1 Kanal House Construction Cost in Lahore (2026 Guide)

Note: This guide is written by AQSons Group of Companies, a construction company in Lahore. All rates are planning estimates, not fixed quotes. Please compare them with quotations from other builders.

Many people want to know the 1 Kanal house construction cost in Lahore before they start building. The honest answer is: it depends on your covered area, design, number of floors, and finishing quality. This guide gives you a simple example with clear numbers, so you can make your own budget.

How Big Is a 1 Kanal Plot?

1 Kanal equals 20 Marla. But the size of a Marla is not the same everywhere:

  • In DHA Lahore and Bahria Town Lahore, 1 Marla is 225 sq ft, so 1 Kanal is about 4,500 sq ft.
  • In some other areas, 1 Marla is 272.25 sq ft, so 1 Kanal is about 5,445 sq ft.

Always confirm the exact plot size in your society’s documents. Construction cost is based on covered area (the total built-up area of all floors), not plot size. A double-storey house on a 1 Kanal plot often has a covered area of about 4,500 to 6,000 sq ft.

Cost Example for a 1 Kanal House (2026)

To keep the numbers clear, we use one example in this guide:

  • Covered area: 5,000 sq ft (double storey, no basement)
  • Rates: planning ranges for Lahore in 2026
Item Rate per sq ft (PKR) Estimated Cost (PKR)
Grey structure 2,800 – 3,200 14 – 16 million
Finishing (standard to A-grade) 3,500 – 5,500 17.5 – 27.5 million
Total (grey + finishing) 6,300 – 8,700 About 31.5 – 43.5 million

Please note:

  • Luxury finishing (imported tiles, marble, home automation) can cost more than the range above.
  • Approval fees, utility connections, boundary wall, and landscaping are not
  • Keep a 10% buffer for price changes and unexpected costs.
  • Rates change often. Ask for a new quotation before you decide.

grey structure aqsons

Grey Structure Cost

The grey structure is the main body of your house. It includes the foundation, columns, beams, walls, slabs, and roof, without finishing.

For a 5,000 sq ft house, the grey structure usually costs PKR 14 to 16 million in 2026. The final cost depends on the design, the material brands, and the society.

Do not cut quality here. Cheap bricks, weak steel, or poor concrete can cause cracks and dampness later. These problems are expensive to repair.

What Is Included in the Grey Structure?

  • Excavation and foundation
  • Brickwork, columns, beams, and slabs
  • Roof and waterproofing
  • Basic plaster
  • Rough plumbing and electrical conduits (confirm with your builder, because some contractors count these separately)

Main Material Rates in Lahore (Approximate, 2026)

Material Approximate Rate (PKR)
Cement (50 kg bag) 1,350
Steel (60-grade, per kg) 305
First-class brick (each) 22
River sand (per cft) 65
Crush / gravel (per cft) 105

These are market averages and change often. Check current prices before buying. The exact quantity of each material depends on your design, so ask your engineer for a Bill of Quantities (BOQ).

Labour Cost

Labour is a big part of the budget. In most Lahore projects it is about 30% to 40% of the total cost. Skilled workers such as masons, steel fixers, and carpenters charge more than general labourers, but their work is more accurate and lasts longer.

Ask your builder if labour is included in the per sq ft rate or charged separately. This is one of the most common reasons why two quotations look very different.

Finishing Cost

Finishing is everything after the grey structure: flooring, tiles, paint, doors, windows, woodwork, kitchen, bathrooms, ceilings, lights, and fittings.

For a 5,000 sq ft house, finishing may cost PKR 17.5 to 27.5 million for standard to A-grade quality. The biggest changes in cost come from:

  • Type of flooring (tiles or marble)
  • Wood and kitchen quality
  • Imported or local fittings
  • Ceiling and lighting design

Decide your finishing budget early. This is the stage where many owners spend more than they planned.

Cost in DHA, Bahria Town, and Other Areas

Cost per sq ft changes a little from one area to another. Societies like DHA have strict rules, approved drawings, and stage-wise inspections. This can raise the total cost. One 2026 builder guide says that the same house inside DHA can cost around PKR 4 million more than outside it. Treat this as a rough guide, and ask each builder to price your exact design in your exact society.

DHA Approvals and Fees

Before you start building in DHA or any other society, you need an approved map and construction permission. Fees depend on the society, the plot size, and the type of building. Do not rely on old numbers on websites. Check the official fee schedule of your society, and ask your builder who will handle the paperwork.

Following society rules helps you avoid fines and stop notices.

