🏗️ Construction Cost Per Marla in Pakistan 2026 — Complete City Guide
Building a house in Pakistan in 2026 is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Before you speak to a single contractor, before you buy a single bag of cement — you need to know exactly how much construction costs per marla in your city.
This guide gives you accurate, up-to-date construction costs per marla in Pakistan for 2026 — based on real BOQ data from Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and other major cities. Whether you are building a 3 marla house, a 5 marla house, or a 1 kanal villa — you will find everything you need here.
🇵🇰 QUICK SUMMARY — AUGUST 2026
Grey Structure
PKR 6.3 – 8.5 Lakh/Marla
Foundation, columns, roof, plaster
Complete Turnkey
PKR 12 – 18 Lakh/Marla
Grey structure + all finishing
📊 Construction Cost Per Marla — All Pakistan Cities 2026
| City | Grey Structure/Marla | Economy Turnkey/Marla | Standard Turnkey/Marla | Premium/Marla |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏙️ Lahore (DHA/Bahria) | PKR 7.0–8.0 L | PKR 11.7–13.0 L | PKR 14.0–16.0 L | PKR 18.0–27.0 L |
| 🏙️ Lahore (LDA/Other) | PKR 6.3–7.5 L | PKR 10.5–12.0 L | PKR 13.0–15.0 L | PKR 16.0–22.0 L |
| 🏙️ Islamabad (CDA) | PKR 7.2–8.5 L | PKR 12.0–13.5 L | PKR 15.5–18.0 L | PKR 20.0–30.0 L |
| 🏙️ Rawalpindi | PKR 6.5–7.8 L | PKR 11.0–12.5 L | PKR 13.5–16.0 L | PKR 17.0–24.0 L |
| 🏙️ Karachi (DHA/Clifton) | PKR 7.0–8.5 L | PKR 12.0–14.0 L | PKR 15.0–18.0 L | PKR 20.0–30.0 L |
| 🏙️ Karachi (Other Areas) | PKR 6.0–7.5 L | PKR 10.0–12.0 L | PKR 12.5–15.0 L | PKR 15.0–22.0 L |
| 🏙️ Faisalabad | PKR 6.0–7.2 L | PKR 10.0–12.0 L | PKR 12.5–14.5 L | PKR 15.0–20.0 L |
| 🏙️ Multan | PKR 5.8–7.0 L | PKR 9.8–11.5 L | PKR 12.0–14.0 L | PKR 14.0–19.0 L |
| 🏙️ Peshawar | PKR 5.8–7.0 L | PKR 9.5–11.5 L | PKR 12.0–14.0 L | PKR 14.0–18.0 L |
| 🏙️ Gujranwala | PKR 5.8–7.0 L | PKR 9.8–11.5 L | PKR 12.0–14.0 L | PKR 14.0–18.0 L |
L = Lakh PKR. 1 Marla = 225 sq ft. Rates are August 2026 estimates based on market data. Actual costs vary ±15-20%. Always get 3 contractor quotes.
🏠 Complete House Construction Cost by Size — Pakistan 2026
Lahore Construction Costs 2026
| House Size | Covered Area | Grey Structure | Economy Complete | Standard Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Marla (Single Storey) | 675 sq ft | PKR 19–22 Lakh | PKR 32–38 Lakh | PKR 42–50 Lakh |
| 3 Marla (Double Storey) | 1,125 sq ft | PKR 30–36 Lakh | PKR 52–62 Lakh | PKR 65–80 Lakh |
| 5 Marla (Single Storey) | 1,125 sq ft | PKR 33–38 Lakh | PKR 55–65 Lakh | PKR 72–85 Lakh |
| 5 Marla (Double Storey) | 1,690 sq ft | PKR 42–52 Lakh | PKR 70–85 Lakh | PKR 95–120 Lakh |
| 10 Marla (Single Storey) | 2,250 sq ft | PKR 63–75 Lakh | PKR 105–120 Lakh | PKR 135–160 Lakh |
| 10 Marla (Double Storey) | 3,000 sq ft | PKR 85–100 Lakh | PKR 145–175 Lakh | PKR 195–250 Lakh |
| 1 Kanal (Double Storey) | 4,500 sq ft | PKR 145–175 Lakh | PKR 260–310 Lakh | PKR 350–450 Lakh |
Islamabad Construction Costs 2026
| House Size | Grey Structure | Standard Complete | Premium Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Marla (Double Storey) | PKR 32–38 Lakh | PKR 63–80 Lakh | PKR 95–130 Lakh |
| 10 Marla (Double Storey) | PKR 58–72 Lakh | PKR 115–145 Lakh | PKR 175–250 Lakh |
| 1 Kanal (Double Storey) | PKR 115–145 Lakh | PKR 230–290 Lakh | PKR 350–500 Lakh |
💰 What is Included in Grey Structure Cost?
