Building a house in Nigeria is an ambitious but rewarding journey—especially in 2025, where construction costs are fluctuating due to inflation, rising material prices, and economic uncertainty. Whether you're planning a modest bungalow or a multi-storey family home, it's crucial to understand the full financial commitment from start to finish. This guide walks you through each construction stage with up-to-date cost estimates and practical insights.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of Construction Costs
1. Land Purchase & Documentation
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Land Price Range: ₦500,000 – ₦100 million (urban vs rural)
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Survey Plan & Legal Fees: ₦150,000 – ₦500,000
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Building Permits & Approvals: ₦200,000 – ₦3 million+
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C of O or Title Fees: ₦1 million – ₦5 million+
Tip: Location is the biggest driver of land price—expect high costs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
2. Foundation Stage
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Site Clearance & Earthworks: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
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Excavation & Footing: ₦400,000 – ₦1.2 million
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Concrete Work & Blocks: ₦1.2 million – ₦3 million
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Labour & Equipment: ₦500,000 – ₦1 million
Estimated Total for Foundation: ₦2.5 million – ₦5 million
3. Structural Work (Walls, Columns, Roofing)
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Blockwork: ₦2 million – ₦3.5 million
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Reinforcement Steel: ₦1.2 million – ₦2.5 million
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Roofing Framework & Sheets: ₦2 million – ₦5 million
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Wood, Beams, Trusses: ₦700,000 – ₦2 million
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Labour: ₦800,000 – ₦1.5 million
Estimated Total for Structure: ₦6.5 million – ₦12 million
4. Windows, Doors & External Fixtures
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Windows (Aluminium/Glass): ₦300,000 – ₦900,000
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Doors (Flush, Steel, Wood): ₦500,000 – ₦1.5 million
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External Gates, Rails, etc.: ₦300,000 – ₦1 million
Estimated Total: ₦1.1 million – ₦3.4 million
5. Electrical & Plumbing Works
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Conduits & Cabling: ₦500,000 – ₦1 million
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Sockets, Switches, Panels: ₦300,000 – ₦700,000
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Plumbing Pipes, WCs, Sinks: ₦600,000 – ₦1.5 million
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Installation Labour: ₦500,000 – ₦1 million
Estimated Total for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing): ₦1.8 million – ₦4.2 million
6. Internal Finishing (Aesthetics)
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Plastering: ₦500,000 – ₦1 million
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Painting: ₦400,000 – ₦800,000
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Floor Tiling: ₦700,000 – ₦2 million
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Ceiling & POP Work: ₦500,000 – ₦1.2 million
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Kitchen & Wardrobes: ₦600,000 – ₦1.5 million
Estimated Finishing Cost: ₦2.5 million – ₦6.5 million
7. External & Final Touches
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Paving, Fencing, Landscaping: ₦1 million – ₦3 million
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Borehole or Water System: ₦300,000 – ₦800,000
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Septic Tank or Soakaway: ₦250,000 – ₦700,000
Estimated Total for Exterior Works: ₦1.5 million – ₦4.5 million
Total Cost Summary: Foundation to Finish
| Stage | Estimated Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Land, Legal & Permits | ₦2M – ₦10M+ |
| Foundation | ₦2.5M – ₦5M |
| Structure & Roofing | ₦6.5M – ₦12M |
| Fixtures (Windows/Doors) | ₦1.1M – ₦3.4M |
| Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) | ₦1.8M – ₦4.2M |
| Internal Finishing | ₦2.5M – ₦6.5M |
| External Work & Final Touch | ₦1.5M – ₦4.5M |
Estimated Grand Total (excluding land):
₦16 million – ₦35 million
(For a standard 3–4 bedroom bungalow)
Key Factors Affecting Cost
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Location: Urban centers cost more.
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Design Complexity: Custom features increase budget.
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Material Grade: Higher-end materials = higher cost.
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Labour Rates: Skilled labour is more expensive in southern states.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, building a house in Nigeria from foundation to finish requires a well-planned budget of at least ₦16 million—and significantly more if you're building in Lagos, Abuja, or opting for high-end finishes. Always include a 10–20% buffer for unexpected expenses, and work with experienced builders to avoid delays and costly errors.
