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
- Include these costs in your original BOQ or project plan
- Discuss society-specific rules for height, design, and aesthetics beforehand
- Use similar materials for outdoor areas as in indoor finishing (tiles, lighting styles)
- Set aside 5–7% of your total project budget for post-construction developments
- 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.
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