CategoriesNews Developments Economy Property Taxes Real Estate Real Estate Investment

SECP Proposes REIT Overhaul: Threshold Cut to 65%, Vacant Land Investment Allowed

ISLAMABAD: The SECP has presented a draft package of amendments to the REIT Regulations, 2022, designed to release fresh capital and extend participation in the country’s real estate investment trust sector.

As per the proposed changes, the minimum threshold for real estate income and assets for REIT portfolios would drop from 75 to 65 percent, giving REIT Management Companies (RMCs) greater latitude to structure holdings and qualify a broader range of projects. Investment-based REITs would also gain the right to invest in vacant land and plots, subject to conditions still to be finalised.

The reforms would extend REIT access to new categories of capital, permitting group-level trusts and employee funds to invest in unlisted REIT schemes. Separately, the borrowing window available to RMCs from sponsors, directors and associated entities would be lengthened from 24 to 36 months, though existing unitholder-approval safeguards would remain unchanged.

To ease execution timelines, RMCs facing delays beyond their control could receive up to a one-year extension to list Rental and Investment-based REITs. The draft also opens a path for RMCs to acquire property directly from government entities through binding agreements, under conditions set by the regulator. A further clarification addresses Hybrid REIT Schemes, confirming that vehicles combining investment-based and rental components may earn and realize rental income during their holding period.

SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the measures are intended to build a more enabling framework for the sector, capable of drawing in long-term capital and expanding the investor base.

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CategoriesNews Developments Property Property Laws Real Estate Real Estate Investment Urban Developments & Planning

733 Karachi Development Projects Worth Rs59bn Go Online in Transparency Push

KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has begun publishing details of 733 development projects worth a combined Rs59 billion on its website, part of a broader digital transparency drive announced this week.

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said new sections added to the KMC website cover municipal assets and properties, ongoing development schemes, a Karachi Development Map, and a Land Record Management System. The project database includes costs, approved allocations and expenditure, along with details of contractors, funding sources and the institutions responsible for each scheme.

Through the interactive map, residents can track the location, jurisdiction, cost, progress and expected completion date of ongoing road works, including a Rs173 million scheme in District East, the Rs155 million Patel Hospital Road project, and the Rs472 million Mirza Adam Khan Road project. Photos and videos of construction progress will also be uploaded for public monitoring.

KMC is separately digitising land records dating back decades, with future property transfers to be recorded electronically. Employee records have been shifted to the SAP system to curb duplicate or fraudulent payments, and the civic body is moving toward an account-to-account digital payment system capable of tracking every transaction.

Wahab said the shift to digital collection has already lifted revenue, with one department’s monthly collections rising from around Rs170-180 million to roughly Rs300 million last month. Revenue and receivables are expected to be linked to the digital system in the coming months.

The mayor also cited progress on the Hub Canal, cleaning of the Hub Reservoir, and the 38-kilometre Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway, alongside a proposed Chakor Nala Expressway meant to ease congestion around Gulistan-e-Johar and Rashid Minhas Road.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Urban Developments & Planning

CDA’s Zone III Commercial Plan Draws Criticism Over Policy Contradiction

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is moving forward with plans to establish a major commercial zone within Islamabad’s Zone III, an area officially protected from construction under existing regulations, prompting accusations of policy inconsistency from insiders familiar with the matter.

The commercial development is linked to Margalla Enclave, a joint venture between the CDA and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in the Kuri area. A 3.8-kilometre link road connecting Park Road to the housing scheme runs through Zone III, and earthwork on the route is nearly complete.

The federal government has since granted this road the status of an arterial/major road, directing the CDA to apply regulations used for other major thoroughfares such as GT Road, Murree Road, and the Islamabad Expressway, effectively paving the way for regulated commercial development along its length.

The move stands in sharp contrast to CDA’s long-standing enforcement in Zone III, where residents are barred from constructing even modest homes on their own land, denied electricity connections, and have had unauthorised structures demolished, with incidents reported in the Shah Allah Ditta area.

