Real Estate in Pakistan
Last updated on Sep 06, 2023
Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in Pakistan should begin by researching the local real estate market and familiarizing themselves with the different types of properties available. They should also consider their budget and the type of amenities they are looking for in a home. Homes in Pakistan typically include amenities such as air conditioning, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Some homes may also include a balcony, a garden, or a terrace. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Pakistan, but there are certain restrictions. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own agricultural land, and they must obtain permission from the government before purchasing any property.
How do I find a place to live in Pakistan?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"We lived in Defence as this was close to my husband's place of employment, had a lot of green space, was quiet and has residents who were used to seeing foreigners. We used a real estate company, Deal Makers to find our apartment. You can read more here: How to Find Housing in Lahore http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1195348/how_to_find_housing_in_lahore_pakistan.html?cat=54 Best Areas to Live in Lahore http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1797302/best_areas_to_live_in_lahore_pakistan.html?cat=16," said one expat who made the move to Lahore.
"The best way to find a place to live in Pakistan is to start by researching the different cities and towns in the country. You can look at online listings for rental properties, or contact local real estate agents to help you find a suitable place. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Pakistan for advice and recommendations. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can visit the area to get a better feel for the neighborhood and to make sure it meets your needs," explained one foreigner living in Pakistan.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Pakistan?
"Expat homes and apartments in Pakistan tend to be modern and comfortable, with amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and modern appliances. Many expats choose to live in gated communities, which offer additional security and access to amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts. Expat homes and apartments in Pakistan are typically spacious and well-furnished, with plenty of room for entertaining guests," said one person in Pakistan.
"We lived in an upper portion, an independent flat above our landlord's family who lived in the bottom section. This is typical for most expats. It's hard to get a stand alone house and much more expensive. You can read more about living in Defence here: Living in Defence Housing Authority in Lahore, Pakistan http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1163761/living_in_defence_housing_authority.html?cat=54," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Lahore.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What is the average cost of housing in Pakistan?
If you are thinking about moving to Pakistan, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Pakistan varies greatly depending on the location and type of property. Generally, housing in major cities such as Karachi and Lahore is more expensive than in smaller towns and rural areas. Prices for apartments and houses range from low-cost options to more luxurious properties. In addition, the cost of housing is affected by the availability of amenities such as electricity, water, and gas," explained one expat living in Pakistan.
"We had a 3-bedroom portion and paid 24,000 rupees per month, although prices have gone up since 2009. Costs are MUCH lower than in the U.S," said one person in Lahore.
Should I buy or rent a home in Pakistan?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Pakistan, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"Buying a home in Pakistan can be a great investment, as property prices are generally on the rise. However, it is important to consider your financial situation and lifestyle before making a decision. Renting a home in Pakistan can be a great option if you are looking for a more flexible living arrangement, as it allows you to move around more easily and avoid the costs associated with buying a home. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Pakistan should be based on your individual needs and preferences," explained one expat living in Pakistan.
What do I need to know when buying property in Pakistan?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Pakistan, they said:
"1. It is important to research the local market and understand the current trends in the area before making a purchase. 2. It is important to hire a qualified lawyer to review all documents related to the purchase and ensure that all legal requirements are met. 3. It is important to obtain a valuation of the property from a qualified professional to ensure that the purchase price is fair. 4. It is important to understand the local tax laws and regulations and ensure that all taxes are paid in a timely manner. 5. It is important to understand the local zoning laws and regulations and ensure that the property is suitable for the intended use. 6. It is important to obtain a title search to ensure that the property is free of any liens or encumbrances. 7. It is important to obtain a survey of the property to ensure that the boundaries are accurate and that the property is not encroaching on any other land. 8. It is important to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the local government to ensure that the property is suitable for habitation. 9. It is important to obtain a certificate of completion from the local government to ensure that all construction work has been completed in accordance with local regulations. 10. It is important to obtain a certificate of insurance from the local government to ensure that the property is adequately insured against any potential risks," said one foreigner living in Pakistan.
Are foreigners allowed to own property in Pakistan?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Pakistan, they said...
"Foreigners are generally not allowed to own property in Pakistan. However, there are some exceptions. Foreigners who are married to a Pakistani citizen, or who have a valid work permit, may be able to purchase property in Pakistan. Additionally, foreign companies may be able to purchase property in Pakistan if they have obtained permission from the Board of Investment," explained one person living in Pakistan.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Pakistan what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"In Pakistan, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Other common appliances may include a microwave, air conditioner, and water heater. Depending on the property, some landlords may also provide additional appliances such as a dishwasher, clothes dryer, and water purifier," explained one person living in Pakistan.
Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Pakistan:
We asked foreigners in Pakistan what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...
"Expats can search for homes in Pakistan by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who have already settled in the country. Additionally, expats can look for housing options in newspapers, magazines, and other publications. They can also attend open houses and visit neighborhoods to get a better sense of the local housing market," said one person in Pakistan.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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