Kathmandu — Building a home has become a major financial decision for many Nepali families as land prices rise and construction materials become more expensive. What was once a basic need has now become a mix of necessity, lifestyle choice, and social pressure.
Urban migration and the search for better services have pushed many families to invest most of their lifetime savings into housing. At the same time, open land in city areas has become scarce, and homes are often linked to status and social standing.
Engineers say the trend of building homes larger than needed, adding extra rooms, and spending heavily on decoration has made homebuilding more emotional than practical. Families often take bank loans and long-term installments, raising the question of whether the home becomes a safe asset or a long-term burden.
Experts warn that when families fail to balance desire and need, their long‑term financial stability can be at risk. Changing lifestyles, family size, income, and future plans all play a role in deciding what kind of home to build. These issues are at the center of the “National Home Construction Fest 2082,” now underway at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.
The event, organized by the Home Construction Foundation, began on Sunday and will run through Tuesday. With the theme “What we build, we build in Nepal,” organizers say the fest aims to highlight opportunities within the country. It is considered Nepal’s largest construction expo and is expected to generate more than NPR 2 billion in business.
Despite growth in Nepal’s construction sector, many brands still struggle to present themselves consistently, build strong customer relationships, and showcase their products in a clear and appealing way. Organizers say the fest helps address these gaps.
The event features model homes ranging from NPR 600,000 to several million rupees. Visitors can consult hundreds of engineers in one place and make informed decisions about design, planning, and investment.
Engineer Sangam Shahi, who displayed a model of a small home, said interest in compact houses is rising. “A house can be built for NPR 600,000. With finishing, it can reach around NPR 950,000. Many people prefer smaller homes, and there is commercial demand for them,” he said. “For us, this fest is like a festival. It lets us show our work and ideas.”
Engineers at the fest emphasize that homebuilding should be based on long‑term planning, financial discipline, and practical needs—not emotion alone. They say many problems arise when people start construction without enough information.
Engineer Ramesh Timilsina said homeowners must understand the basics before building. “People get cheated or make mistakes because they lack information. You need to know what kind of land to buy, what foundation to use, what bricks or cement to choose, and what materials fit your needs,” he said. “Many start with a budget of NPR 5 million and end up spending NPR 20 million. That happens when planning is weak.”
He added that families should consider loan repayment, interest, and the long‑term value of the home. “There is a trend of building a house bigger than relatives’ or taller than neighbors’. People must decide whether to join that race or step away from it,” he said.
The fest is also valuable for engineering students, as many companies that hire graduates are participating. Students from various colleges have displayed 60 model homes, helping visitors understand design, cost, and features. Students say the event helps them learn what people want and how to apply both traditional and modern styles.
Engineering student Neha Kharel said the fest gives students a chance to present their work and learn from real questions. Another student, Shrajila Maharjan, said the event helps them understand different perspectives and materials used in construction.
Engineers agree that the key question is not only whether to build a home, but when, how, and within what capacity. They say informed decisions, careful planning, and wide consultation can help families build homes that are safe assets rather than financial burdens.
