Let’s be honest. At some point, every Filipino family thinks: “Mas okay ba magpatayo na lang ng sariling bahay kaysa mag-rent?”
With rent prices rising and space becoming more important (lalo na with kids), building your own simple house in 2026 feels like a dream — and maybe a smart financial move.
But the big question is:
👉 How much does it really cost to build a simple house in the Philippines this 2026?
Let’s break it down clearly — numbers, materials, labor, and real-life expectations.
Average Cost Per Square Meter in 2026
In 2026, construction costs vary depending on:
- Location
- Contractor
- Material quality
- Design complexity
Here’s the realistic range:
🏗️ Basic Finish:
₱18,000 – ₱25,000 per sqm
🏠 Standard Finish:
₱25,000 – ₱35,000 per sqm
🏡 Mid-Range Finish:
₱35,000 – ₱45,000 per sqm
For a simple house, most families fall in the ₱20k–₱30k per sqm range.
Sample House Size Computation
Let’s say you want a simple:
60 sqm bungalow
At ₱22,000 per sqm:
60 sqm x ₱22,000 = ₱1,320,000
At ₱28,000 per sqm:
60 sqm x ₱28,000 = ₱1,680,000
That’s already ₱1.3M–₱1.6M for a small but livable home.
Bungalow vs 2-Storey: Which Is Cheaper?
This is where many families get confused.
🏠 Bungalow (Single Storey)
Pros:
✔ Easier to build
✔ Simpler foundation
✔ Ideal for small lots
Cost:
₱18,000–₱30,000 per sqm
Best for:
- 40–80 sqm homes
- Seniors or families with young kids
🏡 2-Storey House
Pros:
✔ Maximizes small lot space
✔ More rooms possible
✔ Higher resale value
Cost:
₱25,000–₱40,000 per sqm
Why more expensive?
- Stronger foundation
- Structural reinforcement
- Staircase construction
Even if floor area is the same, 2-storey often costs more per sqm.
Materials Breakdown (Where the Money Goes)
Here’s a rough percentage breakdown of total construction cost:
- Materials: 50–60%
- Labor: 25–35%
- Permits & professional fees: 5–10%
- Miscellaneous & contingency: 5–10%
Let’s break that further.
🧱 Major Materials
- Cement
- Sand & gravel
- Hollow blocks
- Steel bars
- Roofing sheets
- Windows & doors
- Tiles & paint
- Electrical wires
- Plumbing pipes
Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand.
Estimated Materials Cost (60 sqm House)
For a simple 60 sqm home:
Materials estimate:
₱800,000 – ₱1,000,000
Depending on finish level.
Labor Cost Estimates (2026)
Labor rates vary by location.
Typical skilled labor (daily rates):
- Mason: ₱800–₱1,200
- Carpenter: ₱900–₱1,200
- Electrician: ₱1,000–₱1,500
- Plumber: ₱1,000–₱1,500
For a full small house project:
Total labor estimate:
₱300,000 – ₱500,000
If you hire a contractor with package deal, labor is usually included in total sqm cost.
Other Costs You Must Not Forget
This is where budgets break.
1️⃣ Building Permits
₱20,000 – ₱50,000
Depends on city/municipality.
2️⃣ Architect & Engineer Fees
5–10% of total project cost
Some contractors include design in package.
3️⃣ Fence & Gate
Often not included in base construction.
Add:
₱80,000 – ₱200,000
4️⃣ Interior Items Not Included
- Cabinets
- Closets
- Light fixtures
- Aircon units
- Landscaping
These can easily add ₱150,000–₱400,000.
Total Estimated Cost for a Simple House in 2026
60 sqm Basic Home:
₱1.3M – ₱1.8M
80 sqm Standard Home:
₱2M – ₱2.8M
100 sqm 2-Storey:
₱2.5M – ₱4M
And that’s for construction only — not including land.
Is It Cheaper to Build Than to Buy?
It depends.
Building:
✔ Custom design
✔ Control over materials
✔ Can be cheaper if managed well
Buying (subdivision house):
✔ Move-in ready
✔ Easier loan process
✔ Less stress
But developers include profit margin — so building can sometimes give better value per sqm.
Smart Tips Before You Build
- Always add 10–15% contingency fund
- Don’t start without full budget ready
- Get 2–3 contractor quotations
- Check previous projects
- Don’t underbudget finishes
Underestimating finishing costs is the #1 mistake.
Sample Budget Plan (Family Income ₱120,000)
If planning to build ₱2M house:
Downpayment savings target:
₱400,000–₱600,000
Monthly construction loan:
₱18,000–₱25,000 (depending on term)
Make sure total housing cost doesn’t exceed 35% of income.
Building a house isn’t just a financial decision. It’s emotional.
It’s imagining:
- Where your kids will grow up
- Where birthdays will be celebrated
- Where quiet nights will feel safe
But don’t rush it because of pressure.
Do it when:
- Emergency fund is solid
- Income is stable
- You’re ready for long-term commitment
A dream home should bring peace — not stress.
