Namibians planning to take on construction projects this winter will find the best value at Pupkewitz Megabuild, which emerged as the most affordable option for a standard basket of building materials in July 2025.
According to the latest price comparison, Pupkewitz Megabuild’s basket covering 17 essential items such as cement, ceiling boards, aluminium doors, and lintels came in at N$7,099.30 (including VAT). This makes it more than N$500 cheaper than the next most affordable competitor.
The monthly survey is designed to guide consumers in finding the best deals on commonly used construction inputs like bricks, doors, paint, and tubing. The analysis compared prices across four major retailers: Pupkewitz Megabuild, Build It, Ark Trading, and BUCO.
The biggest savings were found in higher-priced items. For example, the Aluminum Sliding Door which makes up over 30% of the total basket across all retailers’ costs N$2,628.99 at Pupkewitz Megabuild over N$390 less than the N$3023.33 price at BUCO. Another standout difference was the Interior Hardboard Door, with prices varying by more than N$120 between stores.
While Pupkewitz Megabuild offered the best value overall, other retailers had competitive prices on individual items. This means that consumers with specific needs may still find better deals by shopping around, though many might prefer the convenience of one-stop shopping.
Key Retailer Highlights:
- Pupkewitz Megabuild led with the lowest prices on key items, including:
- Aluminum Sliding Door – N$2,286.08
- Interior Hardboard Door – N$239.13
- Paint – N$799.13
- Ceiling Board – N$152.17
- Ark Trading stood out for affordability on foundational items like:
- Roofing Galvanized IBR and Steel Door Frame. However, higher prices on aluminium products and paint affected its overall ranking.
- BUCO ranked third, offering the best price on:
- Copper Tube (460 Class 0) – N$586.39. But it had higher costs for aluminum and finishing materials.
- Build It was the most expensive overall, with a basket total of N$7,722.37 and steep prices on:
- Paint, lockset and bricks with prices above average
Product-Level Pricing Breakdown
Consumer Takeaway
With construction costs remaining high, particularly for bulk or high-ticket items, knowing where to find the best prices can lead to meaningful savings.
With a price difference of N$623.07 between the cheapest (Pupkewitz) and most expensive (Build It) retailers, the report highlights the importance of comparison shopping—particularly for bulk or high-value purchases.
These price comparisons will continue to be tracked monthly to ensure transparency and assist consumers in making informed decisions in the construction market.
Survey background
The Brief conducts a monthly price survey tracking 17 commonly purchased hardware items at Ark Trading, BUCO, Build It, and Pupkewitz Megabuild. Prices include VAT and reflect trends in supply, demand, and retailer strategy.
Disclaimer
This survey is for information purposes only. Prices may vary due to supplier changes, stock issues, or timing. Contact retailers directly for the latest information.
