Cost of Building a 20-Unit Apartment in Nigeria, 2025 – Budget & Permit
Building a 20-unit apartment complex in Nigeria is a significant investment, especially in high-demand urban areas. In 2025, construction costs will vary depending on factors such as location, material prices, and the complexity of design. This article outlines the key factors involved and provides an estimated breakdown of the costs, excluding land acquisition.
Estimated Budget Breakdown for a 20-Unit Apartment Complex (Excluding Land Acquisition)
Building a 20-unit apartment complex involves various stages from design to finishing. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the key construction costs for 2025:
1. Design and Planning
- Architectural and Engineering Fees: Professional fees for architects and engineers generally range between 3% and 7% of the total construction cost. Depending on the complexity of your design, fees for a 20-unit complex may range from ₦10 million to ₦30 million.
2. Construction Costs
- Materials: The cost of construction materials, such as cement, steel, concrete, plumbing, electrical wiring, and finishing materials, forms the bulk of the budget. The price of cement in 2025 is estimated at ₦10,000- #14,000 per bag, while the cost of steel is approximately ₦1.5 million per ton.
- For a 20-unit apartment complex, material costs could range from ₦250 million to ₦600 million depending on the quality and quantity of materials chosen.
3. Labor Costs
- Skilled and Unskilled Labor: Labor costs are affected by location and the size of the construction team. Skilled labor (masons, electricians, plumbers) typically costs between ₦1,500 to ₦5,000 per day. Unskilled labor may cost less.
- The total labor cost for a 20-unit apartment complex is estimated to range from ₦100 million to ₦300 million.
4. Foundation and Structural Work
- Excavation and Foundation: Excavating and laying the foundation for a 20-unit apartment complex, including any necessary soil treatment, is an essential phase of construction. This may cost anywhere from ₦30 million to ₦80 million.
- Superstructure Construction: The construction of the building’s structure (walls, columns, slabs, etc.) may cost between ₦100 million to ₦250 million, depending on the design, materials, and engineering complexity.
5. Utilities and Services
- Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Systems: Installing plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems in a 20-unit apartment complex will typically cost between ₦50 million to ₦150 million.
- Water Supply and Sewage Systems: Water supply and sewage systems installation can range from ₦20 million to ₦50 million, depending on the site’s infrastructure needs.
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6. Permits and Approvals
- Land Use and Zoning Permits: For residential projects, these permits ensure compliance with zoning regulations. Costs for this could range between ₦500,000 to ₦10 million, depending on the location.
- Building Permit: Obtaining the necessary building permit may cost between ₦1 million to ₦5 million.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): If required, an EIA can cost from ₦2 million to ₦10 million, particularly in urban or environmentally sensitive areas.
7. Finishing and Interior Work
- Interior Finishing: The cost of interior finishes—such as flooring, tiling, painting, and furniture fixtures—can range from ₦50 million to ₦150 million, depending on your choice of materials and design.
- External Finishing: This includes the exterior cladding, landscaping, and painting of the building. External finishing typically costs between ₦30 million to ₦80 million.
Total Estimated Cost to Build a 20-Unit Apartment Complex (Excluding Land)
Excluding the land acquisition, the total estimated cost for building a 20-unit apartment complex in Nigeria in 2025 can range from ₦500 million to ₦1.5 billion. This wide range accounts for the choice of materials, labor costs, permits, and other variables.
Breakdown of Total Cost:
- Low-End Estimate: For a simple design and standard finishes, excluding land acquisition, the cost could range between ₦500 million to ₦800 million.
- High-End Estimate: For a more luxurious apartment complex with premium finishes, the cost could go up to ₦1 billion to ₦1.5 billion.
Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Building a 20-Unit Apartment Complex
- Location: The cost varies significantly depending on the location, with urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt being more expensive due to higher demand and living standards.
- Design and Complexity: More complex designs with additional features (e.g., gyms, pools, or luxury finishes) will increase costs.
- Material Prices: Fluctuating material prices, especially for cement and steel, can significantly impact the overall budget.
- Labor Costs: Labor costs in Nigeria vary based on skill level and region, with urban areas tending to have higher labor rates.
How to Optimize Your Budget for Building a 20-Unit Apartment Complex
Managing your construction budget efficiently requires careful planning:
- Work with Experienced Contractors: Ensure your contractor has experience handling large-scale projects to avoid delays and unforeseen costs.
- Negotiate Bulk Purchases: Buy materials in bulk to take advantage of discounts.
- Design for Efficiency: Focus on designs that maximize space and minimize costs while still meeting quality standards.
Build with The Building Practice Ltd
If you’re considering building a 20-unit apartment complex in Nigeria, The Building Practice Ltd offers expert construction services to help you achieve your goals within budget.
Contact us today to start planning your next project;
- Phone: +234 904 9721 840
- Email: info@buildingpractice.biz
- Address: Plot 6, Remi Olowude Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
- Website: buildingpractice.biz
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to build a 20-unit apartment complex in Lagos?
The cost of building a 20-unit apartment complex in Lagos can range from ₦500 million to ₦1.5 billion, excluding land costs.
What factors influence the cost of building a 20-unit apartment complex in Nigeria?
Key factors include the location, design complexity, material prices, labor rates, and the type of finishes used in the project.
How long does it take to build a 20-unit apartment complex?
Typically, building a 20-unit apartment complex will take between 18 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity and the efficiency of the construction team.
What permits are required to build a 20-unit apartment complex in Nigeria?
Necessary permits include land use and zoning permits, building permits, and, in some cases, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).