Construction Cost Calculator

Estimate building construction cost in Nigeria based on building type, finish level, and total floor area. Uses 2026 Lagos/Abuja market rates.

sqm
Estimated Construction Cost
₦55,000,000
Base Construction Cost
₦50,000,000
Contingency (10%)
₦5,000,000
Cost per sqm
₦250,000
Total Floor Area
200 sqm
Estimate based on 2026 Lagos/Abuja market rates. Costs vary significantly by location, design complexity, and material prices. Does not include land cost, professional fees (architect 5–8%, quantity surveyor 3–5%), or site preparation. Always get quotes from at least 3 contractors.

How to Use This Calculator

Select your building type (bungalow, duplex, or multi-storey), finish level, number of bedrooms, and total floor area in square metres. The calculator applies current Nigerian construction rates per sqm to give an estimated total cost including a 10% contingency allowance.

Nigerian Construction Cost Rates (2026)

Finish Level Rate per sqm Typical For
Basic₦150,000Self-contain, low-budget housing, estate houses for sale
Standard₦250,000Owner-occupier residential, mid-range estate
Luxury₦500,000High-end finishing, smart home features, imported materials

Rates are based on Lagos/Abuja 2026. Costs in other states may be 15–30% lower. Multi-storey buildings attract a premium (15–25%) due to structural requirements.

Example

3-Bedroom Bungalow — Standard Finish, 200 sqm

Floor Area200 sqm
Finish LevelStandard (₦250,000/sqm)
Building Type Multiplier1.0 (bungalow)
Base Construction Cost₦50,000,000
Contingency (10%)₦5,000,000
Total Estimated Cost₦55,000,000

Additional costs not included: Land (varies enormously by location), architect fees (5–8% of construction cost), quantity surveyor (3–5%), building approval / permit (₦200K–₦2M depending on LGA), site preparation and fencing.

FAQ

In Lagos/Abuja for 2026: A basic 3-bedroom bungalow (120–150 sqm): ₦18M–₦30M (basic finish). Standard 3-bedroom bungalow (150–200 sqm): ₦37M–₦55M. Standard 4-bedroom duplex (250–350 sqm): ₦72M–₦110M. Luxury 4-bedroom duplex: ₦125M–₦200M. Costs in other states (Ogun, Oyo, Anambra) are typically 15–30% lower. These figures have increased 40–60% from 2023 due to naira depreciation and cement/iron rod price increases.
Multiple factors since 2023: (1) Naira devaluation — most building materials (cement, iron rods, aluminum, electrical materials) are imported or have significant import content, so costs tied to USD have surged. (2) Fuel subsidy removal — increased diesel costs for generators, transportation, and concrete mixers. (3) Global supply chain disruptions. (4) Increased demand. Budget for a 20–30% cost escalation buffer for projects extending beyond 6 months.
Key strategies: (1) Hire a qualified quantity surveyor — they typically save 15–25% through proper specification and competitive tendering. (2) Buy materials in bulk when prices are favourable. (3) Use locally sourced materials where possible (granite, sand, timber). (4) Build in dry season to avoid weather delays. (5) Use a detailed Bill of Quantities — helps control variations. (6) Consider phased construction — build foundation now, wall to lintel level, then roof — spreading cash outflow.

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