A CDA spokesperson declined to answer directly whether the road falls within Zone III or whether the plan constitutes contradictory policy, instead referring to an official notification dated May 7, 2026, authorising the development.

The CDA board reportedly reviewed the notification’s implementation parameters at a recent meeting.

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CategoriesNews Developments Economy Investment Property Real Estate Investment

As War Grips the Gulf, Pakistani Wealth Flows Back Home

KARACHI: The ongoing Gulf war has significantly disrupted the long-standing flow of undocumented Pakistani wealth into Dubai’s real estate sector, with market sources reporting that funds once considered secure abroad are now being channelled back into property investments within Pakistan.

For years, Pakistan ranked among the top foreign investors in Dubai property, and the emirate was widely regarded as a reliable destination for capital of questionable origin. That dynamic appears to be reversing.

Hassan Bakhshi, Chairman of the All Pakistan Builders Association, estimated that approximately $60 million in undocumented funds had previously left Pakistan for Dubai each month an outflow that has now halted entirely.

Currency market sources describe a similar shift, noting that assets already parked in Dubai have become difficult to liquidate amid the instability caused by the conflict. Rising remittance inflows from the UAE are being interpreted as evidence that Pakistanis are repatriating liquid holdings rather than expanding them abroad.

This capital redirection has had a visible effect on Karachi’s property market. According to Bakhshi, prices in the city’s Defence Housing Authority area have surged by 50 to 60 percent since the war began, driven partly by the area’s reputation for secure property titles.

Other parts of Karachi have seen more moderate gains of 20 to 25 percent, according to property dealer Karim Dad, who attributed the rebound to improved liquidity and government efforts to stimulate the construction sector.

The disruption extends beyond real estate. Several technology firms that previously relocated to Dubai, citing a favourable regulatory climate and frustration with Pakistan’s internet connectivity and tax administration, are now among those seeking to recover stalled investments as the regional situation remains unresolved.

Analysts caution that any large-scale return of capital will likely depend on how quickly stability returns to the Gulf region.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Urban Developments & Planning

Punjab Government Doubles Interest-Free Housing Loan Target Under ACAG Scheme

LAHORE: The Punjab government has doubled its interest-free housing loan disbursement target under the flagship “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” (ACAG) scheme for the current financial year, after already disbursing more than Rs 243 billion to eligible families, officials announced on Monday.

Officials made the decision during a high-level review meeting chaired by Punjab’s Housing and Urban Development Minister, Bilal Yasin, to assess progress on interest-free loan disbursements under the programme.

The session was attended by Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) Director General Sikandar Zeeshan, Urban Unit CEO Umar Masood, and representatives from the Bank of Punjab and various microfinance institutions.

Participants were informed that the scheme has received an unprecedented volume of applications, prompting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to direct that the loan disbursement target be doubled within the ongoing fiscal year.

Officials noted that the programme has already set a record by releasing over Rs 243 billion in interest-free financing in a relatively short span. To date, more than 200,000 loan applications have been approved, with 114,237 houses fully constructed and another 45,254 currently under construction.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Yasin directed authorities to immediately release all pending payments under the scheme and called for stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and efficiency.

He instructed authorities to take swift action on any complaints about delays in loan disbursement, reaffirming that the programme’s core objective is to provide deserving, homeless families with a dignified and secure place to live.

He further remarked that the Chief Minister has redirected public funds toward welfare-oriented and public-service initiatives. The Minister also directed the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to accelerate coordination among stakeholders to ensure prompt resolution of applicant grievances.

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CategoriesNews Developments Economy Investment

Pakistan Pushes for Strategic Economic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday welcomed a high-level Saudi business delegation at the Prime Minister’s House and invited investors from the Kingdom to explore opportunities across Pakistan’s priority sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, real estate, and information technology.

Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi-Pak Joint Business Council, led the delegation. During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed his respects to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Sharif underscored the “deep-rooted and brotherly relationship” between the two nations and stressed the need to translate this longstanding partnership into a mutually beneficial strategic economic alliance, in line with the Crown Prince’s vision for expanded regional cooperation.

He said the visit would build on earlier engagements and pave the way for new memorandums of understanding across various sectors.

The Saudi delegation conveyed interest in a broad range of investment avenues, including agriculture, ports, highways, airport outsourcing, real estate, energy, power distribution and information technology.

The Prime Minister described the present moment as an opportune time to deepen bilateral economic ties through both government-to-government and business-to-business channels.

In response, Prince Mansour thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment, through both government and private sectors, to strengthening commercial and investment relations with Pakistan.

The delegation is scheduled to hold further meetings with senior government officials and private-sector representatives during its visit.

The engagement comes amid Islamabad’s renewed efforts to attract foreign investment and diversify its economic partnerships, with senior members of the federal cabinet in attendance, underscoring the government’s emphasis on the visit’s strategic significance.

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10 Marla House Design
CategoriesArchitecture Construction Developments Property Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

10 Marla House Design: Complete Guide to Layouts, Elevations & Costs (2026)

Among house designs in Pakistan for 10 marla plots, this size has become the default aspiration for middle- and upper-middle-class families, and it’s easy to see why. A 10 marla plot is large enough for a genuinely comfortable home, with room for separate living areas, a proper lawn, and covered parking, without the construction cost and upkeep of a kanal-sized property. This guide walks through everything that goes into a 10 marla house design: plot dimensions, single-story versus double-story layouts, floor plans, front elevation styles, basements, ceilings, and realistic 2026 construction costs.

Quick Facts: 10 Marla House Design at a Glance

Detail Information
Plot size 2,250 sq ft (approx. 250 sq yards); common dimensions include 35×65, 40×56, and 45×50 feet
Covered area, single story Roughly 1,600–1,900 sq ft
Covered area, double story Roughly 2,800–3,400 sq ft
Typical bedrooms 3–4 (single story); 4–5 (double story)
Popular elevation styles Modern/contemporary, Spanish, contemporary-classic hybrid
Estimated construction cost (2026) Roughly PKR 8–12 million for a standard-to-mid-range finish; higher for premium finishes

Understanding the 10 Marla Plot

A marla is a traditional South Asian land measurement equal to 225 square feet. Ten marla therefore equals about 2,250 square feet, or roughly 250 square yards. In practice, housing societies lay this out in slightly different shapes; some plots are 45 feet by 50 feet, others 40 by 56, and older schemes often use a 35-by-65-foot frontage, but they all land close to the same total area.

This size is attractive because it offers more flexibility than a 5 marla plot. Instead of constantly trading one room off against another, a 10 marla house design gives you room for a formal drawing room and a separate family lounge, 3 to 5 bedrooms depending on the layout, a proper kitchen and dining area, and outdoor space that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

10 Marla House Design: Single Story vs Double Story

The first real decision in any 10 marla house design is how many floors to build. Both options work well on this plot size; the right choice depends on family structure, budget, and how much you value outdoor space versus covered area.

10 Marla House Design Single Story

A single-story 10 marla house typically covers 1,600–1,900 square feet, leaving generous room for a lawn, porch, and parking. A typical layout includes 3–4 bedrooms (roughly 12×14 to 14×16 feet each), 2–3 bathrooms, a large drawing room, a family lounge, a kitchen with a breakfast area, and a storeroom.

This layout suits:

  • Older couples or households with elderly members who want to avoid stairs
  • Families who prioritise a large lawn or garden over extra bedrooms
  • Anyone building on a tighter budget, since single-story construction generally costs around 30–35% less than an equivalent double-story house
  • Families planning to add a second floor later as the household grows

10 Marla House Design Double Story

A 10 marla double-story house design pushes the covered area to roughly 2,800–3,400 square feet while still leaving room for a lawn and parking, which is why double-story remains the more popular choice on this plot size. 

