Tracking the price movements of essential construction inputs across major retailers gives both consumers and contractors valuable insights into where budgets can be stretched further.
In September 2025, we compared VAT-inclusive prices for a standard basket of 17 building materials across Pupkewitz, BUCO, Ark Trading, and Build It.
Pupkewitz once again emerged as the most affordable option. Its basket cost remained unchanged at N$7,174.79, maintaining the lowest overall price for the second consecutive month. With consistent pricing in both August and September, Pupkewitz continues to offer the greatest certainty for cost-conscious buyers.
The standout development this month, however, came from BUCO. The retailer cut its total basket cost by more than N$297, reducing it from N$8,656.15 in August to N$8,358.76 in September.
In contrast, Ark Trading and Build It recorded slight increases, with their baskets inching up to N$7,620.42 and N$7,901.48, respectively.
Key Findings
Overall Basket Cost
- Pupkewitz continues to offer the most affordable basket, steady at N$7,174.79, unchanged from August.
- BUCO saw a decline in September, though it remains the most expensive option.
- Ark Trading prices inched upward from N$7,592.35 to N$7,620.42.
- Build it also experienced a mild increase, rising from N$7,876.67 to N$7,901.48.
Item-Specific Trends
- Roofing Galvanized IBR: Ark Trading offers the cheapest option at N$597.01, undercutting Pupkewitz by nearly N$48.
- Copper Tube (Class 0): Ark once again leads with N$572.14, while BUCO remains the priciest at N$768.99.
- Aluminium Products: Pupkewitz has the lowest aluminium window at N$849, but Ark provides the better deal on sliding doors at N$2,934.50 compared to Build it N$3,117.63.
- Cement: Prices remain broadly aligned across all retailers, with Build it N$101.50 (32.5 grade) and N$108.91 (42.5 grade) slightly undercutting rivals.
- Paint: BUCO holds the lowest paint price at N$ 751.61, while Build it tops the range at N$1,057.11.
Cheapest Supplier per Item – September 2025 (incl. VAT)
Key Takeaway
Price competition remains tight and sticking to a single retailer may prove costly With narrowing gaps between suppliers and sharp fluctuations in individual items savvy shoppers can maximize savings by keeping an eye on monthly shifts
Disclaimer This survey is for informational purposes only and is based on prices collected in September 2025 Prices may vary due to supplier changes stock issues or timing Contact retailers directly for the latest information
