Our August 2025 building materials survey compared prices across four major retailers; Pupkewitz MegaBuild, Buco, Ark Trading, and Build It. The findings highlight not only which supplier offers the most affordable basket, but also where price stability and volatility are most evident.
Pupkewitz MegaBuild once again appeared as the lowest-cost option, with a total basket price of N$7,174.79, maintaining a steady trend with minimal change from July. At the other end of the scale, Buco was the priciest option, with the same basket coming in at N$8,656.15.
The takeaway? Choosing carefully could save you up to N$1,481.36, a difference that matters whether you are managing a large project or simply tackling home improvements.
Overall Basket Totals
- Pupkewitz MegaBuild: N$7,174.79 (↑ 1.1% m/m)
- Buco: N$8,656.15 (↑ 13.3% m/m)
- Ark Trading: N$7,592.35 (↓ 0.2% m/m)
- Build It: N$8,055.32 (↑ 4.3% m/m)
As compared to July 2025 Pupkewitz MegaBuild stayed the cheapest basket overall, while Buco saw the largest month-to-month jump.
Highlights & Movers
- Cement (32.5 & 42.5 Ohorongo): Prices across all outlets remained mostly stable.
- Paint (20L): Build It leads as the most expensive at N$1,111.67, compared to MegaBuild’s N$919.00.
- Ceiling Board: Buco jumped from N$181.24 to N$313.73 (↑ 73%).
- Locksets: Build It saw a huge spike to N$295.95, while others stayed under N$120.
- Aluminium Sliding Doors: Highest at Buco (N$3,298.99), lowest at MegaBuild (N$2,628.99).
Best Value Finds (August 2025)
- Cement: MegaBuild & Build It at ~N$102 (best value).
- Bricks: Ark Trading remained the cheapest at N$2.53 per unit.
- Paint: MegaBuild keeps prices lowest at N$919.00 for 20L.
Trend Watch
- Biggest Riser: Ceiling Boards at Buco (+73%).
- Steadiest Basket: Ark Trading (minimal price movement).
- Cheapest Overall: MegaBuild, despite small increases.
- Price Pressure Point: Finishing products (paint, doors, locksets) showing upward pressure.
The big story this month is the significant price inflation seen at both BUCO and Build It. BUCO’s basket jumped by nearly N$1,000 from July, driven by increases in almost every category, especially Copper Tubing and Aluminium Windows.
This suggests that builders who rely on these suppliers are feeling the pinch of rising costs across the board. For contractors, the relative stability in cement and bricks is a relief, but the creeping rise in steel costs may impact large-scale projects.
Your Smart-Shopping Strategy for August
- Anchor your shopping at Pupkewitz: For price stability and the best overall value, make them your first stop, especially for big-ticket items.
- Source your roofing from Ark Trading: If IBR sheeting is on your list, making a separate trip to Ark Trading will save you money.
- Always double-check the small stuff: Before heading to the checkout, review the prices on smaller items like locksets and lintols, especially at stores showing high price volatility this month.
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.