The ground floor usually holds the formal drawing room, a guest bedroom, the kitchen and dining area, a powder room, and parking, while the first floor holds the master suite and the remaining bedrooms, along with a family lounge and balconies.

Compared with a single-level layout, a 10 marla double-story house design roughly doubles usable floor area on the same footprint, which matters in cities where land prices keep climbing faster than household incomes. 

It also creates natural separation between generations: parents on the ground floor, children’s families upstairs or between formal and everyday living spaces.

10 Marla House Map Design: Planning a Practical Layout

A good 10 marla house map design (locally called a “naqsha”) is about more than fitting rooms onto paper; it’s about controlling how people move through the house and how private and public areas relate.

A well-zoned ground floor generally separates the house into three areas:

  • Front (public): covered porch and parking, entrance foyer, drawing room, guest washroom
  • Middle (semi-private): dining area, kitchen, staircase, and sometimes a guest bedroom
  • Back (private/service): storeroom, service area, and the back lawn or terrace

This zoning means guests never have to walk through bedrooms to reach the drawing room, and cooking smells stay away from formal living areas. On the first floor of a double-story design, the same logic applies: the master suite typically sits furthest from the stairs for privacy, while a shared family lounge acts as the connecting space between bedrooms.

10 Marla House Design Front: Elevation Styles to Consider

The 10 marla house design front elevation is what defines the house’s character before anyone steps inside. With more frontage than a 5 marla plot, you have real room to make an architectural statement.

10 Marla Spanish House Design

Spanish 10 Marla House Design

A 10 marla Spanish house design remains one of the most requested elevation styles in societies like DHA and Bahria Town, in both Lahore and Islamabad. The style centres on arched windows and doorways, terracotta or clay-tile roofing accents, stucco-textured walls, and wrought-iron railings or balcony details. 

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the deep arches and extended eaves common to Spanish elevations also provide useful shade against Pakistan’s harsh summer sun, and stucco finishes add insulation. 

The trade-off is cost: the ornamentation and detailing typically push finishing budgets higher than a comparable modern facade, and upkeep tends to be a bit more demanding over time.

Modern and Contemporary Elevations

Modern and Contemporary Elevations 10 Marla House Design

Modern 10 marla elevations favour clean lines, flat or minimally sloped roofs, large glass panels, and a restrained material palette usually two or three finishes such as smooth plaster, stone veneer, and wood cladding- in neutral tones like grey, white, and charcoal. 

This style has become the dominant choice in newer developments partly because it’s more budget-friendly than heavy ornamentation, and partly because younger homeowners tend to prefer its simplicity.

A contemporary-classic hybrid modern massing with a few traditional touches, like an arched entrance or textured accent wall, is a popular middle ground for families who want a house that reads as elegant without committing fully to either extreme.

Reading 10 Marla House Design Pictures Front View the Right Way

When browsing 10 marla house design pictures front view for inspiration, keep in mind that photographs can flatter a facade in ways that don’t always translate to real-life lighting; camera angle and even the time of day can make proportions look different than they are. 

It helps to note which materials are used (not just the colour), how the elevation looks at both midday and evening, and whether the design still works without the landscaping and lighting shown in the photo. 

Where possible, ask your architect for a 3D render of your actual plot rather than relying purely on a picture of someone else’s house.

10 Marla House Designs 3D: Visualizing Before You Build

Increasingly, homeowners request 10 marla house designs 3d before committing to construction, and for good reason. A 3D render shows how the elevation, proportions, and material choices will actually look on your specific plot, rather than leaving it to imagination from a 2D floor plan. 

It’s especially useful for comparing two elevation options side by side, for instance, a Spanish versus a modern facade on the same layout and for overseas Pakistanis who can’t visit the site in person but want to approve the design with confidence before construction begins.

