NOTE: Frequently asked questions list common questions and answers on a particular topic. Therefore, you should ignore any question or answer that does not fit the context. Moreover, answering every possible question for all contexts remains difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Investment
Do I Invest in Property or Not?
- Property investment always gives fruitful results if you hold long enough.
- People have invested in real estate for centuries.
- In general, people call property a dead investment because it requires patience.
- Minimum holding for residential or commercial property should be 5 years.
- Ten years usually ensures handsome returns.
Tip: Dealers, agents, builders, and even authorities may highlight short-term investments mainly to serve their own benefit.
What is a File?
- A file means property that has not gone through balloting.
- Even if the authority has balloted it, the property may not exist on ground.
- Furthermore, even if it exists on ground, the builder, developer, or authority may not have granted possession.
- Without possession, construction cannot start.
- Consequently, until possession arrives, investors must treat such property as a file.
Tips:
- File prices can rise or fall sharply with market conditions.
- In most cases, investors pay land cost over three years.
- Furthermore, they pay development charges over another three years.
- This schedule creates a structured payment plan.
- Therefore, before you invest in a file, stay clear about your expected holding time.
What is a Plot?
- A property becomes a plot only when the builder, developer, or authority grants possession.
- With possession, construction can start immediately.
Tips:
- After the ballot, dealers and agents often sell or buy a file with a plot number and call it a “PLOT.”
- However, authorities may change the plan due to technical reasons, unfair practices, or to oblige officials.
- Therefore, plot numbers may change.
- Buyers should only treat it as a plot once possession arrives.
- Any property before possession should remain a “FILE.”
- Physical possession plots stay more stable in all market conditions.
- Files and plot files fluctuate sharply with market changes.
- People call them plot files when society allots numbers after a ballot but does not yet give possession.
What is a Society?
A society provides organized urban planning with facilities for living and business.
Basic Facilities
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
- Sewerage
- Road Network
- Commercial Area
Advanced Facilities
- Parks
- Play Areas
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Extras such as Golf Course, Club, Gated Security, etc.
Types of Societies in Lahore
- Authority-Run: LDA (Faisal Town, Johar Town, Avenue 1) or DHA
- Cooperative Bodies: Wapda Town, NFC, Model Town, UET
- Private Developers: Bahria Town, Urban Developers, Eden Builders
Tips:
- LDA acts as Lahore’s master planner since the 1975 LDA Act.
- DHA runs parallel in cantonment with A-class projects.
- Cooperative bodies provide affordable quality living.
- Private developers deliver modern, state-of-the-art projects.
How to Verify a Society?
Before you buy, confirm:
- Does the society register with SECP or Cooperative Department?
- Does the society transfer land into its own name in revenue record?
- Does the society hold a valid NOC from LDA, CDA, GDA, MDA, or FDA?
- Does the society arrange on-site utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and sewerage?
Tips:
- Never invest in pre-launch bookings.
- Always wait for official booking launches advertised in newspapers.
- The ad must show location, schedule, installment plan, and possession year.
- Always check newspaper warnings issued by authorities against unapproved projects.
- Review lists of approved/unapproved schemes and confirm with the authority office.
- Remember: marketing firms or agents often highlight only the projects they handle for profit.
What is Balloting?
- In real estate, balloting means the authority assigns plot numbers to allottees.
- Ballot means allocation decided by drawing lots.
- Two types exist in Pakistan’s property market:
Booking Ballot
- When a developer offers a project on installments, people apply.
- Then the authority holds a ballot to decide successful and unsuccessful applicants.
Plot Ballot
- Authority allots numbers against files and issues maps.
Tip:
- Nowadays, many use the word ballot to mislead.
- Always ask clearly:
- Is booking confirmed or through ballot?
- When will they hold the plot ballot?
Which Location is Best?
- People often call Facing Park, Main Boulevard, or Corner plots best.
- However, the best location is always what fits your budget.
What is Short Term & Long Term Investment?
- People usually link quick gains with short term and longer gains with long term.
- However, the true measure depends on delivery, not profit.
Rules
- Delivery within 1–2 years = Short Term
- Delivery after 2+ years = Mid or Long Term (depending on duration)
Factors
- Prices rise for many reasons, yet delivery stays the main measure.
- Occupancy pace also matters.
- Quick delivery with slow occupancy delays growth.
- Fast occupancy boosts consistent growth.
- Therefore, investors must check both delivery and occupancy.
Tip: Always ask agents or authorities for official delivery timelines.
What is Difference Between Allocation & Affidavit Files?
Affidavit Files
- Created when a landholder surrenders land to DHA.
- DHA issues two files of one Kanal for each acre.
- DHA writes seller’s name but leaves purchaser’s name open.
