Philippine Construction Cost Data Q1 2026: Benchmarks by Building Type

Hearn & Hearn Consulting
3 days ago
3 min read

Published by Hearn & Hearn Consulting 6th Floor, King's Court 1, 2129 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, 1230, Philippines theteam@hhconsulting.com.ph | +63 915 670 4357 | www.hhconsulting.com.ph

Data source: Hearn & Hearn Consulting Philippine Construction Cost Database, Q1 2026. Figures are averages based on lump sum fixed price competitive tenders across the Philippine market. Last updated: Q1 202.

How to Read This Data

All costs are in Philippine Pesos per square meter (PHP/m²) of Construction Floor Area (CFA). CFA is the total floor area measured to the internal dominant face of the external wall, including lift shafts, stairwells, balconies, and plant rooms.

Costs exclude site formation works, external works, land, professional fees, contractor's preliminaries, contingencies, and VAT. Buildings are assumed to have no basements (unless stated) and are built on flat ground with normal soil conditions. Actual costs will vary based on design, location, and project-specific factors.

Construction Costs by Building Type

Residential

Building Type	Specification	PHP/m²
Mid-Rise	Average Standard	35,640 to 42,980
Mid-Rise	High-end Standard	43,410 to 54,215
High-Rise	Average Standard	43,640 to 55,625
High-Rise	High-end Standard	55,190 to 78,465
Terrace	Average Standard	43,110 to 55,355
Detached House	High-end Standard	81,370 to 158,695

Average Standard includes fit-out air-conditioning, stub-outs, and kitchen cabinets, excluding appliances, decorative light fittings, and loose furniture. High-end Standard includes good quality fit-out and air-conditioning, excluding appliances, decorative fittings, and loose furniture.

Office

Building Type	Specification	PHP/m²
High-Rise	Average Standard	41,145 to 50,235
High-Rise	High-end (Prestige) Standard	56,770 to 67,945

Includes RC Structure, curtain wall, and public area fit-out. Excludes tenant area fit-out.

Retail

Building Type	Specification	PHP/m²
Malls	Average Standard	26,820 to 41,135
Malls	High-end Standard	37,590 to 51,895

Includes public area fit-out and M&E. Excludes individual shop fit-out.

Industrial

Building Type	Configuration	PHP/m²
Warehouse	Single-Storey	16,490 to 34,595

Includes RC Structure with steel roof and M&E to main distribution. Excludes air-conditioning, heating, and lighting.

Hotel and Resorts

Building Type	Category	PHP/m²
City Hotel	Budget (3 stars)	52,865 to 62,520
City Hotel	Business (4 to 5 stars)	77,295 to 86,890
City Hotel	Luxury (5 stars)	100,150 to 115,245
Resort	4 stars	88,090 to 99,025
Resort	5 stars	115,170 to 132,530

Includes interior decoration, fixed and movable furniture, and special light fittings. Excludes operating supplies and equipment.

Carparks

Building Type	Configuration	PHP/m²
Basement	3 levels	27,870 to 36,025
Multi-Storey	4 levels	20,400 to 25,965

Basement includes RC Structure, architectural finishes, and M&E, excluding Mechanical Carpark equipment. Multi-Storey includes RC Structure with natural ventilation, excluding Mechanical Carpark equipment.

Others

Building Type	Specification	PHP/m²
International Schools	Private Sector	48,610 to 59,290
Student's Residences	Private Sector	43,415 to 55,380
Sports Clubs and Leisure Centers	Multi-Purpose	49,650 to 60,680
General Hospital	Average Standard	57,230 to 69,945

General Hospital excludes medical and operating equipment. Sports Club includes furniture, fittings, and equipment.

Cost Outlook for 2026

Construction costs in the Philippines are expected to rise in the near term. Oil price increases and potential fuel supply disruptions are the primary drivers, compounded by the Philippines' heavy reliance on imported materials. Historical data from the 2022 oil price shock recorded material cost increases of 5% to 20%, with prices remaining elevated well after oil prices stabilised.

Materials with high import and petrochemical dependency, particularly metals and paint, are expected to see the largest increases. Price adjustments are anticipated within one to two quarters, at a faster rate than previous cycles. Projects in design or pre-tender stage should build in adequate contingencies and engage cost management support early.

About This Data

The Hearn & Hearn Consulting Philippine Construction Cost Database is updated quarterly and is based on the firm's direct experience in the Philippine construction market. It is one of the few independently maintained cost benchmarking references specific to the Philippines across residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, and institutional building types.

To request the full Q1 2026 data sheet or discuss cost planning for an upcoming project, contact Hearn & Hearn Consulting directly.

Hearn & Hearn Consulting Email: theteam@hhconsulting.com.ph Phone: +63 915 670 4357 Website: www.hhconsulting.com.ph LinkedIn: Hearn & Hearn Consulting