Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life
Everyone has their unique style and preferences. This is why it’s important to create a cohesive and aesthetic design for your home and life. A cohesive design with aesthetics means that all of your interior and exterior design choices support and enhance one another. It helps you create a harmonious and beautiful space that you can be proud of.
When you have a cohesive design aesthetic, you’re not just looking at your home as a place to live. Therefore, it is also an expression of yourself. From choosing colors to selecting furniture, everything you need to know to create an aesthetic design for your home. So whether you’re looking to update your entire home or just want to update a specific area, read on to learn more ideas.
Defining a design aesthetic
Designing a cohesive design aesthetic for your home and life can be a daunting task. However, it is well worth the effort. A cohesive design aesthetic not only looks good. It also helps to simplify your life and make it easier to live in a space that’s pleasing to you.
When you have a cohesive design aesthetic, you’ll be able to focus on creating a space that’s functional, stylish, and calming. You’ll also be able to create a space that’s versatile and can be used for a variety of different purposes. One of the best ways to achieve a cohesive design aesthetic is to start by thinking about your needs as a person.
What kinds of things do you want in your home and life? What do you want to see more of? Once you have a good idea of what you want, it’s time to start thinking. You can learn more about the design elements that will help you achieve those goals. When homeowners have an attractive space, they will not stop getting compliments from guests.
Elements to consider for your home and life
Some of the most important design elements to consider for your home and life are color, texture, light, and material.
- Color
Color is one of the most important elements of design. You should think about the colors that will best represent you and your personality. For example, if you’re a minimalist, you might want to stick to colors that are light and airy. If you’re a more creative person, you might want to think about colors that are more vibrant and creative.
- Texture
The texture is also an important element of design. You should think about the textures that will best represent you and your personality. For example, if you’re a minimalist, you might want to stick to textures that are smooth and sleek. If you’re a more creative person, you might want to think about textures that are more bumpy and textured.
- Light
Light is also an important element of design. You should think about the light that will best represent you and your personality. You might want to use light fixtures that are sleek and modern. If you’re a more creative person, you might want to use light fixtures that are more rustic and traditional.
- Materials
Material is also an important element of design. You should think about the materials that will best represent you and your personality. Homeowners can use materials that are sleek and modern. If you’re a more creative person, you might want to use visually appealing materials.
Creating a style guide
When it comes to designing your home, it’s important to have a style guide in place. This will help you create a cohesive look for your whole life, not just your home. You can use this document to help you with everything from choosing furniture to choosing colors.
Creating a style guide is a great way to keep your design ideas consistent and organized. It’ll also help you to stay on top of trends and make sure your home looks modern and stylish.
Applying a design aesthetic to your home
Creating a cohesive design aesthetic for your home is important not just for the look and feel of your place. It is beneficial for your day-to-day life too. An aesthetic design can help you declutter, organize, and streamline your home. It will help you focus on the things that matter most.
You can start to outfit your home with pieces that match and reflect your style. This will help you to declutter and make your home look more organized. A great way to start applying a design aesthetic to your home is by creating a mood board. This is simply a collection of images that help you visualize your goals for your home. Once you have a good idea of what you want, you can start shopping for pieces to achieve your goal.
Applying a design aesthetic to your life
Creating a cohesive design aesthetic can be done in several ways. You could go all out and purchase a specific style of furniture. Why not paint the walls a certain color, and have a certain type of rug on the floor? Or you could go with a more subtle approach and simply choose coordinating colors, furniture, and accessories. Whichever route you decide to take, be sure to keep the following concepts in mind:
- Balance: always try to strike a balance between formal and informal elements.
- Coordination: choose items that are complementary and coordinate them together.
- Aesthetics: choose items that are stylish, eye-catching, and functional.
- Comfort: make sure all the items in your home are comfortable and easy to move around.
- Timing: choose items that will work with the style of your home and life.
- Patterns: use patterns sparingly, but when they are used, make sure they are well-designed.
- Storage: make sure you have enough storage space to accommodate your chosen design aesthetic.
- Functionality: make sure all the items in your home are useful and serve a purpose.
Conclusion
When it comes to home design, it’s important to be patient and take your time. No one wants to go through the process of redecorating only to have their dream home turn into a nightmare. It’s important to have a clear vision for your home and to stick to it, no matter what.
Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life
- Published in 5 Marla House Design Ideas, Bathrooms, Designs by Style, Dining Rooms, interiors, International, Living Rooms, News, Real Estate
Interior Design Course
When you want to renovate your home or design a new one, choosing the right interior design course is essential. There are so many different courses and programs out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. In this post, we are going to recommend the best interior design courses in Dubai.
These courses will teach you everything you need to know about designing a home from start to finish. From choosing the right flooring to selecting the right furniture, these courses will have you designing your dream home in no time. So whether you are looking to renovate your home or design your very own, read on for the best courses in Dubai.
Interior Design Courses in Dubai
If you are looking to learn about Interior Design, then you have come to the right place. There are many courses available in Dubai, and the best one for you will depend on your career aspirations and what you want to learn.
If you are working in the Construction or Real Estate industries, then you will want to take a course that covers Construction Methodologies and Specifications. If you are looking to start your own business, then you will want to take a course in Brand Planning and Strategy.
Not sure which course is best for you? Consult with an Interior Designer or look online for reviews and ratings to get an idea of the quality and content of the courses. Once you have decided on a course, don’t forget to check the course timetable to see if there are any special offers or discounts available.
Types of Interior Design Courses
There are many types of interior design courses to choose from if you want to become an interior designer. Whether you want to learn about traditional European and American interior design or want to get started in modern interior design, there’s a course for you.
Some of the most popular courses you can take in Dubai include:
- Interior Design Course at The American University in Dubai
- Interior Design Course at The London School of Economics and Political Science
- Interior Design Course at The University of Southern California
- Interior Design Course at The University of Queensland
- There are also many online courses that you can take, such as:
- Interior Design Course via Coursera
- Interior Design Course via Udemy
- Interior Design Bootcamp via Skillshare
The best way to find the right course for you is to do some research and find a course that suits your needs. There are many courses to choose from and it’s important to find one that will help you to develop your skills and knowledge in interior design.
