Quick answer: Punjab's Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme offers an interest-free loan of up to Rs 15 lakh to eligible families who own a small plot. At October 2026 rates, Rs 15 lakh covers roughly the grey structure of a 500 to 550 sq ft single-storey house, or a basic complete house of about 250 to 300 sq ft. Most families combine the loan with their own savings, build in phases, and use a compact design with a strong foundation that allows a second floor later.
Scheme terms, eligibility and instalment schedules are set by the Punjab government and can change. Always confirm details on the official portal, acag.punjab.gov.pk.
Latest Scheme News (October 2026)
- The Punjab Cabinet reportedly approved Rs 60 billion on 19 October 2026 for about 40,000 more loans through the Bank of Punjab.
- Some applicants approved in the first half of 2026 reported delays in receiving their first instalment. Plan your contractor and material purchases around actual release dates, not expected ones.
- A separate roof repair option, reported as Mehfooz Chhat, has been mentioned for families repairing existing roofs.
Commonly Cited Eligibility
- Resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC
- Owns a plot, commonly up to 5 marla in urban areas and up to 10 marla in rural areas
- Does not already own a house
- No loan default history
- Income within the scheme's limit
What Rs 15 Lakh Builds at 2026 Rates
| Option | Covered area | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Grey structure, single storey | 500 - 550 sq ft | Rs 14 - 16 lakh |
| Basic complete house (economy finish) | 250 - 300 sq ft | Rs 13 - 16 lakh |
| 3 marla single storey, complete | about 600 sq ft | Rs 30 - 36 lakh |
| 5 marla single storey, complete | about 1,000 sq ft | Rs 50 - 60 lakh |
These figures use grey structure rates of about Rs 2,800 per sq ft and economy complete rates of about Rs 5,000 - 6,000 per sq ft in Punjab cities. Rural sites with lower labour costs can come in lower. For detailed rates, see our construction cost per sq ft guide.
A Practical Phased Plan
| Phase | Work | Funded by |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Foundation and plinth | Excavation, foundation, DPC, plinth, termite treatment | First loan instalment |
| 2. Walls and roof | Brick masonry, columns, lintels, roof slab | Later instalments |
| 3. Services | Electrical conduit, plumbing, sewerage, plaster | Instalments and savings |
| 4. Basic finishing | Floor, doors, windows, one bathroom, kitchen platform | Savings |
| 5. Later upgrades | Tiles, paint, second floor | Future savings |
Loan instalments are reported to be released as construction progresses, with each stage verified before the next payment. Keep photos, receipts and a simple progress record for each stage.
Design Tips to Stretch the Budget
- Keep the plan simple: A rectangular plan with straight walls uses less material and labour than a complicated shape.
- Design for a future floor: Ask an engineer to design the foundation and columns for two storeys now. It costs a little more today but saves demolishing later.
- Stack wet areas: Put the kitchen and bathroom next to each other to shorten pipes and sewer lines.
- Do not cut corners on structure: Save on finishes, never on foundations, steel or concrete. Weak structures crack and leak. See cracks and seepage prevention.
- Use the right materials: Good first-class bricks and the right cement for each element. See types of bricks and what grey structure includes.
- Raise the plinth if your area floods: See our flood-resilient construction guide.
Material Quantities for a 500 sq ft Grey Structure
- Cement: about 200 - 250 bags
- Steel: about 0.8 - 1.1 tons
- Bricks: about 11,000 - 13,000
Check your own numbers with our brick calculator and cement quantity guide.
Planet Builders offers grey structure and structural consultancy services for small homes, including designs that allow a second storey later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much loan is given under Apni Chhat Apna Ghar?
Up to Rs 15 lakh, interest-free, for eligible families who own a plot in Punjab. Confirm current terms on acag.punjab.gov.pk.
Can I build a complete house with Rs 15 lakh?
Only a very small one. At 2026 rates, Rs 15 lakh covers the grey structure of about 500 to 550 sq ft, or a basic complete house of about 250 to 300 sq ft. Most families add savings and build in phases.
Is the loan given in one payment?
No. It is reported to be released in instalments as construction progresses, with each stage verified. Check the latest schedule on the official portal.
Can I add a second floor later?
Yes, if the foundation and columns are designed for it from the start. Ask a structural engineer to design for two storeys before you build.
Need a cost-effective design and build plan for your Apni Chhat Apna Ghar house? Contact Planet Builders & Interiors.