- Landholder fills buyer’s name and submits with fee voucher.
- DHA transfers file and issues intimation letter.
- Buyer then pays membership fee and receives allocation letter.
- Transfer fee ranges from 6,500–20,000.
- Buyers pay no CVT, Stamp Duty, or Advance Tax.
- Transfers complete in 3–4 days without buyer/seller present.
Allocation Files
- Start after affidavit conversion or direct allotment.
- Buyer holds allocation letter.
- Authority applies NDC and charges Stamp Duty, CVT, Advance Taxes, and DHA fee.
- Both seller and buyer must appear for transfer (except overseas/on-behalf cases).
- Buyer must personally collect the letter.
- Transfers take 7–10 days.
Tip: Affidavit files cost more than allocation files because of lower transfer charges. Both stay equally secure since DHA issues them.
When Will Ballot, Development, and Possession Happen?
- Investors often ask this from agents or dealers.
- Agents share limited knowledge.
- They usually rely on CROs, who often lack complete awareness.
- As a result, investors feel dissatisfied due to incomplete or wrong details.
Tips:
- Contact only the authority for accurate answers.
- Only developers or authorities know actual ballot, development, and possession timelines.
- Therefore, rely on official updates, not agent assumptions.
How Much Holding Time Must Investors Plan?
General Timelines:
- Minimum: 1 year
- Reasonable: 3 years
- Sufficient: 5 years
- Enough: 10 years
- More than enough: 15 years
Growth Patterns:
- Mature projects grow slowly but stay stable.
- Underdeveloped projects grow fast but carry higher risk.
Tips:
- Always define holding time before investing.
- Holders win, so holding capacity ensures strong positions.
- Consult your agent, but never invest if you cannot hold for at least a year.
- If you have time to track daily trends, you may consider less than 1 year.
- Otherwise, avoid short-term investments.
- Always plan to hold until possession.
- If you cannot pay installments, avoid booking.
Which Investment is Better: Residential or Commercial?
- Commercial investments usually give higher returns and rental income.
- Residential investments serve personal living needs.
Tips: Decide by checking:
- Do you need dual-use (residential + commercial)?
- How large is the local population for commercial demand?
- What amenities exist for residential comfort?
Which is Better: Cash Payment or Installments?
- Only individuals can answer this based on their goals.
Factors:
- Do you invest purely for return?
- Do you need it for personal residence or business?
- When do you plan to build?
- Can you manage installments easily?
- Can you wait until possession?
Tip: Do not book if you cannot hold until possession. Premature selling risks losses, while dealers and builders profit.
Do I Contact More Than One Agent?
- Yes, never rely on a single source.
- Consult at least 5 agents before buying or selling.
Tip: Use property portals to find agents. Always prefer agents with offices in the same society.
What are Commission Charges?
- Traditionally, agents charged 2% each from buyer and seller.
- Due to competition, many now agree to 1% or negotiate.
- In rentals, agents usually charge half of one month’s rent, agreed between tenant and landlord.
What is the Price for a Plot in Lahore?
- Lahore’s vast size makes price ranges wide.
- For example, a 5 Marla residential plot may cost 2 lacs in some areas and 70–80 lacs in prime areas.
- Dealers often highlight only where they work and profit most.
Tip: Always decide your area first, then survey the market.
Where to Invest in Lahore?
- Locals and overseas Pakistanis ask this most often.
- Every part of Lahore offers opportunities depending on individual needs.
- People already live everywhere.
- Dealers promote only societies they handle for profit.
Tip: Only buyers can choose the best area. Consider:
- Budget
- Location priorities
- Family accessibility
Buyer’s Checklist for Choosing Location
- Consider children’s education.
- Evaluate workplace/business access.
- Check family proximity.
- Define personal preferences.
Questions & Answers (Darul Uloom Karachi)
- Can I sell my flat after booking with down payment, even though I did not take possession and the builder did not start construction?
- Can I sell property after paying Biana, even though the seller did not transfer it and I did not take possession?
- Can I sell a plot in an underdeveloped society after booking and paying, even though the society did not allot a number?
Rewrite it all with same structure but use maximum transition words and avoid passive words
Please Download following Fatwa for the answers to above asked questions
Property Fatwa about Sale Purchase of Installment Plots Homes Flats
Mufti Tariq Masood explaninig the Selling & Buying of booking forms:
Also read:
File Estate vs Plot Estate vs Real Estate: Understanding the Difference | eProperty®
My parents pass away ! i made FRC i need to make house in my name since i have death certificate of my father my mother death certificate and house paper works miss place in US, now tell me what to do to make it easy thank you.
Karachi North Nazimabad area house
Dear Nisar A Malik Bhai,
You need to contact at project office for details.
atif bhai, what is your experience about CBR Housing Scheme Phase-II near new intl air port, fateh jung. is it good for investment?
