Construction Cost Per Square Foot in Pakistan (2026-27): Rates by Scope, Type and City

The construction cost per square foot in Pakistan is the first number most people ask for when they plan a house, plaza or hospital. In 2026-27, based on Lahore rates, building a house costs roughly PKR 2,800 to 3,500 per square foot for grey structure and PKR 6,700 to 8,800 per square foot for a standard finished (turnkey) house. Luxury homes run PKR 10,000 to 15,000 per sq ft or more, and commercial and hospital buildings cost more again because of heavier structure, MEP and fire-safety systems. This guide sets out current rates by scope, building type, plot size and city, explains what drives them, and shows how to work out your own budget.

All figures are indicative planning estimates as of October 2026. They exclude land, approval fees, basement and furniture unless stated. Steel and cement prices move monthly, so for a fixed price you need an item-wise BOQ against your drawings.

Construction Cost Per Square Foot by Scope (2026-27)

The single biggest factor in any per-square-foot rate is what the rate includes. Always ask a contractor which of these scopes their number refers to.

For context, Zameen’s construction calculator in mid-October 2026 put double-storey grey structure with material at about PKR 2,762 to 3,032 per sq ft across Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. Our separate guide explains grey structure construction cost item by item.

Cost Per Square Foot by Building Type

Different buildings carry different structural loads, services and safety requirements, so their rates differ even with the same materials.

See the detailed guides for commercial plaza construction cost and hospital construction cost in Pakistan.

House Cost by Plot Size (Lahore, 2026-27)

Turnkey totals are covered area multiplied by the standard rate range. For a full plot-by-plot breakdown, see our house construction service in Lahore and the house construction cost planning guide.

How to Calculate Your Construction Cost

This gives a planning budget, not a price. A real price comes from measured quantities in a BOQ.

What Drives the Cost Per Square Foot

Steel and cement prices

These are the biggest moving parts of grey structure. Prices change with exchange rates, energy costs and taxes, which is why a rate quoted six months ago may no longer hold.

Design and spans

Large column-free lounges, cantilevers and double-height spaces need more steel and deeper beams. A simple, regular grid is the cheapest structure to build.

Soil and basement

Weak soil, a high water table or a basement add excavation, retaining walls, dewatering and waterproofing. A soil test before design avoids surprises.

Finish specification

Local versus imported tiles, sanitary ware, kitchens and woodwork can double the finishing budget. Finishing is where owners have the most control over cost.

Labour and supervision

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics recorded a Lahore mason’s daily wage of about PKR 2,461 in September 2026. Skilled supervision costs money but prevents far more expensive rework.

Site and society rules

Narrow access, material stacking limits and society by-laws affect time and cost, particularly in established areas.

Grey Structure vs Finishing: Where the Money Goes

Grey structure is usually 35 to 45 percent of a standard turnkey house. Finishing is the larger share and varies most with the materials you choose. That has two practical consequences:

• Saving on structure (thinner slabs, less steel, poor concrete) is false economy, because the structure cannot be upgraded later.
• Finishes can be phased or upgraded over time, so this is the right place to adjust a budget.

Construction Cost in Other Cities

Rates in Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan are broadly similar to Lahore for the same specification, because steel and cement are priced nationally. Differences come from local labour rates, transport distances for sand and crush, soil conditions, and seismic design requirements in the north. The Building Code of Pakistan (PEC) sets seismic zones, and buildings in higher zones need more reinforcement detailing. Use the Lahore ranges as a starting point and confirm with a local BOQ. For society-level detail in Lahore, see DHA construction cost per square foot.

Costs Not Included in the Per-Square-Foot Rate

A per-square-foot rate covers the building itself. Owners are often caught out by items that sit outside it. When you build your budget, list these separately:

• Approvals and fees. Map approval, completion certificate and utility connection charges set by the society or development authority.
• Design and engineering. Architectural, structural and MEP drawings, unless they are included in a design-build contract.
• Soil investigation. A geotechnical report before structural design, especially for basements and multi-storey buildings.
• Basement. Excavation, shoring, retaining walls and waterproofing are usually priced separately from the floor rate.
• External works. Boundary wall, gate, driveway, landscaping, septic or sewer connection and underground water tank.
• Energy and comfort systems. Solar PV, inverters, central air-conditioning and water heating.
• Furniture and appliances. Loose furniture, curtains, kitchen appliances and decorative lighting.

For commercial plazas, add lifts, fire-fighting systems and facade glazing. For hospitals, add medical gases, specialist HVAC, theatre and ICU fit-out and medical equipment, which can be a large share of the total project cost.

How to Keep Your Construction Cost Under Control

• Finalise architectural, structural and MEP drawings before you start, so quantities are fixed.
• Get an item-wise BOQ rather than a lump sum per marla.
• Buy steel and cement in planned lots tied to the construction schedule.
• Fix the finish specification (brands and grades) in the contract.
• Keep a 5 to 10 percent contingency for price movement.
• Use one accountable contractor for design and build to avoid gaps between trades.

Get an Exact Quote from ACCO

Ahmed Construction Company (ACCO) has designed and built in Lahore since 1998. We prepare a BOQ against your drawings and a fixed quotation for grey structure or turnkey construction. Architectural drawings are free when ACCO is awarded the construction. See our full range of construction and design services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The construction cost per square foot in Pakistan in 2026-27 depends mainly on scope, building type and finish level, with steel and cement prices adding month-to-month movement. Use the ranges above for planning, calculate on covered area, keep a contingency, and fix your final budget through an itemised BOQ against complete drawings.