Selection Criteria for Interior Design Courses
Choosing the right interior design course for you is important. There are many criteria you need to take into account before making your decision, including the level of experience, type of course, location, and course length.
Level of experience:
If you have no experience in interior design, a course that teaches the basics will be more beneficial than one that goes into more detail.
Type of course:
Some courses are designed for people who want to become professional designers, while others are designed for people who want to learn more about a certain area of interior design, such as lighting or furniture.
Location:
Choosing a course that is located in the city where you live or work is a good idea because you will be able to attend classes and meet other students.
Course length:
Some courses are short, while others are longer. You should choose a course that is the right length for you.
Recommended Courses for Interior Design Students
If you’re an interior design student in Dubai, it’s important to have the right tools and knowledge to succeed. Here are some of the best interior design courses in Dubai that will help you get started.
- The Institute of Interior Design in Dubai is a well-known institution that has been providing excellent interior design courses for students for over 30 years. The courses offered include traditional and contemporary interior design, furniture and textile design, architecture, and construction.
- The National Design Academy (NDA) is a world-renowned institution that offers a range of interior design courses, including traditional and contemporary interior design, furniture and textile design, construction, and graphic design.
- The American University in Dubai offers a range of interior design courses, including traditional and contemporary interior design, furniture and textile design, construction, and landscape architecture.
The courses offered by these institutions are highly respected and are sure to help you succeed as an interior design student in Dubai.
Interior Design Schools in Dubai
If you’re looking to get into interior design, there are a few schools you can attend in Dubai. Depending on your level of experience and what type of design you’re interested in, some schools will suit your needs.
Choosing the right school is important, as it will set the tone for your education and career. Make sure to do your research and choose the school that best suits your needs. Here are a few of the top schools in Dubai.
- The American Academy of Interior Design (AAID) was founded in 1978 and offers a three-year program in Interior Design.
- The British School of Interior Design (BSID) was founded in 1984 and offers a three-year program in Interior Design.
- The School of Architecture and Design (SAD) is a government-owned university and offers a four-year program in Interior Design.
- The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a private university and offers a four-year program in Interior Design.
Duration of Interior Design Courses
There are many different Interior Design courses that you can take in Dubai. The duration of the courses can range from one week to one year. The most popular Interior Design courses in Dubai are the Foundation Level Interior Design Courses and the Advanced Level Interior Design Courses.
The Foundation Level Interior Design Courses are for those who are new to Interior Design and want to learn the basics of Interior Design. The Advanced Level Interior Design Courses are for those who are experienced in Interior Design and want to learn more about the advanced techniques and concepts of Interior Design.
Both the Foundation Level Interior Design Courses and the Advanced Level Interior Design Courses are internationally recognized and accepted by many universities around the world.
The duration of the courses will determine the amount of time that you will need to spend in Dubai. The courses are offered in English and you can choose to study either at the Foundation Level or the Advanced Level.
Conclusion
Finding the right interior design course in Dubai can be a daunting task. After all, there are a lot of options out there. However, with the help of this guide, you’ll be able to narrow down your search and find the perfect course for you.
Interior Design Course
- Published in Designs by Style, Dining Rooms, interiors, International, Living Rooms, News, Real Estate
Real Estate File Rates In Lahore
Pakistan has seen exponential growth in demand for housing, especially in urban areas. One of the major cities where this demand is highly reflected is Lahore. In response to the rising demand, numerous housing societies have sprung up and are offering files for plots. Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, looks at Lahore real estate file rates and installment plans.
Real Estate File Rates in Lahore:
Given below are some of the projects whose files are available in installments:
Zam Zam City, Lahore:
Zam Zam City is a new residential project in Lahore and is marketed primarily toward the middle class (salaried class and government employees). Zam Zam Developers are developing the project.
Master Plan of the Society:
The project is divided into five blocks. These are given below:
1. Executive Block
2. Royal Classic Block
3. Egypt Block
4. Overseas Block
5. Shohda Block
Payment Plan for Zam Zam City:
(Source: Zam Zam City)
The project has plots ranging from 3.5 to 16 marlas, and the payment plan is given below:
Payment Plan for Residential Plots | |||||
Plot Size | Down Payment | Monthly Installment | 6-Monthly Installment | Possession | In total |
4 Marla | 240,000 | 12,000 | 60,000 | 260,000 | 1,400,000 |
5 Marla | 300,000 | 15,000 | 75,000 | 325,000 | 1,750,000 |
8 Marla | 480,000 | 24,000 | 120,000 | 520,000 | 2,800,000 |
The payment plan for commercial plots is given in the table below:
Plot Size | Down Payment | Monthly Installment | 6-Monthly Installment | On Confirmation (30 Days) | Total Price |
4 Marla | 1,200,000 | 200,000 | 1,500,000 | 1,200,000 | 7,000,000 |
Iqbal Garden, Lahore:
(Source: Iqbal Garden)
Iqbal Garden is a project of Grace Marketing and is located at the Kala Shah Kaku Motorway Toll Plaza in Lahore. The project does not have NOCs from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA).
Master Plan of the Society:
The society offers plots from 3 marlas to 20 marlas in the residential blocks and 2 marlas and 4 marlas in the commercial block.
