 3,600 per sq ft for DHA and Bahria Town A-category construction. This covers foundation, structure, brickwork, roof slab, and plastering — but not finishing.
Is grey structure cheaper than turnkey?
Grey structure has a lower upfront cost, but completing finishing separately later often costs more overall due to rework, material price inflation, and inefficiencies. A planned turnkey project is almost always more cost-effective.
How much does a basement add to construction cost?
Basement grey structure costs Rs. 4,000 to 4,600 per sq ft — significantly more than above-ground construction due to excavation, waterproofing, dewatering, and retaining wall requirements. It also adds 2 to 3 months to the construction timeline.
How long does it take to build a house in Lahore?
A typical double-storey house takes 12 to 18 months from construction start to handover — approximately 4 to 6 months for grey structure and 4 to 6 months for finishing, with some overlap.
Do these costs include architect fees?
No. Architect and design fees are charged separately based on the scope of work — whether that is architecture only, interior design, or a full design and build engagement. Discuss fee structure with your architect before signing any agreement.
Are these rates for DHA Lahore only?
These estimates are most accurate for DHA Lahore and Bahria Town Lahore, where building controls and quality expectations are higher. Costs in other areas of Lahore such as Gulberg, Model Town, and Johar Town may be somewhat lower.
Build Your House With QualityGhar
QualityGhar is a Lahore-based residential design and build studio offering architecture, interior design, and construction led by licensed architects. We have active projects across DHA and Bahria Town Lahore. If you are planning to build a house in Lahore and want honest advice on cost, design, and process, get in touch with us for a free consultation.
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