Dear Waqar Ahmed Bhai,
I am not updated with the project but if it is in locality of New Airport then it has a good future, not sure about development standard or design layout of the society.
I need 5 or 10 marla what is procedure residential ?
Dear Khatak Bhai,
Please mention project name
Assalam o Alaikum sir
Dr mudassar nazar from Lahore here.
Sir I want to discuss an important issue with You.
Sir model housing scheme Lahore mai Aik practice chal rahi hai, 5 aur 3 marla ki files developers aur Estate agents market rate sy 50 thousands extra py jama kr rhy hain aur 2 months ka cheque dy dety hain. Loog market sy files purchase kr k immediately 50 thousands profit aur 2 months time py jama kra dety hain, Sir ye practice kesi hai? Religious point sy jaiz hai ya nahi?
Urs guidance is required?
Ya kisi ka bta den
Thanks
Dear Mudassar Nazar Bhai,
I am not an Aalim or Mufti you may please contact any Aalim or Mufti for correct information.
Sir Plz tell me contact no of some other person from whom I can get guidance.
I have mentioned it in my previous msg to inform me about someone
Thanks
Dear Mudassar Nazar Bhai,
You may contact:
https://www.jamiaashrafia.org/
http://www.darululoomkarachi.edu.pk/
http://www.kulyatushariah.edu.pk/
and various other Dar ul Alooms.
dear atif sb can u please tell if we pay stamp duty and cvt and advance tax on FBR value . even then we have to pay 3 % difference tax. can we pay these taxes on Actual purchase price
Dear Sheheryar Bhai,
You pay Stamp Duty and CVT on DC value where as you pay Advance Tax on Purchase at FBR value. So pay 3% tax called 236 W on the difference of amount between FBR and DC value. If you pay Stamp Duty and CVT on same FBR value then you dont need to pay 236 W the difference of FBR and DC value. But it will cost you more if you pay the CVT and Stamp duty that is 5% on the FBR value, so it is recommended to pay 236 W as 3%, it will cost you less.
Salam Atif Bhai,
I made booking of 10 Marla file in professional cooperative housing society Lahore 1 year ago and paying the installments regularly still no development and balloting now I was interested in DHA bahawalpur after sale the file, would it be better decisions or should I keep hold the file. you guide is required in this regard.
Dear Ali Bhai,
I am not aware of Professional Cooperative Housing Society in Lahore. DHA Bahawalpur is definite a good investment I am sure about it.
Atif Bahi,
I have a question about balloting system which will be used in DHA multan, how we can consider its wise and clear I.T system and not biased, and it will select ramdon entries not predefine.
Dear Sir,
Only DHA can tell about system. Please contact DHA Multan for any further assistance.
I am overseas British Pakistani – I am interested in buying plot in Lahore but am first time investor. What advice can you give me. Is it good time to buy? Is it safe? Should i buy file or property? Where should I buy? I want to sell in 5-10 years for maximum return.
Dear Shafiq Bhai,
For new Entry DHA is best. You may visit DHA Lahore project here
https://eproperty.pk/lahore/dha/
THE GWADAR CENTRAL
is located in the centre of Gwadar.
“A” category NOC 24/05/HS/GDA By Gwadar Development Authourity.
EFU life insurance will pay back your rest of installments in case of accidental case.
Pre Launch 2 Years Monthly easy Installmen. Confirm booking. Best investment for future
Please contact for detail information, location Map and Booking details for this Project.
ZAHID MAHMOOD
Dear Zahid Bhai,
Please share your experience with Gwadar Central at:
https://eproperty.pk/gwadar/gwadar-central/
Jazakallah bhai
Dear atif bhai, please update revised DC value & taxes of 5 marla plot, DHA p prism, J Block, Lahore. And also future of DHA 9 Prism ?
Dear Sir,
DHA Phase 9 Prism future is bight in long term. There are two types of list are available in the market. One is called DC Rates and other is called FBR Rates.
DC value of Phase 9 Prism 5 Marla is 750,000 (1 Kanal DC Rate is 3,000,000)
FBR value of Phase 9 Prism 5 Marla is 1,125,000 (1 Kanal FB Rate is 4,500,000)
People are paying Stamp Duties and CVT as per DC value. FBR & Advance Income Tax is being paid as per FBR value. However DHA is still getting under taking from Buyer if Govt. impose any further taxes or CVT & Stamp Duty also need to pay as per FBR value.
Respected Atif Bhai, Will u please evaluate the minimum price of DHA 9 Prism J Block Plot No. 2391 for purchasing purpose. if 04 installment has been paid. please guide brother.