Payment Plan of Iqbal Garden:
Payment plans for various blocks in the society are given below:
Payment Plan for Residential Plots (4 Years) | ||||||
Plot Size | Down Payment | Monthly Installment | 6-Monthly Installment | Balloting | Possession | In total |
3 Marla | 200,000 | 7,500 | 45,000 | 75,000 | 100,000 | 1,095,000 |
5 Marla | 300,000 | 11,000 | 75,000 | 150,000 | 175,000 | 1,750,000 |
10 Marla | 600,000 | 18,500 | 150,000 | 275,000 | 400,000 | 3,350,000 |
The society also has a 2-year payment plan that is given below:
Payment Plan for Residential Plots (2 Years) | ||||||
Plot Size | Down Payment | Monthly Installment | Quarterly Installment | Allocation | Possession | In total |
3 Marla | 520,000 | 15,000 | 50,000 | 110,000 | 110,000 | 1,500,000 |
5 Marla | 800,000 | 20,000 | 100,000 | 210,000 | 210,000 | 2,500,000 |
Iqbal Garden has a 5-year payment plan for their Overseas Block that is given below:
Payment Plan for Residential Plots (5 Years) | |||||
Plot Size | Down Payment | Monthly Installment | 6-Monthly Installment | Balloting | In total |
3 Marla | 200,000 | 8,000 | 35,000 | 225,000 | 1,260,000 |
5 Marla | 300,000 | 11,000 | 49,000 | 300,000 | 1,750,000 |
10 Marla | 600,000 | 25,000 | 49,000 | 300,000 | 3,500,000 |
20 Marla | 1,000,000 | 40,000 | 160,000 | 1,000,000 | 6,000,000 |
The payment plan for a 4 marla commercial plot on Main Boulevard is as follows:
Payment Plan for Commercial Plots | |||||
Plot Size | Down Payment | Monthly Installment | 6-Monthly Installment | Possession & Allocation | In total |
4 Marla | 2,500,000 | 125,000 | 250,000 | 1,250,000 | 1,260,000 |
Kings Town, Lahore:
(Source: Pinterest)
Kings Town is one of the latest urban residential projects in Lahore and is being developed by Al-Kabir Developers. It is in Phase 3 of Al-Kabir Town and is located near Bahria Orchard and can be accessed from Raiwind and Ring Road.
Master Plan of Kings Town:
The society spans over 175 kanals of land and has different blocks built around spacious parking lots, hospitals, schools, and lush green parks.
Payment Plan for Kings Town:
Payment plans for plots in the Overseas Block are given below:
Payment Plan for Overseas Block (4 Years) | ||||||
Plot Size | Down Payment | Monthly Installment | 6-Monthly Installment | Balloting | Possession | In total |
3 Marla | 250,000 | 15,000 | 100,000 | 300,000 | 630,000 | 2,700,000 |
5 Marla | 350,000 | 25,000 | 150,000 | 500,000 | 1,050,000 | 4,300,000 |
Payment plan for plots in the Executive Block is given below:
Payment Plan for Executive Block (4 Years) | ||||||
Plot Size | Booking | Monthly Installment | 6 Monthly Installments | Balloting | Possession | In total |
8 Marla | 600,000 | 50,000 | 125,000 | 800,000 | 1,200,000 | 6,000,000 |
10 Marla | 800,000 | 65,000 | 150,000 | 900,000 | 1,230,000 | 7,250,000 |
1 Channel | 1,200,000 | 125,000 | 225,000 | 1,200,000 | 1,800,000 | 12,000,000 |
The payment plan for residential plots in B Block is given below:
Payment Plan for B Block (4 Years) | ||||||
Plot Size | Advance | Monthly Installment | 6 Monthly Installments | Balloting | Possession | In total |
3 Marla | 200,000 | 15,000 | 60,000 | 400,000 | 600,000 | 2,400,000 |
5 Marla | 300,000 | 30,000 | 80,000 | 600,000 | 1,020,000 | 4,000,000 |
Installment plan for commercial plots in B block is given below:
Plot Size | Advance | Monthly Installment | 6 Monthly Installments | Balloting | Possession | In total |
3 Marla | 1,500,000 | 40,000 | 300,000 | 800,000 | 1,780,000 | 8,400,000 |
Liberty Lands, Lahore:
(Source: Google Maps)
Liberty Lands is a project of Union Developers in Lahore and is located on Mian Jia Bagga Road. The society can be accessed from Ring Road, Raiwind Road, and Khayaban-e-Amin near Pine Avenue.
Payment Plan of Liberty Lands:
The payment plan for liberty lands is given below:
Payment Plan for Commercial and Residential Plots | ||||
Plot Size | Category | Down Payment | Monthly Installment | In total |
2.66 Marla | Commercial | 1,195,000 | 850,000 | 7,995,000 |
5.33 Marla | Commercial | 2,275,000 | 1,590,000 | 14,995,000 |
5 marla | Residential | 475,000 | 340,000 | 3,195,000 |
Zaitoon Lifestyle, Lahore:
(Source: Zaitoon City)
Zaitoon Lifestyle is a project by Zaitoon Group and is approved by LDA. The project is located on Jia Bagga Road next to Halloki interchange exit Ring Road. Adjacent to the society are Lake City, Etihad Town Phase 2, and Liberty Lands.
Payment Plan:
Payment plans for the different plots are given below:
Payment Plan for Plots | |||||
Plot Size | Booking | Monthly Installment | 6 Month Installment | 24 Month Installment | In total |
3 Marla | 270,000 | 15,000 | 191,250 | 270,000 | 2,700,000 |
5 Marla | 400,000 | 400,000 | 268,750 | 400,000 | 4,000,000 |
8 Marla | 640,000 | 35,000 | 456,252 | 640,000 | 6,400,000 |
10 marla | 700,000 | 40,000 | 490,000 | 700,000 | 7,000,000 |
For more information on Lahore real estate file rates, visit Feeta blog.
Real Estate File Rates In Lahore
How to Calculate ROI in Real Estate
Most investors do not know how to calculate ROI in real estate, and that is where they cannot assess the value of their property in the right ways.
Real estate is considered to be one of the most profitable industries. It offers investments in several forms such as residential or commercial projects, retail offices, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and shareholding in properties.
It provides investors with steady cash flows, long-term financial security, investment diversification, tax advantages, and, in most cases, higher return on investment (ROI).
Most investors prefer rental properties as they generate a steady cash flow that they can further invest in several other domains. Some investors buy properties with the intent of selling them after a short period of time and earning higher profits.
