The Ultimate Guide to Investing In Pakistan

The advancement of technology has aided the process of making it a more fast and efficient process., As an Overseas Investor you can gain in depth insight with easy to access information in relation to the real estate sector as whole, the current trends and also detailed information on projects. With videos and blogs available online to social media platforms promoting individual projects making an informed decision has never been easier. Moreover, one can use trusted property selling websites in pakistan like the Pakistan Property Directory can be essential in helping you with your investment,  it not only lists a huge selection of trusted projects across pakistan, but can also provide assistance with your purchase and also provide informative information to guide you with your decision.

As with all forms of investment this is simply advice that you should conduct your own due diligence, it is important when making any investments that you make an informed choice. 

Guidance notes for heading due diligence for overseas investors

Below we have selected some guidance notes that can be used to carry out your due diligence.

Track Record of The Developer/Builder:

When thinking to buy property in Pakistan, the most important aspect is to ensure the developer has a historical track record in delivering real estate projects. Companies like  CDC Developers, Ora Developers, and Alif Holdings have a proven history of delivering quality projects on time. 

When making a decision, communication is key. It is important to contact the developers directly or through their appointed agents to ensure the investment meets your requirement. Key questions would relate to any additional fees, the connection of utilities like gas, electric and water supply. What security measures or systems will be implemented.

Approval Status:

As with all real estate developments there is a local authority that the project must be approved by to ensure it is a legal and approved project.Pakistan real estate projects are approved by administrative authorities like Capital Development Authority (CDA), Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) or by any other regulated administration body like Defence Housing Authority (DHA) or the Pakistan Armed Forces (PAF). These projects are considered secure for you to invest in. It is advisable to contact the administrative authority to ensure the legitimacy of the authority for the project you are looking to invest in.

Beware of the Scams and the Fraudulent practices:

Depending on the type of investment you are making it is strongly recommended that you use a legal advocate to ensure that the plot, house, apartment you are looking to purchase is checked according to the points below.

• Approved layout plans/building plans
• The historical record of property ownership
• The property seller should have possession of the property
• All dues on the property have been cleared
• Demand the original copy of the registry
• Deciding Location: 

As we know, location is one of the biggest factors in real estate investment because it directly impacts the value, demand and long-term returns of your investment property. Pakistan-based cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Gwadar also present unique opportunities. 

Islamabad features wonderful infrastructure, beautiful surroundings, and quality living standards; Hence Islamabad draws in top quality customers and traders. Lahore is a cultural and commercial hub of Pakistan and provides flourishing real estate opportunities owing to its expanding infrastructure projects like the Ring Road and prominent housing projects.

Karachi is the financial capital of Pakistan and has been extensively urbanized, which presents high-productive yields for rental properties along with high density for commercial investments throughout the city. On the other hand, due to its strategic significance aligned with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar has incredible growth potential throughout the realism development frontier. These cities represent the location-based diversity of investment opportunities in Pakistan’s property market. Location is at the center of Real Estate Investment, as it has a direct link with the value, return on investment and demand of the property.There are fantastic opportunities in cities of Pakistan such as Lahore, Islamabad, Gwadar and Karachi. Islamabad, being the capital city of Pakistan is known for its natural beauty and high quality of living standards, which lures potential buyers and investors in search of purchasing high end and upmarket properties in Islamabad. Lahore is a commercial centre and being a largest city of Punjab now it provides vigorous real estate investment as massive development in infrastructure, High rise apartments, penthouses and villas are now an encapsulated part of the real estate scenery which was invented to accommodate for your growing population inhabiting the city. Karachi is still the country’s economic juggernaut and remains one of the most sought-after cities for high rental yields or commercial investment prospects. Additionally, Gwadar serves as an unprecedented long-term growth potential because of its strategic importance under the ambit of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) These cities show the path of their location to move towards for more diversified investment opportunities to the Pakistan property market.

What is the best Property to buy in Pakistan: Plot, Villa,  House or Apartment?

The variety and quality in Pakistan real estate now offer a varied choice, including residential and commercial plots, apartments, houses, villas, retail shops and commercial buildings, Every individual has their own preferences for investing, with long term investors opting for the plot option and other investors looking for apartments and houses for rental income and Airbnb business. Pakistan Property Directory  provides a choice for whatever your investing requirements may be.

Investing should entail how much risk-aversive you are, the return on investment you are aiming to achieve. Higher return on investments are ideally ade when you invest in  residential  plots. Cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Gwadar, Multan, Gujrat, Mirpur can ensure a high yield on your real estate investment. New Lahore City provides an ideal opportunity to invest in plots located in some of the most prime areas in Lahore, these are profitable long-term investments that can help you make the most out of these areas, with possible appreciation in value in coming times.  Since there are still projects of CPEC in the process of completing, Gwadar is bringing a few projects of plots. There are a lot of potential long-term investment opportunities in Gwadar.

Gwadar is perhaps the best option for long term investment opportunities. If you are looking to generate rental income, then these are the best options: apartments and houses. And in location to location, there are a novelty array of developed projects giving Apartments within a high area and astounding Return on investment, for example, Pearl Towers, Waterfall and Toor Apartments. Today we will discuss some developments trending today if you are planning to buy a house in Lahore, i.e., Lake City Lahore and Zaitoon City Lahore.

Facilities for overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan

As we are all aware of the political situation of Pakistan , not recently but since its foundation. Every government has provided a framework of promoting and easing the purchase of real estate in Pakistan especially for the overseas Pakistani diaspora.

The government now has an authoritative body in place to help facilitate and ease the purchase of real estate in Pakistan called the  Overseas Pakistani Foundation. 

According to the official website of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation the Pakistanis who are settled abroad on valid work visa since March 1979 by the Protectorate of Emigrants, Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE) and Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) are registered with Overseas Pakistani Foundation and can facilitate themselves with its services. Property Investment has become easier for Overseas Pakistanis as OPF itself has established housing schemes in different areas of Pakistan for Overseas. Plots in these housing schemes, as OPF claims, have been allotted to overseas Pakistanis. These schemes are located in Islamabad, Gujrat, Lahore, Mirpur (AJK),Larkana, Dadu and Peshawar.