Building cost calculator for Gauteng

The calculator multiplies your floor area by the published rate for the kind of building and the finish level. It is a starting point for a budget, not a quote: the ground, the roof shape, the finishes you pick and the builder all move the number.

Where the rates come from

The rates are from the AECOM Africa Property and Construction Cost Guide 2025/26, which quantity surveyors use. Its rates are current to 1 July 2025, based on Gauteng data where possible, and exclude VAT, site infrastructure, parking, escalation and professional fees. We added 15% VAT and rounded to the nearest R10, and did not add price rises since July 2025.

AECOM prices a swimming pool as a whole, not per m²: about R135 000 for up to 50 kl and R240 000 for 50 to 100 kl, excluding VAT. A covered double carport is about R19 500.

A check from Stats SA

Stats SA publishes the declared value and floor area of buildings completed in the larger municipalities. Dividing one by the other for Gauteng, January to June 2026, gives about R7 592 per m² for houses under 80 m², R10 227 for larger houses and R10 640 for additions (our calculation). Declared values can differ from what a build really costs.

What is not in the number

• VAT is in; land, site infrastructure, boundary walls, paving and landscaping are not
• Plans, engineer and council fees (see what plans cost)
• NHBRC enrolment for a new house
• Price rises since July 2025

The additions and granny flat options use the house rates. Small buildings cost more per square metre than big ones, because the kitchen, bathroom and roof are spread over fewer metres, so lean towards the top of the range for anything under 60 m².

How the finish levels map

Economy uses AECOM's economic to standard house rates, Standard uses standard to middle class, and Luxury uses luxury to exclusive (R18 800 to R30 420 per m² with VAT).

Questions people ask