Investment goals might differ for various investors; however, the primary objective is usually a high return on investment (ROI).
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, brings you a complete guide on how to calculate ROI in real estate.
What Is ROI?
ROI is a mathematical calculation that allows investors to evaluate the performance of a particular asset over a period of time, in comparison to others. To summarize, it is the profit an investor gains over his / her investment.
In real estate, ROI is the profit gained from a property in the form of rent or property value appreciation.
Requirements to Calculate ROI:
After finding a property for investment, there are some basic requirements to calculate the potential ROI. These factors will determine how a property investment will grow in the near future.
- Property details: Location, repair cost, per square feet price, and number of bedrooms
- Mortgage details: Down payment, loan terms, interest rate, and closing costs
- Rental income details: Anticipated rental value, tenancy ratio
- Property maintenance expenses
How to Calculate ROI?
The following formula is used to calculate ROI in real estate:
(ROI = Gain in investment – Initial cost of investment / Total Cost)
- To calculate ROI, you need to calculate the final value of your property including investment gains.
- Subtract it from the initial value of the investment without closing costs.
- Divide the resulting value by the total investment cost, which includes closing costs as well.
This formula is basic and easy to work with. However, investors might get confused as they have to keep track of all factors that can affect it.
For instance, the closing cost can be unpredictable and can affect the ROI negatively.
What Is Good or Bad ROI?
If a property is generating sufficient profits after covering all the closing costs, it is said to have a good ROI. According to major real estate firms, a good ROI value falls somewhere between 8-10%.
On the other hand, if a property fails to generate profits, it has a bad ROI. Properties with 2-5% ROIs are less attractive to investors.
Factors Affecting a Property’s ROI Value:
Source: Pinterest
The following are some of the factors that can affect the value of your property’s ROI:
- Location
- Property type
- Property’s condition
Location:
A property’s location is a prime factor in defining its value and the potential return on investment it can generate. If a property is well-connected to major areas, such as schools, hospitals, and roads, there are great chances that it will generate a high ROI.
However, if a property is located in some far-off area, it is unrealistic to expect a high ROI from it.
Moreover, demographics, such as age factors and socioeconomic factors of that particular area, also matter.
If the residents of a particular area earn well and have a good living, they will make greater investments.
Property Type:
There are six different property types based on their usage:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Mixed-Use
- Industrial
- Agriculture
- Special Purposes (Offices, Research)
All these different types of properties have different ROI values. For instance, commercial units generate more income in a short span as compared to residential units, which keep growing with time and produce low rental income.
Similarly, agricultural land can generate crop income. So, while investing, you should carefully assess property types and the potential income you can get in return from them.
Condition of the Property:
Source: Housing
Buying a property in a bad condition is a waste of investment. It will cost a lot of money in the form of maintenance and repair charges. Moreover, there are fewer chances of tenancy for such properties.
On the other hand, well-maintained properties that offer a range of amenities and facilities will attract a number of tenants and buyers.
Ways to Increase ROI in Real Estate:
The following are some important strategies that can be used to increase ROI in real estate:
- Invest in the right property type
- Purchase cheap properties
- Improve your property’s condition
- Reduce annual costs on property maintenance
- Create a marketing strategy for your property’s advertisement
Keeping all of the above factors in mind, investors can make a hefty profit on their property investments.
To get more information about real estate investments, visit our feeta blog.
How to Calculate ROI in Real Estate
Features and Functions of Punjab Land Record Authority
The land registration system is for keeping detailed records of matters relating to land ownership, possession, and other rights. These serve as evidence of title, make transactions easier, and prevent illegal land disposal. It is critical to understand the meaning of land in connection to property in order to comprehend the land registration system. ‘Immovable property,’ as defined by the law, includes land, buildings, benefits derived from land, objects attached to the earth, and anything permanently fastened to anything attached to the earth. This is more important in Punjab as it is the biggest province in Pakistan with the highest population. Therefore, it required the Punjab Land Record Authority.
Furthermore, in Pakistan, the terms ‘land’ and ‘property’ are interchangeable. The property became a provincial topic after the 18th Amendment was passed by the Parliament in 2010, which means it is regulated by the provinces rather than the federal government. The land registration system is divided into rural and urban systems, in addition to provincial rules. The legislation is founded principally on the colonial Deeds Registration System, which records the ‘sale deed’ as a title instrument.
Because the system does not provide for ownership of the title or interest in the property, this emphasizes the significance of due diligence in real estate transactions. The lack of a centralized land register and database leads to financial crimes and creates opportunities for third-party malpractices, such as brokers and fake agents, trapping uneducated investors in a ‘capital trap’.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, takes a look at the history of land records in Pakistan and how the Punjab Land Record Authority is bringing a revolution.
Framework for Land Administration:
Organogram of the Punjab Land Record Authority (Source: PLRA)
The manual process of land [property] registration consists of six steps and takes two months. The stamp duty rate, which varies by region, is another crucial cost to consider when registering deeds. In Punjab, for example, stamp duty on deed registration costs 5% of the whole property value. The procedure begins with the engagement of an attorney to draft the Instrument of Transaction on stamp paper. The Land Registrar is supplied with the document for verification.
The owner must deliver the paperwork to the Board of Revenue, or patwari, in order for the mutation to be recorded in the Record of Rights (Jamabandi). The patwari gives out fard, which acts as proof of ownership. The province of Punjab, on the other hand, has revolutionized its land registration system by digitizing land records. The Punjab Land Records Management and Information Systems (LRMIS) scanned 10 million pages of old records, digitized 55 million landowner records (or 98 percent of all records), and made all rural land title information available online for landowners.
Land registration has become more efficient and cost-effective because of the digitization of land records. Investors’ concerns about property verification and inspection, however, continue to this day. With recent digitization trends in the real estate sector, the Digital Property Verification System is the ideal solution to streamline Pakistan’s Land Registration System. It will raise public awareness and provide investors with instant access to information. Third parties, such as brokers and patwaris, will not be able to interfere with a digital database. It would ensure that real estate transactions are transparent and that malpractices are reduced. Bribery will be eradicated as a result of the streamlined processes of property verification and inspection.
