Questions About Building on Your Own Land
The 33 questions families like yours ask us most, answered plainly. Where an answer needs more room, we link to the full guide.
- Questions
- 33
- Categories
- 6
Cost & pricing
What does it cost to build a house on my own land?
Our rate is RM200 to RM250 per square foot, depending on the finish package, design and specification. Add RM45,000 for council approval through to CCC and RM5,500 for permanent meters if you need them. The cost calculator shows the full figure and the formula.
Does that estimate include the land?
No. Every figure on this site is the construction cost on land you already own. We do not sell land.
What is excluded?
Land, unusual groundwork, fencing and gates, full landscaping, air-conditioning units (we provide the piping and points), furniture, curtains and decorative lighting. All of it is itemised in the formal quotation. See the full exclusions list.
Do I have to pay for drawings or a quotation?
No — there is no charge at any stage before you appoint us. Plans, 3D views and a full quotation are free, with no registration and no obligation.
Why is a larger design sometimes cheaper?
Because each estimate in our catalogue is calculated from that design's own drawings. Roof form, corner count, external wall length and structural complexity matter more than floor area alone. We explain it on the catalogue page rather than hiding it.
Can the price rise after the contract?
The contract price is fixed for the contracted scope. What can add cost is a change of scope you decide on (a variation order) and unforeseen ground conditions only visible once excavation starts. Both are agreed in writing before the work is done.
Financing
How much can I borrow?
Our eligibility tool gives an estimate in a minute, and tells you which rule is limiting you — which is the only part you can change.
LPPSA or a bank — which is better?
For most public servants, LPPSA: a fixed 4.00% for the whole tenure plus automatic salary deduction is a combination no bank matches. The full comparison, with real calculations.
Does the financing route change your price?
No. Our per-square-foot rate is the same for LPPSA, CIMB, Maybank, EPF and cash. We used to add a documentation surcharge on certain routes; that has been removed entirely.
Can I build with no deposit?
For an own-land build, yes in many cases — the value of your land acts as the equity, so no cash deposit is needed to start construction. The full explanation, including what you still have to pay.
What does panel contractor status mean?
Our credentials as a contractor have been assessed by LPPSA, CIMB and Maybank, and our progress-claim documents follow the format they expect. It is not a guarantee that your financing will be approved, and we have never presented it as one.
What causes a financing application to be declined?
Three main causes: monthly commitments pushing the DSR too high (the ceiling is roughly 60–70%), problems in the CCRIS or CTOS record, and incomplete documents. All of them can be checked before you apply.
Land & approvals
Do I need to own the land first?
Yes. Construction financing requires the title in the applicant's name, because the land is the security. Check your land readiness if you are unsure of your title status.
My land is agricultural. Can I build a house?
Not before the condition is converted. A dwelling will not be approved on land categorised or conditioned as agricultural — your plans will be rejected at council stage. Apply to convert the land condition at the state Land Office first.
The land is unsettled inheritance. Can I build?
Physically yes, but you will not get financing, because that land cannot be charged as security. This is the most common cause of delay we see. Settle the distribution at Amanah Raya or the Small Estates Office first.
Is council approval required?
Yes, without exception. A house without approved plans and a CCC cannot be legally occupied, cannot have permanent utilities connected, and is difficult to sell or mortgage. The full process, step by step.
How long does council approval take?
Three to four months is realistic in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur & Negeri Sembilan, and longer if a department asks for amendments. It sits on your project's critical path, because financiers require approved plans before disbursement.
What are CCC and Form G?
CCC is the Certificate of Completion and Compliance, issued by the architect or engineer who submitted the plans. Form G1 to G21 are the stage certifications signed during construction; the CCC cannot be issued until they are all complete.
Designs & plans
How many designs are there?
62, all with full drawings, real floor areas, room counts and cost estimates. See the whole catalogue — every one is free to download.
Can I ask for a custom design?
Yes, and it is free. We draw plans and 3D views to your requirements at no charge. Bring a list of the spaces you need and some reference images, and limit the revision rounds so the schedule is not affected.
Can I use my own plans?
Yes. If your plans are already approved we can build from them. If not, we review buildability first — some plans need structural amendments before a council will approve them.
Do I have to register to download a plan?
No. No registration, no email, no charge. Every design page has a direct download link to the full drawing set.
How much land do I need?
Each design page states the estimated land area needed once council setbacks are applied. As a rough guide, a single-storey house needs a footprint of around twice its floor area. The land check tool works out the buildable footprint from your lot area.
Construction & after handover
How long does it take to build a house?
Construction itself takes 5 to 6 months. From first consultation to key handover, budget 12 to 18 months including design, council approval and financing — some of which run in parallel. The 12-step workflow with each duration.
When do I pay, and how much?
Seven stages, each requiring verified work before a claim is made. A 5% confirmation deposit, and a 5% retention held until the defect list is cleared. The full schedule with example amounts.
What does the warranty cover?
A 12-month warranty from the date of key handover, covering structural defects, roof and plumbing leaks, electrical work, wet-area finishes and installation. The full terms including exclusions.
Can I visit the site during construction?
Yes, and we recommend visiting regularly. Seeing the work mid-build is the best way to judge quality. See our site photography, and contact us to visit an active site.
What if I'm not satisfied with the work?
A joint inspection and defect list are completed before handover, and the 5% retention is only released once the defects are cleared. For the other stages, the engineer's or supervisor's verification is the basis of the claim, so disputes are settled at verification rather than at payment.
About RumahHQ
Are you CIDB-registered?
Yes. Golden Sharp Innovation (IP0580950-X), CIDB registration 0120260318-SL169289. Check it yourself in the CIDB CIMS portal — for us and for any other contractor you are considering.
Why don't you state your CIDB grade?
Because we will not publish a grade until it has been verified against the register. Our registration number is published so you can check it yourself. Full company details.
Which areas do you cover?
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur & Negeri Sembilan. Outside that we will not quote, because material haulage, labour rates and council processes differ. Our plans remain free to download and take to a local contractor.
How many houses have you built?
230+ completed as at 2026-09-18, with 10+ years of operation and a network of 90+ personnel.
How do you handle my data?
The contact details you provide are used to contact you about your request and are stored in our CRM. The income figures you enter into the eligibility tool are never stored — only a band. Full privacy policy.
Your question isn't here?
WhatsApp us. We reply during working hours, usually within the hour, and there is no charge for asking.
WhatsApp Your QuestionThe first step costs nothing.
Plans, 3D views and a full quotation, all free, with no registration and no obligation. We are only paid once you choose us to build your family's home.