Building economics

The economics of private housing and residential building is dependent on the market conditions
and saleability of the properties. Mixed-use buildings would also include commercial space
which would lead to further income. In the social housing sector, housing associations take a
longer term view of the overall building economics, which would include issues such as
maintenance, design life, and flexibility in use to meet future housing needs.
The approximate breakdown of total build cost for a multi-storey residential building is as
follows:

Foundations 5 to 12%

Super-structure and floors 15 to 20%

Cladding and roofing 20 to 25%

Windows and doors 10 to 15%

Services (mechanical , electrical & lifts) 15 to 20%

Services (sanitation and water) 5 to 8%

Finishes and fitments 20 to 25%

Site management (preliminaries) 10 to 15%