Can a non-national buy a property in Pakistan?
Yes, Foreigners are permitted to buy up to two residential properties in Pakistan. However, the total land they can own is limited to 2% of Pakistan's land area. Foreign investors must obtain a government permit to purchase or lease land.
Can an overseas Pakistani buy property without visiting Pakistan?
Yes, an overseas Pakistani can buy property in Pakistan without visiting the country.
Can foreigners buy property in Pakistan?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Pakistan after completing all legal formalities.
What is an open or closed file?
* An open file is a property file that does not have a registered owner, similar to an unregistered car. It is often bought for short-term purposes and, if lost, cannot be claimed.
A closed file, on the other hand, has been officially transferred to an individual's name
What is a homeowners association?
A homeowners association (HOA) is an organization in a residential community that sets and enforces rules for the properties and residents. It's important to know if the area has an HOA, the rules and regulations you must follow, the fees, their due dates, and what they cover. Your agent can provide more details after viewing several properties, but it's crucial to have this information before getting attached to any home.
What documents are required to legally own a house?
You need a deed verifying the transfer in your favor, such as a sale deed, allotment letter, and sale certificate.
How do I own a house?
You can own a house by purchasing from a private individual, private builder, through allotment or purchase from a public authority (such as LDA, CDA, FDA, MDA), or by becoming a member of a cooperative housing society.
What is meant by Survey?
A survey is a drawing or map that shows the precise legal boundaries of a property, along with the location of improvements, easements, rights of way, encroachments, and other physical features.
What is Mutation (Intiqal)?
Mutation is a document issued by a revenue officer, at least an Assistant Collector of grade III, that orders an entry in the record of rights to be altered, changed, or mutated in the revenue record.
Is mutation a title document?
No, mutation is not a title document.
What is the name of the document that creates a title in immovable property?
A Registered Sale Deed (Registry/Baye-Nama) is the document that creates a title in immovable property.
What is meant by Fard Malkiat?
Fard Malkiat, also known as Record of Rights/Jama Bandi/Misal Haquiat/Register Haqdaran-e-Zameen, is maintained to determine and record various types of rights in immovable property.
What is meant by Khasra?
Khasra refers to a specific piece of land with defined measurements and a designated number.
What is meant by Conveyance Deed or Sale Deed?
A Conveyance Deed or Sale Deed is a legal document by which the title of a property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. It indicates whether the property is on land belonging to any development authority, society, or builder.
Where can I obtain my house documents or title deeds of my property?
You can obtain your house documents or title deeds from the office or department that conferred or transferred the title of the house.
What laws generally deal with real estate in Pakistan?
The main laws dealing with real estate in Pakistan are The Transfer of Property Act, 1882, Land Revenue Act, 1967, Stamp Act, 1899, and Registration Act, 1908.
What safety precautions should I take before buying property or real estate in Pakistan?
Conduct a thorough investigation of the seller's title and any previous owners. Obtain the original title document and other relevant documents, including the mutation in favor of the vendor, a fresh copy of fard, aks shajra, and any necessary no-objection or non-encumbrance certificates. If the vendor is an attorney of the owner, ensure the power of attorney is duly registered with the relevant sub-registrar.
What documents should I inspect before purchasing property registered in the name of a company?
Verify with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan that the property is not mortgaged or used as loan security. Check the memorandum of association to see who is authorized to sell the property and ensure any necessary resolutions are passed and verified. Also, inspect the original title documents.
Can corporate bodies use residential properties as office space?
It is illegal to use residential properties for commercial purposes, though service-based industries are allowed to operate from residential areas.
What inheritance laws apply in Pakistan?
Inheritance laws in Pakistan depend on religious affiliations, with Muslim Personal Laws for Muslims and respective personal laws for non-Muslims.
Is registration required for the transfer of every immovable property in Pakistan?
Yes, transfers of immovable property valued at Rs 100/- and above must be made by a registered sale deed.