✅ INCLUDED in Grey Structure
- Excavation and earthworks
- Foundation (footings and plinth)
- DPC (Damp Proof Course)
- All columns and beams (RCC)
- Brick / block walls (all floors)
- Roof slabs (RCC)
- Staircase structure
- External plaster (rough)
- Rough plumbing (pipes only)
- Rough electrical (conduits only)
❌ NOT Included in Grey Structure
- Flooring tiles or marble
- Wall tiles (kitchen, bathroom)
- Paint (interior and exterior)
- Doors and windows
- Sanitary fittings (taps, commodes)
- Kitchen cabinets
- Electrical fittings and wiring
- Plumbing fittings and fixtures
- Boundary wall
- Gate and driveway
📋 Construction Cost Breakdown — 5 Marla House Pakistan 2026
Here is a detailed breakdown of where your money goes when building a standard 5 marla double storey house in Lahore in 2026:
| Work Item | Estimated Cost (PKR) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 🧱 Grey Structure (Materials + Labour) | PKR 42–52 Lakh | 42–48% |
| 🔲 Flooring (Tiles / Marble) | PKR 8–20 Lakh | 8–15% |
| 🚿 Plumbing & Sanitary Fittings | PKR 6–15 Lakh | 6–10% |
| ⚡ Electrical Wiring & Fittings | PKR 5–12 Lakh | 5–8% |
| 🚪 Doors & Windows | PKR 8–25 Lakh | 8–15% |
| 🎨 Paint (Interior + Exterior) | PKR 3–8 Lakh | 3–5% |
| 🍳 Kitchen Cabinets & Countertop | PKR 4–20 Lakh | 4–12% |
| 🏠 Boundary Wall + Gate + Driveway | PKR 5–15 Lakh | 5–8% |
| 💰 TOTAL COMPLETE HOUSE | PKR 81–167 Lakh | 100% |
🔨 Construction Cost Per Square Foot Pakistan 2026
| Construction Type | Lahore (PKR/sq ft) | Islamabad (PKR/sq ft) | Karachi (PKR/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey Structure Only | PKR 2,800–3,500 | PKR 3,000–3,800 | PKR 2,700–3,500 |
| Economy Turnkey | PKR 5,200–5,800 | PKR 5,500–6,200 | PKR 5,000–5,800 |
| Standard Turnkey | PKR 6,500–7,500 | PKR 7,000–8,800 | PKR 6,500–7,800 |
| Premium / Luxury | PKR 10,000–15,000+ | PKR 10,000–15,000+ | PKR 10,000–15,000+ |
👷 Labour Rates in Pakistan Construction 2026
| Trade | Daily Rate (PKR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raj Mistri (Mason) | PKR 2,500–3,500 | Brickwork, plaster, RCC |
| Tile Worker | PKR 2,500–3,500 | Floor and wall tiles |
| Electrician | PKR 2,000–3,000 | Wiring and fittings |
| Plumber | PKR 2,000–3,000 | Pipes and fittings |
| Painter | PKR 1,800–2,800 | Interior and exterior |
| Helper / Labour | PKR 1,200–1,800 | General site labour |
| Carpenter (Darkar) | PKR 2,500–3,500 | Doors, windows, shuttering |
📅 How Long Does House Construction Take in Pakistan?
