Due to rising inflation and import taxes, the cost of building a villa has risen significantly over the past few years. However, if you do your research right and know where to look, then you can make your own villa without giving away an arm and a leg in the process.
Project Range | Size | Cost |
Low Cost | 800 sq. ft. one bedroom | $ 444 |
Mid Cost | 1000 sq. ft. two bedroom | $ 631 |
High Cost | 1200 sq. ft. with luxury materials | $ 1,144 |
1. Land
The size of the land the house is built upon directly affects its overall value.
The most expensive land in Sri Lanka is located in Colombo, Kandy and Galle districts and can go for up to $100,992 per perch
The most affordable may only cost around $757 per perch.
Average Residential Land Prices in Sri Lanka by Region for January 2021
Region | Average Price |
Colombo | $ 26,861 Per perch |
Western Province (apart from Colombo city) | $ 7,521 Per perch |
Central Province | $ 2,554 Per perch |
Southern Province | $ 2,388 Per perch |
Eastern Province | $ 1,187 Per perch |
Uva Province | $ 899 Per perch |
North Central Province | $ 874 Per perch |
Sabaragamuwa Province | $ 751 Per perch |
Northern Province | $ 741 Per perch |
North Western Province | $ 650 Per perch |
2. Fundamental Design of the House
The basic design chosen for the house can also contribute to its overall cost.
Traditional box shape design with only the essential facilities
Cost around $ 10,078
More modern house with a complex design
Cost around $ 3,023
3. Professional Fees
Architect/ Engineer Fee
The fee charged by the designer of the house will be added to the overall cost of the home. In Sri Lanka, the “SLIA Recommended Professional Fees and Conditions of Engagement” provides guidelines on the amounts that should be charged. However, individual designers may charge varying amounts, depending on their reputation and experience. This may typically fluctuate from 1% to 8% of the overall cost of the home.
Cost Per Square Feet Basis | $ 0.1- $ 0.5 per sq ft |
Cost Per Visit | $ 10 – $ 25 per visit |
4. Materials Used
The basic materials used to construct the house will constitute a significant proportion of the overall cost of such a home.
Materials used for Wall
Material | Cost |
Brick | $ 0.5 – $ 0.7 |
Cement block | $ 0.15 – $ 0.2 |
Sack of cement | $ 4.8 |
Materials used for Roof
Material | Cost |
A roof tile | $ 0.18 – $ 0.5 |
Materials used for Floor
Material | Cost |
Tiles | |
Cement |
|
Cement Cut | |
Marble |
5. Other Costs
- The cost of outbuildings, terraces, pergolas
- The cost of the driveway, garden, entrance gates
- Swimming pool Costs
- Taxes, Licenses, insurance etc.
Every villa construction project is different due to the construction costs in your area and the materials you choose. This is a general breakdown of costs that gives you an idea of where your money goes during construction:
Cost Type | Percentage |
Architect fees | 10.5% to 15% of total costs |
Structural engineer | $500 – $20,000 |
Contractor fees | 25% of project costs |
Foundation | 9% |
Floor structure | 9% |
Walls and exterior finish work | 6% to 12% |
Roof | 10% |
Windows and doors | 5% |
Interior finish | 6% to 10% |
Flooring | 3% to 5% |
Bathrooms | 4% |
Kitchens | 8% |
Electrical | 10% |
Plumbing | 12% |