Extra Development Costs in Lahore Housing Societies Homeowners Overlook (2025 Update)

When budgeting for a new house in Lahore, most homeowners focus on grey structure and finishing costs—but what often goes unnoticed are the external development costs that come at the very end of the project. These costs may seem small in isolation, but together, they can add PKR 1.5 to 2.5 million or more, especially in housing societies like DHA, Bahria Town, Lake City, Park View, and LDA City.

In this guide, we break down the most commonly overlooked development costs during house construction in Lahore and how to budget for them intelligently.

✅ What Are External Development Costs?

External development refers to everything outside the main structure of the house that completes the property’s livable environment. These are usually not part of grey or turnkey contracts unless specified, and are often billed separately near handover.

📊 Key External Development Costs Homeowners Face

1. Boundary Wall & Gate

Item Estimated Cost
RCC columns + Brick wall PKR 600,000 – 850,000
Mild Steel or Sliding Gate PKR 150,000 – 350,000

Societies like DHA and Bahria have design rules for walls and gate finishes. Ensure compliance before installation.

2. Driveway & Pavers

Surface Option Cost/Sq. Ft. Total (300–500 sft)
Concrete (Standard) PKR 150 – 180 PKR 45,000 – 90,000
Pavers (Interlocking) PKR 250 – 350 PKR 75,000 – 175,000
Marble / Stone PKR 400 – 600 PKR 120,000 – 300,000

3. Plinth Protection

Required in all societies, this protects foundation and base walls from seepage.

Material Estimated Cost
PCC with brick edge PKR 100,000 – 200,000

4. Lawn Development & Landscaping

Even a small green space adds cost:

Feature Estimated Cost
Grass leveling, turf, basic plants PKR 60,000 – 150,000
Landscape lighting & planters PKR 50,000 – 100,000
Automatic irrigation system (optional) PKR 100,000+

5. Exterior Lighting & Security

Includes:

  • Boundary wall lights
  • Floodlights
  • CCTV camera wiring & installation 

Estimated Total: PKR 150,000 – 250,000

6. Underground Water Storage, Drainage & Sewerage

Some of these items are partially included in grey work but not fully functional without finishing:

Item Estimated Cost
Manhole covers PKR 30,000 – 50,000
Sewer connection to main line PKR 40,000 – 80,000
Rainwater piping PKR 25,000 – 60,000

7. Main Entrance Steps & Porch Flooring

Material Estimated Cost
Concrete or tile finish PKR 50,000 – 150,000

🧾 Total Additional Cost Summary

Category Cost Range (PKR)
Boundary Wall & Gate 800,000 – 1,200,000
Driveway & Pavers 100,000 – 250,000
Lawn & Landscaping 100,000 – 250,000
Plinth Protection 100,000 – 200,000
Exterior Lighting & CCTV 150,000 – 250,000
Drainage & Sewerage Finalization 80,000 – 150,000
Main Entrance Steps & Porch 50,000 – 150,000
Estimated Total 1.5M – 2.5M+

💡 Tips to Budget for External Development

  1. Include these costs in your original BOQ or project plan
  2. Discuss society-specific rules for height, design, and aesthetics beforehand
  3. Use similar materials for outdoor areas as in indoor finishing (tiles, lighting styles)
  4. Set aside 5–7% of your total project budget for post-construction developments
  5. Avoid last-minute rush purchases—finalize gate design and flooring style early 

📍 How These Costs Vary by Society

Society Notes
DHA Lahore Requires modern gate & wall styles; plinth & lights inspected
Bahria Town Offers themed gates and lawns; approvals needed for customization
Lake City Moderate standards; ideal for cost-efficient finishing
LDA City Allows practical finishes; flexible on boundary treatments

🔗 Related Construction Budget Blogs

  • Turnkey House Construction Cost in Lahore – Full Breakdown
  • Grey Structure Cost Per Square Foot in Lahore’s Popular Societies
  • Plot Size vs Construction Cost – How to Optimize Your Budget
  • Budget-Friendly Tips for Building a Modern Home in Lahore 

📢 Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Last-Minute Costs Surprise You

Many homeowners exhaust their budget by the time grey structure and finishing are complete—only to discover that boundary walls, gates, and pavers are still pending. By understanding and planning for these essential development costs, you’ll ensure a smoother handover and avoid stressful delays.