Dear Sir,
DHA Phase 9 Prism Sector J Plot # 2391 market value is 32 lacs with 4 installment paid
I have green file in city housing faisalabad and plotting starts 1st august can you tell me the complete process if i have to pay additional fee when chosing a plot number besides the agreed payment ?
Will some one at helm affairs will kindly let me know the latest status and fate of DHA City Lahore, as I have paid the price of 5 marla plot,received the allocation letter but no plot.kindly advice what to do?
Dear Nazir Ahmed Bhai,
DHA City Lahore is under litigation and NAB is investigating, transfer is stop by DHA Lahore. If you already have it you can hold it. New buying is not recommended at all till situation clear.
AoA sir,
i want to invest 5million in real estate for 2 years . where should i invest so that i can earn maximum return?
jazakAllah
Dear Atif Bhai,
I have few questions where i am now double minded. My questions are as below;
1) Since 2008 i am working outside Pakistan and didn’t pay any tax to FBR but i have NTN number previously. Will i be considered as filer or non-filer.
2) I bought one kanal plot in 2008 by paying CVT, Stamp duty etc at the rates of that time. As the revised tax is applicable from 2006. Do i have to pay any taxes for this plot as the tax rates are changed now?
3) Lets say i bought one plot in 2013 on 4 years installments having total price of 150lac. And i sold this plot in 2016 by 100lac. On what amount i have to pay CGT.
Thanks a lot in advance for your help.
Regards,
Dear Ali Khan Bhai,
1- You will be an inactive filer, it mean you cannot claim any benefit for filer
2- Not at all. You dont need to pay any thing
3- The frame work is not clear about it on which amount tax will be paid. Soon things will be clear
In October 2013;there was announced a WAPDA employees coop. housing society phase 2 in faisalabad.Being wapda employee I paid the 10 percent down payment and there after 5 instalments.A period nearing 3years is passing away, but I have not learnt any thing regarding balloting, membership etc.when contacted the admin. Invairibly tell the new fabricated stories.kindly let me know ifany scheme is there ? Or this is some new kind of scam?
Dear Property expert
I bought a plot in DHA Rahber as an investment and being sell it now getting some profit. My dealer proposes that I should work with him as an investor and he will receive sharing in profit at the time of sale of a plot instead of commission on purchase. it looks good to me as the dealer will try to circulate (purchase and sale) more rapidly and with more interest to earn more profit and frequent share. Can you guide me if this type of agreement is good for me? Also the agreement should contain what type of terms and what should be the dealer %age in profit. one thing comes in my mind is that it should be on slab basis i.e if 10% is return on investment than dealer will get 5% on profit, if 11% to 15% then 7% etc. Kindly guide me in detail.
Dear Nasir Bhai,
This prat ice is going on in market, but I am not sue to this practice at the moment. However it is profit & loss sharing. Ideally it is good. But usually in case of loss the buyer hold it and dont sell it. Whenever times come agent sell the property and get share in the profit. So usually there is no loss in the investor is a holder. Agents do not charge commission. On selling they get share from profit. Now the percentage of profit may differ in different cases. It is a mutual understanding between investor and agent. Usually they are 30% to 50% on profit for Biana plots and if transfer realize then it may be decided mutually.
Aoa Atif Bhai
I have a file (Allocated) in DHA multan. I have heard that after the balloting this file will be difficult to be disposed off at competitive price since lot of files on instalments will be available in the market, which would be preferred by the public. So please guide me whether i should hold the file or sale it out and later on get the file on instalment. Which is the better option and please guide me that if i have to sale it out which is the best time or price in your reckoning.
Dear Sajjad Bhai,
I am moving your comment to following page:
https://eproperty.pk/multan/dha/
I want to invest for short time 3-6 months. is there any part of DHA which can make me handsome return? can you rough guess about range of return ? i have budget of 40-45 lacs. kindly comment.
Dear Muhammad Ahsan,
DHA Phase 9 Prism 5 Marla is recommended in this budget. Expected return is 10 to 15 lacs in next six months, if other variables remains same.
Dear Atif Sahib, I have little money to invest for 5-10 marla. Which place is preferable DHA 9 Prisim or Central Park. Some friends are making me afraid that there are legal suits against DHA for Phase 9/9 Prism. Please Comment.
Dear Brother Khalid Majeed,
I will recommend you DHA Phase 9 Prism. Please DHA Lahore about any legal status.
Respected Sir
I want to buy a plot in awt phase 2. is this the right time to buy or i should wait for some time because the rumor in the market is that, the prices of Awt will come down . what is your sujjestion.
thanks
Dear Atif Bhai
I have an open registration certificate of Fizaia Karachi. I didn’t apply for booking. How and where can I sell that certificate?
regards
Dear Tanveer Bbai,
I am unable to get your point. Are you saying that you have purchased an open certificate from market.