10 Marla Corner House Design: What Changes on a Corner Plot

A 10 marla corner house design comes with a distinct set of trade-offs compared to a mid-block plot. On the positive side, corner plots typically allow:

  • Two street-facing sides, which usually means a second, secondary elevation worth designing carefully
  • Better natural light and cross-ventilation, since the house isn’t boxed in by neighbours on both sides
  • More flexibility for additional parking or a side lawn
  • In many societies, a slightly larger permissible covered area than an equivalent mid-block plot

The trade-offs are worth planning for as well: corner plots have more boundary wall exposed to the street, which raises both construction cost and privacy considerations, and the extra frontage often carries a land-price premium. A well-designed corner house typically treats both visible facades as “fronts” rather than finishing one side and leaving the other plain.

10 Marla House Design with Basement

10 Marla House Design with Basement

A 10 marla house design with basement is optional rather than standard, and whether it makes sense depends on your budget, the water table in your area, and your housing society’s bylaws; some societies restrict or don’t permit basements at all. 

Where it is feasible, a basement is commonly used as a media or recreation room, extra storage, a home gym, or an additional bedroom suite, since it keeps noise and activity away from the main living floors. 

Because a basement adds meaningfully to structural and waterproofing costs, it’s a decision worth locking in early, since retrofitting one after construction has started is rarely practical.

10 Marla House Design with Lawn

10 Marla House Design with Lawn

For most Pakistani families, a 10 marla house design with lawn isn’t a luxury add-on; it’s where evening tea happens, where kids play, and where winter barbecues take place. A front lawn of roughly 10×15 feet adds curb appeal and space for plants, while a back lawn or terrace of 15×20 feet or more works well for gatherings. 

On corner plots, a side lawn is often possible, too. In double-story designs where ground-floor outdoor space is limited, a rooftop terrace is a common way to recover some green, open-air space without giving up covered area.

10 Marla House Ceiling Design

Ceiling treatment is one of the easier ways to add character to a 10 marla house design without major structural changes. Common approaches include:

  • False ceilings (gypsum board or POP) with recessed or cove lighting, often used to define the dining or TV lounge area
  • Double-height ceilings in the drawing room or entrance foyer, which create a sense of grandeur and work particularly well in double-story houses
  • Wooden panel or slat ceilings as an accent in lounges or bedrooms
  • Simple flat ceilings with layered lighting for a cleaner, more minimalist look, which tends to be the lower-cost option

Whichever direction you choose, decide on ceiling treatment during the design stage rather than after wiring and structural work are finalised, since recessed lighting and ceiling drops both need to be planned in advance.

Finding the Best 10 Marla House Design for Your Family

There’s no single best 10 marla house design; the right layout depends on who will live in it. A few honest questions help narrow things down:

  • Family size and structure: A joint family living across generations usually benefits from a double-story layout with clear separation between the ground floor and upper floor. A retired couple or young nuclear family may be better served by a single-story design.
  • Budget: Single-story construction costs meaningfully less, both in grey structure and finishing. If budget is tight, it’s often better to build a well-finished single-story house than a double-story shell that stays unfinished for years.
  • Plot type: A corner plot opens up design options a mid-block plot doesn’t have, but it also costs more.
  • Lifestyle priorities: Some families care more about a large lawn than a fifth bedroom; others would rather have a basement media room than a bigger garden.

Estimated Construction Cost for a 10 Marla House in Pakistan (2026)

Construction costs vary by city, material choices, and finish level, and they move with material prices over time, so treat these as a starting point rather than a fixed quote. As of recent 2026 estimates, a standard-to-mid-range finish 10 marla house typically runs somewhere in the PKR 8–12 million range, covering grey structure and finishing together. 

Premium finishes better tiles, imported fixtures, a modular kitchen, and designer lighting push the total closer to PKR 15–20 million or more. Grey structure alone is generally quoted per square foot, and rates shift often enough that it’s worth getting a current quote from a contractor rather than relying on a number from an old article.

