5 Marla vs 10 Marla vs 1 Kanal House Plans: What’s the Difference?

Introduction

1. When planning to build a home in Pakistan, one of the first decisions you’ll face is selecting the right plot size. Among the most popular options are 5 marla, 10 marla, and 1 kanal plots. Each size comes with its own benefits, limitations, and ideal use cases.
2. In this article, we’ll compare these three common house sizes in terms of design possibilities, cost, family requirements, and legal constraints — helping you make a smart choice based on your needs.

What Is a Marla and Kanal?

Before diving into comparisons, here’s a quick refresher:

• 1 Marla = 225 square feet (in Punjab, as per government standard)
• 5 Marla = 1125 sq. ft.
• 10 Marla = 2250 sq. ft.
• 1 Kanal = 4500 sq. ft.

Note: Private housing societies may follow slightly different measurements.

5 Marla House Plan

Best For:

• Small to medium-sized families
• Budget-conscious homeowners
• Compact city plots (especially in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi)

Design Features:

• Usually includes 2–3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge
• Limited car parking
• Small front lawn or no lawn

Pros:

• Lower construction and maintenance costs
• Easier to manage
• Ideal for rental or investment

Cons:

• Limited space for extensions
• Smaller rooms and fewer amenities

10 Marla House Plan

Best For:

• Medium to large families
• Homeowners wanting more comfort and space

Design Features:

• 3–4 bedrooms
• Separate drawing and dining rooms
• Spacious lounge, kitchen, and backyard
• Garage for 1–2 cars

Pros:

• Better room dimensions
• More design flexibility
• Suitable for multi-storey living

Cons:

• Higher construction and land cost
• Slightly more complex to maintain

1 Kanal House Plan

Best For:

• Large families or luxury living
• Homeowners wanting premium features
• Families planning future expansion

Design Features:

• 5+ bedrooms with attached bathrooms
• Multiple lounges, terraces, servant quarters
• Separate wet and dry kitchens
• Lawn, patio, and spacious car porch

Pros:

• High resale value
• Ideal for modern architecture and landscaping
• Easy inclusion of smart home features

Cons:

• High cost of land, construction, and taxes
• Greater upkeep and utility costs

Cost Comparison (Approximate as of 2025)

Note: Rates vary by city, contractor, and materials used.

Approval Rules & Legal Guidelines

Different plot sizes have different rules set by local authorities:

• 5 Marla: Smaller setback, often exempted from car porch
• 10 Marla: Moderate FAR (Floor Area Ratio) and parking space required
• 1 Kanal: Requires engineer-approved structure, sewerage plans, and usually a site inspection

Always consult CDA, LDA, or BDA before submitting your house plan.

Which One Should You Choose?

How NakshaNigar.com Can Help

Whether you’re building on a 5 marla plot or a full kanal, NakshaNigar.com offers:

• Customized house plans for any size
• 2D & 3D visualizations
• AutoCAD maps ready for LDA/CDA/BDA approvals
• Expert consultation for space planning and cost-saving

Let us help you bring your dream home to life — no matter the size.