| House Size | Grey Structure | Complete Turnkey |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Marla (Single Storey) | 3–4 months | 6–8 months |
| 5 Marla (Double Storey) | 4–6 months | 8–12 months |
| 10 Marla (Double Storey) | 6–8 months | 10–14 months |
| 1 Kanal (Double Storey) | 8–10 months | 14–20 months |
💡 How to Save Money on House Construction in Pakistan
✅ MONEY SAVING TIPS
- Hire a qualified civil engineer for structural design
- Get minimum 3 contractor quotations
- Buy cement and steel directly from authorized dealers
- Build grey structure first — finish over time
- Start construction in October-February (off-peak)
- Supervise material delivery personally
- Use local tile brands for non-visible areas
- Keep 15% contingency budget always
❌ COSTLY MISTAKES
- Paying contractor in full before completion
- No written contract with clear specifications
- Changing design during construction
- Using unknown local mill steel for RCC
- Skipping professional structural drawings
- Not getting map approval before starting
- Trusting verbal contractor promises only
- No contingency budget
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the construction cost per marla in Lahore in 2026?
Grey structure costs PKR 2,560 to PKR 2,875 per sq ft in Pakistan in 2026 for standard construction. In Lahore, this translates to approximately PKR 6.3 to 8.0 Lakh per marla for grey structure (foundation, columns, roof slab, and plaster). A complete turnkey house including all finishing costs PKR 12 to 18 Lakh per marla depending on quality specification.
How much does a 5 marla house cost in Lahore in 2026?
A complete 5 Marla double-storey house costs approximately PKR 75.81 Lakh with standard-quality finishes — from PKR 59.13 Lakh (economy) up to PKR 92.49 Lakh (premium). The grey structure alone costs PKR 42–52 Lakh. These figures exclude land cost and map approval fees.
How much does a 10 marla house cost in Pakistan 2026?
A standard 10 Marla double-storey house (~2,900 sq.ft) costs PKR 2.60 to 3.00 Crore complete in Lahore. Grey structure costs PKR 85–100 Lakh. In Islamabad, expect 10–15% higher costs due to CDA regulations and higher labour rates.
Is construction cheaper in Karachi or Lahore?
Construction costs are broadly similar between Karachi and Lahore in 2026, within a 5–10% range. Karachi has lower cement costs (Lucky Cement plant nearby) but higher labour rates in DHA and Clifton. Lahore’s steel is cheaper (Mughal and Ittefaq plants nearby). For high-end finishing and imported materials, both cities have comparable availability and pricing.
How much is construction cost per square foot in Islamabad 2026?
Grey structure in Islamabad costs PKR 1,800–2,800 per sq ft. Standard finishing costs PKR 4,500–5,500 per sq ft. Luxury finishing costs PKR 6,500–8,500 per sq ft. CDA regulations in Islamabad require approved maps and strict building controls, which adds to project management costs but also ensures better quality and resale value.
What percentage of construction cost is grey structure in Pakistan?
Grey structure typically represents 40–50% of the total house construction cost in Pakistan. For a PKR 1.0 Crore complete house, expect to pay PKR 40–50 Lakh for grey structure alone. The remaining 50–60% covers flooring, tiles, paint, doors, windows, electrical, plumbing, kitchen, and boundary wall.
How long does it take to build a 5 marla house in Pakistan?
A 5 marla double storey house in Pakistan takes 8 to 12 months for complete construction from foundation digging to final finishing with an experienced contractor. Grey structure alone takes 4–6 months. Adding basement, swimming pool, or complex architectural features extends the timeline. Timelines assume no major design changes after construction begins.
🇵🇰 Related Pakistan Construction Guides
Disclaimer: Construction cost estimates in this article are based on market data and published BOQ rates from August 2026. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material specification and design complexity. Always obtain minimum 3 quotations from licensed contractors before starting construction. Wooden Box Trading is not responsible for cost variations at point of construction.