A few factors that move the number up or down:

  • City: Construction in Islamabad tends to run higher than in Rawalpindi or tier-2 cities, partly due to stricter building regulations.
  • Design complexity: Multiple roof levels, unusual angles, and heavy ornamentation (like an elaborate Spanish elevation) add to both material and labour costs.
  • Basement or corner-plot features: Both add to structural and waterproofing costs beyond a standard mid-block, above-ground layout.
  • Finish level: Finishing costs can easily match or exceed grey structure costs, so it’s the area where budgets most often run over.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Underestimating parking needs. With most families now owning more than one vehicle, plan for at least two covered spaces more on a corner plot.
  • Skimping on storage. Store rooms, built-in wardrobes, and under-stair storage are easy to cut in early design but hard to add back later.
  • Ignoring orientation and ventilation. Where the sun hits the house affects both comfort and cooling costs; this is worth discussing with your architect before finalising the layout.
  • Overcomplicating the elevation. Multiple roof levels and excessive protrusions can add 20–30% to costs while creating long-term maintenance headaches.
  • Deciding on a basement or ceiling treatment too late. Both require planning before structural and electrical work begins.

FAQs – 10 Marla Plot in Pakistan

What is the standard size of a 10 marla plot in Pakistan?

A 10 marla plot measures approximately 2,250 square feet, or about 250 square yards. Common dimensions include 45×50, 40×56, and 35×65 feet, depending on the housing society.

Should I choose a single-story or double-story 10 marla house design?

Double-story designs are more popular because they roughly double the covered area on the same plot, which suits growing or joint families. Single-story designs cost less to build and suit elderly residents or families who prioritise lawn space over extra bedrooms.

Is a basement a good idea for a 10 marla house?

It can be, provided the local water table and your housing society’s bylaws allow it. Basements work well as media rooms, storage, or extra bedroom space, but they add meaningfully to construction cost and need to be planned from the start.

Is Spanish-style elevation still popular for 10 marla houses?

Yes. A 10 marla Spanish house design remains a common choice in societies like DHA and Bahria Town, prized for its arches, stucco walls, and wrought-iron detailing, though it typically costs more to finish than a modern facade.

How much does it cost to build a 10 marla house in Pakistan in 2026?

Based on recent estimates, a standard-to-mid-range finish generally costs roughly PKR 8–12 million, while premium finishes can push the total to PKR 15–20 million or more. Costs vary by city and material prices.

Does a corner plot need a different house design?

Yes. A 10 marla corner house design typically needs two well-designed facades instead of one and benefits from better light and ventilation, but it also requires more boundary wall and usually costs more than a mid-block plot.

Conclusion

A 10 marla house design offers one of the best space-to-cost ratios for Pakistani homeowners, spacious enough for real comfort, compact enough to stay manageable. Whether you lean toward a single-story home with a generous lawn, a double-story house built for a growing family, or a Spanish-style elevation with a finished basement, the plot size can accommodate nearly any lifestyle with the right planning. The details that matter most floor plan, zoning, elevation style, ceiling treatment, and realistic cost estimates- are worth settling before construction starts, since most of them are far cheaper to change on paper than after the foundation is laid.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Urban Developments & Planning

Punjab Bans Excavation of Newly Built Roads, Approves Development Projects Across Province

LAHORE: CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz has prohibited excavation or damage to newly constructed roads across Punjab, directing improved coordination between government departments to prevent repeated digging after infrastructure projects are completed.

The directive was issued during a meeting reviewing own-source revenue development schemes across several divisions. Authorities were also instructed to ensure that manholes and sewerage covers remain level with road surfaces, while newly developed roads must include proper drainage systems, signage and lane markings.

The provincial government approved a wide range of infrastructure and urban improvement projects covering Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad divisions.

