Architectural Design
January 15, 2024
The question most people ask before starting a construction project is: "How much does a square metre cost to build?" Giving a direct answer requires looking at official unit costs, market conditions and sound budgeting logic together.
Official Approximate Unit Costs
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change publishes annual approximate unit costs by building class. According to the 2025 Official Gazette notice, figures are stated excluding VAT and inclusive of overheads and contractor profit:
- Luxury residential (Class I): ~₺23,400/m²
- Upper-mid residential (Class II): ~₺21,600/m²
- Standard residential (Class III): ~₺18,500/m²
These are baseline reference figures; significant variation occurs by region, material grade and labour rates.
Cost Breakdown
Construction cost divides into two main categories. Structural shell works — foundation, load-bearing frame, roof and waterproofing — account for roughly 45–55% of the total. Finishing works — plaster, paint, flooring, interior doors, kitchen units, bathroom tiling, electrical and plumbing — make up the remaining 45–55%. Many owners underestimate finishing costs, only to find they roughly equal the structural spend.
Land, Design and Permit Costs
Unit cost tables cover construction work only. A realistic total budget must also include land acquisition, architectural and structural design fees, permit charges, building inspection fees, utility connections and landscaping. These items can add 15–25% on top of construction costs.
Keeping Costs Under Control
Opting for simple geometry at the design stage, using locally sourced materials and grading material choices by usage intensity are the most effective cost-management tools. At Home Yapı Mühendislik, every project starts with a transparent, itemised cost table to eliminate budget surprises.
Construction