Plan · Cost estimator
What your build should cost
Live SA construction rates by province, build tier and size. Soft costs, NHBRC enrolment and a sensible contingency are folded in — no surprises after handover.
Province
Provincial rates are the median for May 2026.
Floor area
Square metres under roof — exclude double-volume void areas.
m²
Build tier
Affects finishes, fittings and the depth of detailing — not the structural cost.
Site difficulty
Sloped sites, poor soils, long water/electrical runs or restricted access all add cost.
R 13 330
Rate
per m² · Standard suburban
R 2 399 400
Construction
180 m² × tier rate
R 2 920 672
All-in
incl. soft costs & contingency
Note for Gauteng
Largest pool of contractors; competitive pricing on standard builds.
What happens next
Use this number to test the brief, not to set a budget. Architects work to ±10% at concept, ±5% at working drawings. Get three written quotes against a single bill of quantities before you commit to a contractor.