Cost of Building a House In Nigeria (2025 update)

Building a house in Nigeria is a major financial investment that requires careful planning and budgeting.

With the ever-rising cost of materials and labour, understanding the expenses involved in constructing a house is essential for prospective homeowners.

Whether you’re planning to build a simple bungalow or a luxury duplex, several factors influence the total cost. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the costs associated with building a house in Nigeria in 2025, helping you make informed decisions.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Building a House in Nigeria

The cost of constructing a house varies based on several factors, including:

• Location – Building in urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt is significantly more expensive than in rural locations due to land prices and higher labour costs.
• Land acquisition costs – The cost of purchasing land depends on location, size, and the type of title document it holds (e.g., Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment).
• Building design and size – The complexity of the design and the number of rooms affect the total cost.
• Quality of materials – Using high-quality materials increases costs but improves durability.
• Labor costs – Skilled laborers, including masons, carpenters, and electricians, charge different rates depending on experience and location.
• Government permits and approvals – Costs associated with obtaining building permits, environmental assessments, and other regulatory fees.

See This: Best Painting Services in Lagos: Where to Find Them

Breakdown of Costs for Building a House in Nigeria

Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in building a standard house in Nigeria.

a. Land Acquisition Costs

Land prices vary widely across states and cities. In 2025, estimated costs per plot of land are:

• Lagos Mainland: ₦10 million – ₦50 million
• Lagos Island: ₦50 million – ₦500 million
• Abuja: ₦5 million – ₦200 million
• Ibadan: ₦1 million – ₦15 million
• Enugu: ₦2 million – ₦20 million
• Benin City: ₦1.5 million – ₦10 million

Additional land-related expenses include:

• Survey Plan: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000
• Deed of Assignment: ₦50,000 – ₦300,000
• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): ₦500,000 – ₦5 million

b. Foundation and Structural Work

The foundation is one of the most crucial parts of the building process. Estimated costs include:

• Excavation and site preparation: ₦300,000 – ₦1 million
• Sand and granite: ₦500,000 – ₦2 million
• Cement (per bag ~ ₦5,500): ₦1 million – ₦3 million
• Reinforcement rods: ₦500,000 – ₦2.5 million

c. Superstructure (Walls, Roofing, and Finishing)

• Blockwork and Plastering: ₦2 million – ₦8 million
• Roofing (Asbestos, aluminum, or stone-coated): ₦2 million – ₦10 million
• Windows and Doors:
  • Aluminum: ₦1.5 million – ₦4 million
  • Wood: ₦1 million – ₦3 million
  • Security doors: ₦500,000 – ₦2 million

d. Plumbing and Electrical Installations

• Plumbing pipes, fittings, and labor: ₦1 million – ₦4 million
• Electrical wiring and fixtures: ₦1.5 million – ₦5 million

e. Interior & Exterior Finishing

• Painting: ₦500,000 – ₦3 million
• Flooring (Tiles, terrazzo, wood): ₦2 million – ₦7 million
• Ceiling (POP, PVC, wood): ₦1 million – ₦5 million
• Landscaping and fencing: ₦1 million – ₦4 million

Estimated Budget for Different House Types

a. 2-Bedroom Bungalow

• Low-cost: ₦15 million – ₦25 million
• Mid-range: ₦25 million – ₦40 million
• Luxury: ₦40 million – ₦70 million

b. 3-Bedroom Bungalow

• Low-cost: ₦20 million – ₦35 million
• Mid-range: ₦35 million – ₦50 million
• Luxury: ₦50 million – ₦80 million

c. 4-Bedroom Duplex

• Low-cost: ₦40 million – ₦60 million
• Mid-range: ₦60 million – ₦100 million
• Luxury: ₦100 million – ₦200 million

d. Cost Comparison: Self-Build vs. Hiring a Contractor

• Self-Build Approach: Can save up to 20% of costs but requires more time and project management skills.
• Hiring a Contractor: Ensures quality and faster completion but comes with extra fees (5% – 20% of the total cost).

Tips to Reduce Construction Costs

• Buy materials in bulk: Reduces the cost per unit.
• Use cost-effective building techniques: Consider interlocking bricks, precast materials, or alternative roofing options.
• Hire experienced but affordable labor: Skilled artisans help avoid material wastage and rework costs.
• Avoid delays and unnecessary expenses: Proper planning and sticking to the budget prevent cost overruns.
• Consider phased construction: Build in stages based on available funds.

Read This: Fire-resistant Wood: Is it Worth Considering for Nigerian Buildings?

Conclusion

Building a house in Nigeria is a major project that requires careful budgeting and planning.

With rising construction costs, it is essential to factor in land acquisition, building materials, labour, and finishing costs.

Whether constructing a simple bungalow or a luxury duplex, understanding the cost breakdown helps in making informed financial decisions. By following the outlined tips, homeowners can reduce costs while ensuring quality and durability.

If you’re planning to build a home in Nigeria, working with professionals and seeking expert advice can save time and money.

Proper planning will not only ensure a smooth construction process but also guarantee a home that meets your expectations and budget.