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

Introduction

When planning to build a home in Pakistan, one of the first and most crucial decisions is selecting the right plot size. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or an experienced builder, understanding the pros and cons of popular plot sizes—5 marla, 10 marla, and 1 kanal—can make or break your dream home project.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare these three common house sizes in terms of design flexibility, construction cost, living space, family suitability, and legal approvals. This will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs, budget, and future goals.

What Is a Marla and Kanal?

Before we dive into detailed comparisons, let’s clarify the basic units of land measurement in Pakistan:

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

⚠️ Note: Private housing societies sometimes follow slightly different conversion scales.

5 Marla House Plan

Best Suited For:

• Small to medium-sized families
• Budget-conscious individuals
• Investment or rental purposes

Typical Design Layout:

• 2–3 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Combined Kitchen and Lounge
• Parking for one car
• Optional small lawn

Pros:

• Low construction and finishing costs
• Easy to maintain and manage
• Ideal for cities with smaller plots
• Quick resale turnaround
• Popular in new housing societies

Cons:

• Limited space for future expansion
• Smaller rooms, limited amenities
• Less privacy if extended vertically

10 Marla House Plan

Best Suited For:

• Medium to large families
• Homeowners looking for moderate luxury

Typical Design Layout:

• 3–4 Bedrooms with attached bathrooms
• Drawing, dining, lounge, and kitchen
• Spacious backyard and garage for 2 cars
• Potential for basement or upper floor

Pros:

• More spacious rooms
• Better aesthetic options
• Flexible architectural possibilities
• Allows outdoor sitting or kitchen garden
• Good for hybrid families

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Increased maintenance and utility bills
• Slightly higher property tax bracket

1 Kanal House Plan

Best Suited For:

• Luxury homes and premium lifestyle seekers
• Joint families or those planning multi-generational living

Typical Design Layout:

• 5–6 Bedrooms with attached baths
• Dual kitchens (wet & dry)
• Drawing, dining, multiple lounges
• Servant quarter, storerooms, and study
• Lawn, patio, swimming pool, and multi-car garage

Pros:

• High resale and rental value
• Ample space for customization (home office, gym, theatre)
• Ideal for modern amenities like solar panels and smart home tech
• Potential for guest rooms, home-based office, or library
• Prestige in gated communities

Cons:

• High construction, furnishing, and tax costs
• Regular upkeep and operational expenses
• Land acquisition often takes longer and requires higher capital

Cost Comparison (Estimated in 2025)

📌 Costs vary by city, labor, materials, and society regulations.

Approval & Regulation Guide

Always consult your local authority (e.g., LDA, CDA, BDA) before finalizing your map.

Lifestyle Suitability & Family Considerations

Plot size plays a big role in day-to-day living comfort and future potential.

• 5 Marla Homes: Great for nuclear families or starter homes. Suitable for couples and small families looking to invest in urban areas with limited space.
• 10 Marla Homes: A balanced choice offering both comfort and affordability. Ideal for growing families that need space without extravagant costs.
• 1 Kanal Homes: Luxury living, best for those who want high-end finishes, spacious rooms, privacy, and long-term family planning.

Modern Design Flexibility by Plot Size

Which Plot Size Matches Your Lifestyle?

Key Decision Factors:

• Budget: 5 Marla homes are great for beginners, while Kanal homes are ideal if you’re financially stable.
• Family Size: Larger families benefit from 10 Marla or Kanal homes, which provide room for growth.
• Future Expansion: Kanal plots offer great flexibility for extensions, basements, and vertical growth.
• Investment Goal: 5 Marla homes often generate quicker rental returns, while Kanal homes offer high resale profits.
• Maintenance Load: Smaller plots are easier and cheaper to maintain over the long term.
• Neighborhood Preference: Kanal homes are often found in high-end societies; 5 Marla are common in affordable localities.

Decision Guide Table

Let NakshaNigar.com Help You Design Smartly

At NakshaNigar.com, we help homeowners make the most of their land size, whether it’s a compact 5 marla plot or a sprawling 1 kanal estate.

Our Services Include:

• Custom floor plans and 3D house designs
• LDA/CDA/BDA approval-ready drawings
• Interior layouts with space optimization
• Elevation design, landscaping, and more
• Cost-effective construction strategies
• Expert consultation tailored to your city and plot size
• Budget and design flexibility to match your family’s needs

Start your journey today. Let’s design your dream home, your way.