The Land Registration System’s History:
Old map of Rawalpindi (Source: My Historical Pakistan Society)
Pakistan’s Land Registration System is based on the British Deeds Registration System and dates back to colonial times. The main goal was to create a repository, where the land records could be kept. In the pre-industrial era, where land was mostly used for agricultural purposes, this approach worked well. In the subcontinent, the British used this technique to collect taxes through the revenue department.
However, as the number of people interested in land grew, it became clear that a more organized system of land registration was required. The Deeds Registration System, for example, does not give a record of the land title, but rather the title of the registered deed. As a result, the precise information and documentation of land rights are essentially unavailable. This is why there is an expanding backlog of land-related cases in Pakistan’s courts, believed to be approximately 1 million in number. Accurate and fabricated land records, imprecise border descriptions by patwaris that result in overlapping claims, and multiple registrations of the same land by various parties are all major sources of land disputes.
Furthermore, in 2002, England repealed the Deeds Registration System by enacting the Torrens System-based Land Registration Act. The new system keeps track of land titles and makes it easier for investors. For example, to navigate the title of the land, an investor can browse the digital register and look for ownership facts. Similarly, the digitization of Land Records on a provincial level has made tremendous progress for the Pakistani government. However, due to the lengthy procedure of property transfer and the lack of a digital database for property verification, it is difficult to conduct safe and secure transactions.
Background of PLRA:
(Source: Punjab Land Record Authority)
The Pakistani government and the World Bank struck an agreement in 2007 for a project named Land Record Management and Information System (LRMIS) in Punjab to avoid malpractices. The main goals of this program were to provide complete access to property records, increase transparency in land transactions, and improve land right holders’ tenure security.
LRMIS was created with the intention of providing services in 18 Punjab districts. The project was then expanded to include all 36 districts. The World Bank also provided insight and a Project Management Unit (PMU) for the digitization of land records was established in 2007.
Following the completion of Project LRMIS, the Punjab government established the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) in 2017 under the administrative jurisdiction of the Punjab Board of Revenue. PLRA has accomplished a lot in a short period of time. The creation of Arazi Record Centers (ARC) in all districts of Punjab especially has aided in the timely issuing of fard and eased the process of land mutation registration.
PLRA’S Features and Functions:
(Source: gisportal.punjab-zameen.gov.pk)
Land digital titling is critical for underprivileged farmers and proprietors in Punjab to protect their property rights. As a result, land records are now being digitized, allowing the rightful property owner to be identified with a single click of a button. The Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) has been instrumental in transforming Punjab’s land record management system. You can now acquire information about a property, land ownership in Punjab, and register your property online. The key accomplishments of the Punjab Land Records Authority are listed below.
- Automated services for expediting fard issuance, mutation attestation, and e-pass book
- 151 Arazi Record Centers
- 16 satellite fard booths
- 24/7 availability of land records
- Reduced time for property registration, from 56 days to merely 11 days
Checking Land Ownership:
(Source: glisten.pk)
You don’t have to leave your home to check and verify the ownership of your property. This can now be done by filling out property and personal information on the PLRA website. Just click on Property Registry Search and fill out the following information:
- Head to the PLRA website.
- Select your district name from the drop-down option.
- Choose a service center from the list.
- Then choose whether you want to enter your CNIC number, bahi number, registration number, or name.
You will receive complete records for each mauza once you have provided the information. Choose the one you want to learn more about. When you click View Details, you’ll see all of the property’s ownership information.
Advantages of PLRA:
Following are the advantages of using Punjab Land Record Authority:
- You do not have to pay the patwari any fees.
- Check records from the comfort of your own home.
- Transferring property ownership, also known as a mutation, takes less time.
Checking Blush Online:
(Source: Thoughtco.com)
While there are many different forms of fard, you can only get the document through PLRA if you need it for your personal records. It’s also crucial to check whether or not your property record has been computerized. As indicated above, you’ll need to locate property registration information or land records information to do so. Once you’ve determined that land ownership information is available online, follow this step-by-step guide to obtaining online fard.
- When you arrive at the Punjab Land Records Authority’s home page, you’ll notice a tab that says: Get your online fard by clicking here.
- Select the aforementioned tab.
- Mention your CNIC, Passport, POC, or NICOP if you have one.
- Your cellphone number will receive a code.
- Click next after entering the code.
- A new page will appear with blank forms. Enter the district, tehsil, and mauza of your property. You must also specify the reason for obtaining fard, which should be just for your own records.
- If you need fard for any other reason, you must go to the Arazi Record Center in person, as biometric verification is required in this case.
Obtaining a Fard from the Local Arazi Record Center:
(Source: onlinefard.punjab-zameen.gov.pk)
You can get your fard through the following process:
- Tell the police at the Arazi Record Center your name, father’s name, and husband’s name.
- It is not necessary to give the khewat number. By providing your CNIC number, you can get fard.
- Your thumb impression will be taken, as well as a photograph.
- The system will identify any discrepancies in the records.
- To pay the charge, you will receive a printed challan.
- Keep in mind that the cost can only be paid at any Punjab Bank branch.
- The cost varies between PKR 500 and PKR 700, depending on the type of blush you desire.
- Fill out the challan form.
- The printed fard will be sent to you.
Registering a Property:
(Source: Housing.com)
Since the establishment of the Punjab Land Record Authority, the process of registering your property has also changed dramatically. The entire procedure has been shortened to only 11 days, down from 56 days earlier. As indicated in the diagram above, the property registration procedure consists of four steps:
- Arazi Record Center can provide you with fard for PKR 500-700.
- Pay the taxes such as the 2% Capital Value Tax (CVT), the 3% Stamp Duty, and the 1% Town Fee.
- Tax payments can only be made at the Punjab Bank.
- Hire a lawyer or a deed writer.