Factors That Change Construction Cost

  • Covered area: More area means a higher cost.
  • Number of floors and basement: A basement adds structure and waterproofing cost.
  • Design: Curves, large glass, and double-height areas cost more.
  • Material quality: Cement, steel, and finishing brands affect the price.
  • Labour rates: These change with season and demand.
  • Location: Society rules and site access affect cost.
  • Weather: Monsoon can delay work and raise cost.
  • Design changes during construction: These are one of the biggest causes of extra cost.

classic facade in dha lahore

Construction Timeline

A typical 1 Kanal house takes about 11 to 14 months. Complex designs and basements take longer.

Phase Work Approximate Time
1. Grey structure Soil test, foundation, walls, slabs, roof 5 – 6 months
2. Electrical and plumbing Wiring, pipes, gas, drainage 1 – 2 months (can overlap)
3. Finishing and interior Flooring, paint, woodwork, fittings 4 – 6 months

Phase 1: Grey Structure

The work starts with soil testing, excavation, and foundation. Then walls, columns, and roof slabs are built. Check concrete pouring and curing carefully. Societies like DHA may require inspection before you move to the next stage.

Phase 2: Electrical and Plumbing

Wires, conduits, and pipes are installed. Use good-quality materials, such as PPRC and UPVC pipes, and test for leakage before covering the pipes. Mistakes here are very costly to fix later.

Phase 3: Finishing and Interior

Flooring, paint, doors, windows, kitchen, wardrobes, bathrooms, and lighting are completed. Choose tiles, paint, and fittings early, because late decisions cause delays.

Tips to Control Your Budget

  1. Ask for a BOQ. An itemised estimate helps you track every cost.
  2. Compare at least three quotations for the same work and the same material list.
  3. Fix your design before you start. Changes later cost time and money.
  4. Buy smart. Compare prices from different markets, but do not choose poor-quality material only to save money.
  5. Plan around the weather. Heavy rain can slow work.
  6. Pay by milestones. Link each payment to completed work.
  7. Visit the site regularly, or ask for weekly photo or video updates.
  8. Keep a 10% emergency fund for price changes.

Should You Build a House as an Investment?

Building a house can be a good long-term decision, but returns are never guaranteed. Property prices and rents depend on the area, the market, and the economy. Before you decide, compare your total building cost with the market value of similar finished houses nearby, and talk to a trusted property advisor. Do not depend on any promised profit percentage.

Modern 5 Marla house interior design in Lahore – stylish TV wall with shelves and lighting by Aqsons Construction.

AQSons Construction Packages

AQSons offers construction packages for 1 Kanal houses.

Package Rate per sq ft What Is Included What Is Not Included
[Standard] [PKR ___] [list] [list]
[Premium] [PKR ___] [list] [list]
[Luxury] [PKR ___] [list] [list]

Our recent projects:

spanish building

highrise building

Reducing Construction Costs Without Cutting Quality

2 kanal spanish house

Client feedback: [Google Business Profile.]

Final Thoughts

For a 5,000 sq ft, double-storey 1 Kanal house, a realistic 2026 planning budget is roughly PKR 31.5 to 43.5 million for grey structure and finishing together, before approvals, boundary wall, landscaping, and a 10% buffer. Your own number will depend on your design, your society, and your material choices.

The best way to get an accurate figure is to share your drawings and ask for an itemised BOQ. If you would like a quotation from AQSons, you are welcome to contact us. [contact details.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the 1 Kanal house construction cost in Lahore in 2026?

For a 5,000 sq ft double-storey house, a planning range is about PKR 31.5 to 43.5 million for grey structure and finishing together. Grey structure is roughly PKR 2,800–3,200 per sq ft. Finishing depends on quality and may cost PKR 3,500–5,500 per sq ft or more. Luxury finishing costs more.

Q2: What is the grey structure cost of a 1 Kanal house?

For a 5,000 sq ft covered area, it is about PKR 14 to 16 million. Always check what is included, such as labour, plumbing, and electrical conduits.

Q3: How long does it take to build a 1 Kanal house in Lahore?

Usually 11 to 14 months. The grey structure takes about 5 to 6 months, and finishing takes about 4 to 6 months. Basements and complex designs take longer.

Q4: Is construction more expensive in DHA Lahore?

Often yes, because of strict rules, approvals, and inspections. The difference depends on the design and the contractor. Ask for a quotation for your exact plot and society.

Q5: How can I control my construction budget?

Get a BOQ, compare at least three quotations, fix your design before you start, pay by milestones, and keep a 10% buffer.

Q6: Is a 1 Kanal plot 4,500 sq ft or 5,445 sq ft?

It depends on the area. In DHA and Bahria Town Lahore, it is about 4,500 sq ft. In some other places, it is about 5,445 sq ft. Check your plot documents.