Quick answer: As of October 2026, house construction in Lahore typically costs PKR 2,800 to 3,800 per sq ft for grey structure (material plus labour), PKR 2,800 to 6,500+ per sq ft for finishing, and PKR 5,800 to 10,000+ per sq ft for a complete turnkey house. Where your project lands in these ranges depends on the specification, design complexity, basement, location and how well the job is managed.
These are planning figures for budgeting, not a quotation. Cement, steel and brick prices move every few weeks, so any reliable estimate must be prepared against your approved drawings and an itemized bill of quantities (BOQ).
Lahore Construction Rates per Sq Ft (October 2026)
| Scope | Standard | Premium | High-end / Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey structure (material + labour) | PKR 2,800 - 3,100 | PKR 3,100 - 3,400 | PKR 3,400 - 3,800 |
| Finishing (material + labour) | PKR 2,800 - 3,500 | PKR 3,500 - 4,800 | PKR 5,000 - 6,500+ |
| Complete turnkey house | PKR 5,800 - 6,800 | PKR 6,800 - 8,200 | PKR 8,500 - 10,000+ |
| Basement grey structure | PKR 4,000 - 4,800 (excavation, retaining walls, waterproofing) | ||
| Labour-only grey structure | PKR 600 - 850 (client supplies all materials) | ||
Rates are per square foot of covered area, not plot area. A 10 marla plot with a double-storey house typically has 3,200 to 3,600 sq ft of covered area, so always multiply by the covered area shown on your drawings.
What Is Included in Each Stage?
Grey structure
The grey structure is the shell of the house: excavation, foundations, DPC, RCC columns, beams and slabs, brick masonry, plaster, conduit and pipe chasing, sewerage lines and tanks. Our detailed grey structure inclusions checklist explains each item.
Finishing
Finishing turns the shell into a liveable home: flooring, tiles, paint, doors, windows, kitchen, wardrobes, sanitary fittings, electrical fittings, false ceilings and exterior elevation work. Finishing usually takes 50 to 60 percent of the total budget because material choices vary so widely. See our full guide to finishing cost per sq ft.
Turnkey
A turnkey contract combines both stages under one builder, from design coordination to handover, so the homeowner deals with a single responsible party.
Worked Examples by House Size
| House | Typical covered area | Grey structure | Complete (standard to premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 marla, double storey | about 2,000 sq ft | PKR 56 - 72 lakh | PKR 1.16 - 1.64 crore |
| 10 marla, double storey | about 3,400 sq ft | PKR 95 lakh - 1.22 crore | PKR 1.97 - 2.79 crore |
| 1 kanal, double storey (no basement) | about 6,000 sq ft | PKR 1.68 - 2.16 crore | PKR 3.48 - 4.92 crore |
For detailed breakdowns, read our guides to 5 marla, 10 marla and 1 kanal construction costs.
Current Material Prices That Drive the Rate
Materials make up roughly 65 to 75 percent of grey-structure cost. Approximate Lahore market ranges in late 2026:
- Cement: about PKR 1,400 - 1,550 per 50 kg bag, depending on brand. See our cement brand comparison.
- Steel (sarya): about PKR 240 - 275 per kg for Grade 60 deformed bars. See Grade 40 vs Grade 60 steel.
- Bricks: about PKR 18,000 - 25,000 per 1,000 for awal (first-class) bricks, delivered. See types of bricks in Pakistan.
- Sand and crush: priced per truck or per cubic foot; Chenab sand and Margalla crush cost more than Ravi sand and Sargodha crush.
Always check prices on the day of purchase. A 10 percent swing in steel can change a 10 marla grey-structure budget by several lakh rupees.
8 Factors That Change Your Cost per Sq Ft
- Specification level: Cement brand, sand and crush source, concrete ratios and pipe brands. Compare our A, A+ and A++ specifications.
- Structural design: Long spans, cantilevers, double-height spaces and heavy elevations need more steel and concrete.
- Basement: Adds excavation, retaining walls, dewatering and waterproofing. Read our basement cost guide.
- Soil conditions: Weak or filled soil may need deeper or wider foundations.
- Location and society: Access, working-hour rules and society charges vary between DHA, Bahria Town and LDA areas.
- Finishing choices: Imported tiles, solid wood, aluminium windows and premium sanitary ware can double finishing cost.
- Contract type: Labour-only contracts look cheaper but move material risk to you. Compare labour rate vs with-material contracts.
- Project management: Delays, rework and wastage quietly add 5 to 15 percent to poorly managed projects.
Hidden Costs Many Budgets Miss
- Architectural and structural drawings, 3D elevation and approval fees
- Society or authority charges, utility connection fees and water/electricity during construction
- Soil testing, termite proofing and roof waterproofing
- Boundary wall, gate, landscaping and driveway
- Kitchen appliances, air conditioners, solar system and furniture
- A contingency of 7 to 10 percent for price changes and design revisions
How to Get an Accurate Construction Quote
- Finalize architectural drawings and room sizes before asking for a price.
- Ask every builder to quote against the same written specification and BOQ.
- Confirm what is excluded, such as approvals, elevation, tanks, or boundary wall.
- Tie payments to completed stages rather than dates.
- Agree how material price escalation will be handled.
Our construction contract checklist lists the clauses that protect homeowners. Living abroad? Read our guide for overseas Pakistanis building in Lahore.
Planet Builders prepares itemized estimates for grey structure and turnkey construction in Lahore, with specifications written into the contract so you know exactly what each rupee buys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the construction cost per sq ft in Lahore in 2026?
Grey structure typically costs PKR 2,800 to 3,800 per sq ft, and a complete turnkey house typically costs PKR 5,800 to 10,000+ per sq ft, depending on specification and design.
Is construction cost calculated on plot area or covered area?
On covered area: the total built floor area of all storeys, including the mumty and covered porch where applicable. Plot area is only the land size.
Why do quotations from different builders vary so much?
Builders often include different materials, ratios and scope under the same label. Comparing quotes against one written specification and BOQ is the only fair comparison.
Will construction prices go up in 2027?
Material prices in Pakistan tend to follow fuel, energy, exchange-rate and steel-scrap costs. Building in a contingency and agreeing an escalation clause is more reliable than trying to time the market.
How much should I keep as contingency?
Keep 7 to 10 percent of the total budget for price movements, design changes and unforeseen site conditions.
Want a cost estimate for your plot? Contact Planet Builders & Interiors for a free consultation and itemized quotation.