- The registration of a deed in the attendance of a registrar’s office will be completed at the sub-registrar office in 8 days.
- The registration process will cost you PKR 1000.
To read more on land registration in other provinces of Pakistan, visit our feeta blog.
Features and Functions of Punjab Land Record Authority
How to Reduce Risk in Real Estate Business
For all investors, it is important to take measures to reduce risk in real estate investments. For that, a complete understanding of various market factors and trends is important.
Real estate shares a huge portion of economies around the world. With rapid population growth around the world, commercial and residential real estate has been on the rise. This has created opportunities for investors to pool their money in potential projects and secure their assets.
However, real estate investment is a complex and risky process. The market is volatile with several potential risks. Government policies keep changing and, similarly, the market trends keep shifting. Thus, a proper understanding of the market is required before making an investment.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, brings you a guide to reducing risk in the real estate business.
Benefits of Investing in Real Estate:
There are several benefits of investing in real estate. Firstly, it is the best way to reduce the risk of assets losing their value. Secondly, a rental property provides a source of continuous cash flow.
The following are some other benefits of real estate investment:
- Provides greater returns on initial investments
- Long-term assets security
- Tax breaks and deductions
- A passive income source
- Covers mortgage payments
- Ability to leverage funds
- Protects against inflation
Risks of Investing in Real Estate:
Most investors are unaware of the risks involved in real estate investments and are unable to plan a strategy.
The following are some of the most prominent investment risks in real estate.
- Volatile market
- Negative cash flows
- High maintenance costs
- Investment in real estate takes time to grow
- Real estate transactions are slow
Factors Affecting the Real Estate Market:
The following are some factors that can affect the real estate market:
- Demographics
- Economy
- Employment opportunities
- Interest rates on loans and properties
- External investors
- Fiscal budget
- Government policies and laws
These factors govern the investment trends in any given area. Considering these factors and devising a strategy accordingly will help you reduce the risks involved.
Tips to Reduce Risk in Real Estate Business:
The following tips can help you get the most out of your investment with minimal risks:
- Understand the real estate market and its trends
- Choose the right real estate domain
- Consider the functional attributes of projects to reduce risk in real estate
- Invest at the right stage of project development
Understand the Real Estate Market and its Trends:
Understanding the real estate market is essential, especially in Pakistan, where inflation is growing every day, rupee devaluation is a common occurrence, and investment trends keep changing. Without having a solid knowledge of different trends, there are higher chances of investment failure.
Investment in real estate is of three types: buying, selling, and renting. Each type of investment requires a completely different understanding of the market. To understand each one of them, break down the market into micro components and research it.
Real estate companies can also guide you about the current changes that the market is experiencing. Moreover, they can give you options for projects with potential growth.
Choose the Right Real Estate Domain:
Source: Pinterest
With population growth, more residential projects have been launched. However, commercial real estate is mostly a high-end investment option, with people investing billions each year.
Real estate investment can be in the form of buying, selling, renting, and shareholding. All these options have different market requirements, risks, and benefits. Your investment in real estate largely depends upon your capital.
If you are a seasonal investor and looking to get the best out of your investment quickly, then buying a property and selling it after some time can be a suitable choice.
Consider the Functional Attributes of Projects to reduce risk in real estate:
Before making an investment, you need to understand the functional attributes of the relevant project. The first major thing to decide is whether you want to invest in a commercial project or a residential project.
To invest in a commercial project, you need a high investment. There are generally higher returns associated with this investment.
Commercial areas develop faster, and the development of local and international brands increases the value of these commercial plots.
Residential projects, on the other hand, require smaller investments, but it requires a long time to receive profitable returns. However, investors are confident to invest in residential projects, as the market is currently growing at a fast pace.
Apart from the nature of the projects, you need to look for the following functional attributes of a property:
- Location, location, and location
- Property style and size
- Home amenities
- Nearby facilities
- Taxes and cost of living
- Lifestyle needs
- Basic infrastructure
- Connectivity and transport
- Local market indicators
Compare your desired property to the other properties in the market with the same features. It will help you make the right investment with minimum chances of loss.
Invest At the Right Stage of the Project Development:
Source: Levelst
Real estate development is completed in seven different steps: land banking, land packaging, land development, building development, building operation, building renovation, and site redevelopment.
At every stage of project development, investment varies. For instance, if you are buying a plot file while land development authorities have released the construction plans you can own the property at low rates.
However, buying a fully developed commercial or residential unit is a big investment. These units can help you regain the initial investment in a short amount of time, however, the risk associated with it is also bigger. Thus, you need to carefully evaluate all factors before investing.
For more tips on how to navigate the real estate market, visit our Feeta blog.
How to Reduce Risk in Real Estate Business
How to Save Money to Buy a Home
Buying a home is the single biggest investment for most families. For many of them, it takes years to save enough money for the down payment. Factors such as an ever-changing housing sector, skyrocketing market prices, and high inflation add to problems while purchasing a house. Inflation, above all, has been the most prominent factor that has caused a sudden rise in property prices.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, has compiled a guide that can help you save money to buy a home.
Tips to Save Money:
The following are some of the most effective tips that can help save money to buy a home as well as make the following payments:
- Break down the payments
- Eliminate your debt
- Create a budget
- Set saving goals
- Spend to save
- Choose a cheaper place
- Find new ways to generate income
- Find new ways to generate income
Break Down the Payments:
Whether you are a first-time property buyer or a regular investor, you will have to break down payments that you are required to make at various steps. Therefore, you must consider each factor while making the calculations.
The most important and difficult payment while purchasing a property is the down payment. In most cases, it is usually around 2-30% of the total cost of the property.
If you are depending on a mortgage or loan payment, it might be even trickier. Most lenders will give you money if you possess a minimum of 10% of the price of the house. Even once they lend you money, you would have to repay the amount at a specific interest rate later on.