In Lahore, the government approved improvement plans for several major roads, along with beautification work at Lakshmi Chowk. Authorities were also directed to enhance sections of the Orange Line corridor along Multan Road through cleaning, plantation and mural work.

Development schemes involving road construction and widening, sewerage systems, drainage, solar streetlights and public facilities were approved for districts including Kasur, Sheikhupura, Multan, Vehari, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.

Rawalpindi district received approval for 13 projects, while additional schemes were cleared for Attock, Murree, Jhelum and Chakwal.

The chief minister also directed departments to establish clear completion timelines for development projects and barred officials from collecting charges from shopkeepers without prior approval.

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CategoriesNews Developments Property Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

CDA Directs Housing Sponsors to Display Approved Layout Plans, Warns of NAB Action

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a formal directive to all sponsors of private housing schemes and projects in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), requiring them to transparently display approved layout plans amid growing concerns about public deception in the housing sector.

The notice, issued by the Planning Wing under reference No. CDA/PLW/DG-SP/General/2026/280 and signed by Ijaz Ahmad Sheikh, Director General (Spatial Planning) and Director Housing Societies, follows a communication from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Regional Bureau, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, dated May 11, 2026.

According to the CDA, NAB had observed that several housing sponsors and developers were misrepresenting the approval status of their schemes either by failing to display approved layout plans altogether or by presenting outdated and unapproved versions to prospective buyers.

The authority noted that such practices create a false impression of legal standing, mislead the public, and result in financial loss and hardship.

To curb the trend, the CDA has directed all housing societies to upload and regularly update their approved layout plans on official websites and to prominently display these plans, measuring at least 7×5 feet, at reception areas of project sites and booking offices, accompanied by a QR code linking to verified project information.

The directive further invokes Clause-40 of the 2023 Regulation for Planning and Development of Private Housing Schemes, requiring that all allotment letters be routed through a CDA-linked digital platform and vetted by authorised officials before being deemed valid.

Housing societies have ten days to submit compliance reports with supporting evidence; otherwise, the matter will be referred to NAB for potential legal action. The notice has also been circulated to utility providers, including IESCO and SNGPL, and to regulatory bodies such as PEMRA and SECP, to ensure coordinated enforcement across the sector.

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CategoriesNews Developments Economy Property Urban Developments & Planning

SBP Boosts Home Financing Access With Revised 90% LTV Rule

 ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a revised regulatory framework for housing finance, allowing banks and development finance institutions (DFIs) to finance up to 90 percent of a property’s value, up from previous limits under earlier circulars. The new regulations, which took effect immediately upon issuance, supersede several circulars issued between 2019 and 2021, and the central bank has directed all banks and DFIs to ensure strict compliance.

Under the updated rules, the maximum loan-to-value ratio has been set at 90:10, meaning eligible borrowers can secure financing covering up to 90 percent of a property’s assessed value. 

Housing finance may be extended for a range of purposes, including purchasing a house, apartment, or plot; constructing on an already-owned plot; renovating or expanding an existing home; and installing renewable energy systems within housing units. 

The maximum repayment tenor for standard housing finance is fixed at 30 years, while renewable energy financing has a shorter maximum tenor of 10 years.

To safeguard borrowers from over-leveraging, the SBP has capped total monthly loan repayments, including the proposed housing finance and any other consumer loans, at 65 percent of a borrower’s net disposable income. 

Banks and DFIs must also obtain updated credit information reports through the State Bank’s Electronic Credit Information Bureau or a licensed private credit bureau, with approved proxy models available to assess informal income where applicable.

Additional safeguards include mandatory documentation of property title and ownership, lenders’ formal acknowledgement of received documents, and a general requirement that financed properties be mortgaged in the lender’s favour. 

For loans up to Rs. 5 million, a lien supported by a Green Property Certificate may serve as sufficient security. The framework also mandates comprehensive insurance or Takaful coverage equal to the outstanding finance amount, and lenders must clearly disclose coverage terms and charges to borrowers.

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