There are also closing costs that need to be paid while completing the sales process. These can put a burden on your budget during and after the purchase. The following factors can add to the closing cost:
- Inspection costs
- Appraisal costs
- Title services
- Property insurance
- HOA (Homeowners Association) Fees
- Moving charges
- Renovation and maintenance
- Government and local body taxes
Eliminate Your Debt:
Most home buyers have to save money for years to buy their first home. Moreover, they have to manage money for various daily expenses as well. It leads them to take loans from banks or other money lenders, disrupting their savings amount.
So, if you are trying to save money through budgeting and still have a large debt burden, you need to pay it off first. Most money lenders take interest while you repay them the amount. Once you eliminate all the debt, you can add that money to your savings account.
Secondly, prioritizing your debt payments earlier will help you in managing other financial obligations later on.
Create a Budget:
The most important strategy to save money for any purpose is to have a budget plan. Whether you have a single source of income or multiple sources, if you don’t plan your budget, you will end up wasting all your money. A budget will help you to:
- Manage your expenses effectively
- Allocate appropriate resources to wants and needs
- Monitor your objectives
- Make confident financial decisions
- Identify problems of over-budgeting
However, creating a budget is not a simple task. For that, you need to consider all your expenses, future goals, and income, along with many other factors. The following checklist can help you create a realistic budget:
- Gather your financial paperwork
- Calculate your income
- Create a list of monthly expenses
- Set realistic goals
- Calculate your monthly income and expenses
- Make adjustments to the budget
Step 1: First, calculate your income from all sources. In this manner, you will be able to divide your income equally for various expenses.
Source: MS Excel
Step 2: Secondly, list down all your expenses and keep track on a daily basis.
Source: MS Excel
Step 3: Sum up the overall budget at the end of the month.
Source: MS Excel
The difference between the budget set and the total money spent will help you in reviewing your plan. You would be able to check if your expenses will be over the budget and how you can save more money.
Set Saving Goals:
Without setting proper financial goals, budgets are likely to fail. Your financial goals can be of two types: short-term or long-term goals. Achieving short-term financial goals by managing your income and expenses will help you in achieving your long-term financial goals.
You can use the 50/30/20 rule to set realistic saving goals. Define 50% of your total monthly income for your daily needs, 30% for your wants, and save 20%. This rule will help you in the first step by allocating the budget for specific purposes.
Now, you need to check the area where you are wasting your money. If you are spending too much on your needs or wants, you should cut a specific percentage from them and add it to your savings.
Luxury items and food from restaurants account for the most percentage of your budget. You can also cut these expenses by reducing your purchase of luxury items and cooking food at home. This will increase your savings over time.
The following measures can help you achieve all your saving goals:
- Go shopping with a smarter list and shop.
- Avoid unnecessary trips to the markets.
- Prefer to eat at home.
- Eliminate unnecessary bills.
- Use less electricity and gas.
- Pay your bills on time to avoid penalties.
- Use public transportation.
- Cut the cost of your water bills.
- Trim down your daily expenses.
Spend to Save:
Source: Readers Fusion
When you buy a home, there can be several problems. For instance, there can be issues with water pipelines, electric wiring, paint, doors, windows, etc. If you ignore these repairs at first, they will eventually cost you more in the future.
You can also hire certified professionals who can give you an overall efficiency report of everything inside and outside the building. You can follow the given checklist to assess the condition of the property:
- Water damages
- Damaged roof
- Faulty electrical system
- Plumbing problems
- Structural and foundational issues
- Pest infestation
- HVAC system problems
Choose a Cheaper Place:
Property prices vary from area to area. Property prices are usually higher in densely-populated areas with a large number of commercial set-ups. On the other hand, in new residential areas with less population and small commercial set-ups, property prices are very low. Thus, you need to make a conscious decision while choosing the location.
The following are some benefits of buying a cheaper property:
- There is less competition for cheap properties as they are located in less prosperous areas.
- Cheap properties are suitable for cash investors.
- They minimize stamp duty bills.
- Cheap properties require low deposits, low payments, and low interest.
- There is a lower risk of loss of investment if you have to sell the property.
- These properties have good rental prospects.
- You will have control over all the updates and improvements.
Find New Ways to Generate Income:
Depending solely on one source of income might not help you these days in saving money. With the high inflation rate, the prices of everyday commodities have gone up. Moreover, this inflation has changed the real estate market with soaring prices. So, one must find ways to earn and save money for future investment goals.
The good news is that the internet has already provided hundreds of ways to learn and earn money online. The following are some of the ways that can help you generate income apart from a single job:
- Become a freelancer
- Become a virtual assistant
- Start an eCommerce business
- Write online reviews
- Start your own blog
- Sell photography
- Become a rideshare driver (Uber, Careem)
- Rent out items
- Manage other people’s properties
- Invest in stocks
- Become a digital creator
- Start a coaching business
There are also several other resources that you can invest in to save money to buy a home.
For more information about saving money, visit Feeta Blog.
How to Save Money to Buy a Home
How to Generate Buyer Leads in Real Estate
It is not very difficult to generate buyer leads in real estate if realtors follow the right strategy after studying the market.
The real estate business has witnessed tremendous growth during the past few years due to the exponential population boom. Real estate companies are investing in big construction projects and expanding their business to large extents. However, individual realtors are facing a tough challenge to grow in the market.
Realtors solely depend on market trends and competition to generate sales. A successful strategy in a stable market helps them generate buyer leads in the real estate business.
However, fierce market competition, changing consumer demands, evolving technology trends, and environmental changes are causing economic uncertainties in markets. It affects the sales strategies of realtors in the long run. So, they have to keep a track of several factors and update their strategies accordingly.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, has compiled a guide that can help realtors generate buyer leads in real estate.
Ways to Generate Buyer Leads in Real Estate:
From arranging physical tours of the property to using digital media platforms for marketing, the following strategies can help generate buyer leads in real estate.
- Focus on a niche
- Become your local subject expert
- Create a website
- Create a social media marketing strategy
- Use email marketing
- Develop real estate content
- Offer virtual tours
- Provide testimonials and portfolio
- Build partnerships
- Advertise through traditional media
Focus on a Single Niche:
One of the most common mistakes that realtors make is that they don’t have a single defined niche. They think that focusing on multiple areas will help them generate buyer leads and build their portfolio. However, that is a false assumption. Taking multiple areas of investment into account diverts the prospective client’s focus, causing a loss of confidence.
Therefore, focusing on a single niche at one time is essential. It will help you gain expertise in that particular area strategically and stand out amongst other realtors. Potential clients mostly consult realtors who possess expertise in their area of interest and, hence, can help in securing growth investments.
Moreover, by covering your area you will be able to create the right content and market it to the right investors.
The following are certain niches that individual realtors can choose from:
- First-time home buyers
- Commercial real estate
- Luxury real estate
- Relocations
- Rental Properties
- Mountain homes
- Farms
Apart from these, you can choose a niche depending upon the demographics of the area. For instance, in every area, the population is divided into various groups ie, hostels, single-family homes, multiple-family homes, university areas, etc. So, you can opt for a single area and build the presence of your services in it.
Become Your Local Area’s Expert:
Most real estate agents prefer to work in more than one area. They keep track of various projects in those areas and provide investors with potential investment opportunities. However, in most cases, they lack expertise in all of these locations, which goes on to cause problems later on.
To attract potential clients, becoming an expert in one area can increase your chances of gaining leads. A local area expert realtor must be aware of schools, parks, entertainment spots, restaurants, and all other facilities and amenities that can attract investors.
For instance, if you are working with a first-time home buyer with kids, you should provide them with options where schools and parks are nearby. It will help them choose the best property according to their needs. Therefore, it will eventually build investors’ confidence in the realtor.
If the realtor is confused about his or her area and has to consult others in the market, it gives a red signal to the investors. Becoming a local area expert will help you build your portfolio within a short period.
Create a Website:
With the evolution of technology and the online presence of real estate firms, investing in real estate has become quite easier. Although investors make their final decisions after physically visiting the properties, the internet and digital marketing can also influence their choices.
From finding a property to selecting a real estate agent, investors are now relying on the internet for information. With a single search, they can find thousands of properties and real estate agents to make their investment easier. Therefore, to stand out from the competition, building a website is an essential step for a real estate agent.
If you are working with a real estate firm, they may provide you with a web page presence, but that is not enough. You should create your own website to present your work to potential investors.
Having your website will help you in:
- Building a strong online presence
- Generating more leads
- Providing exposure to properties in your inventory
- Bringing innovation to your business
- Spreading the word about your business
- Using web listings during presentations
- Displaying testimonials and portfolio
Create a Social Media Marketing Strategy:
Over the past few years, social media has been influential in boosting the success of businesses. With an effective online presence through a defined strategy, companies can attract a large roster of clients.
Digital marketing with engaging and cohesive social media content provides the best strategy for the long-term success of a business. Having a social media following can bring in loyal customers who are influenced by your content and services.
Your social media content should focus on:
- 80% engaging content to build the interest of the public and keep them updated with industry trends.
- 20% sales-related content and messages to promote your business.
The following are some benefits of having social media presence:
- It gives a better exposure to your business.
- It provides a cost-friendly approach to reaching more investors.
- Reporting and analysis of lead generation are easier.
- It helps in enhancing customer relationships.
- It builds brand trust.
Use Email Marketing:
Source: Cmarix
Keeping clients regularly informed about your services is important as it helps build permanent relationships with clients. Website content and social media play a major role in maintaining bonds with investors and clients.
However, not all investors may have a social media presence. In this case, building an email marketing list will help a great deal. Once you have compiled the list of emails, send them weekly newsletters about upcoming local events or the latest developments in the real estate market.
The following are some benefits of email marketing:
- Enhances brand presence
- Helps in closing more real estate sales
- Reaches a broader range of customers
- Nurtures relationships with the clients
- Save time and money
Develop Real Estate-Related Content:
In the digital age, the traditional concept of real estate marketing has changed. Now, clients look for more information about projects and possible areas of online investment. So, real estate firms and agents have been generating informative content for this audience through blogs.
A real estate website is the ultimate platform to keep clients informed. However, having a website with your portfolio and client testimonials is not enough. You need to produce quality content on your site. Clients have a bundle of questions and concerns that should be answered.
Being aware of the most common real estate questions will help you plan content related to client concerns. With such content, you can address the client’s problems, build brand authority, and ultimately attract a regular audience. In case you are unaware of the most common real estate problems, you can follow the most famous real estate blogs on the internet and generate related content.
Offer Virtual Tours:
With the latest developments in technology, most real estate firms and realtors are adopting modern techniques to attract clients. Virtual tours, for instance, have become one of the most important tools for an agency. Clients need to view the condition of properties before they can consider investing in them. In such cases, physical visits and virtual tours play their role.
Most investors do not have enough time to visit the properties physically, so they prefer virtual tours. These allow them to assess the overall condition of properties. Virtual tours can also be helpful to a realtor.
They help in:
- Displaying property in the best way
- Gaining the trust of the clients
- Saving time and money spent on arranging physical tours
- Attracting more customers to your website
- Standing out from the other agents in the market
Provide Testimonials and Portfolio:
Salesforce
Clients usually do not trust the real estate agents in the market. Instead, they trust personal references from people they know or the other investors in the market. Secondly, they believe in the quality of projects in a realtor’s profile.
Hence, providing your clients with testimonials and past projects in your portfolio will help you gain their trust.
Providing testimonials will:
- Build credibility and trust in the market
- Establish an emotional draw
- Help during effective marketing
- Generate buyer leads
- Maintain permanent customers
Build Partnerships:
The real estate sector is connected to several industries. It is essential to expand your network in all allied industries. Building partnerships will help you and everyone connected in the loop in enhancing business.
The following are some industries where real estate agents can form profitable partnerships:
- Professional renovation firms
- Insurance companies
- Personal bankers
- Commercial lenders
- Title companies
- Property managers
- Cleaning services
Advertise Through Traditional Media:
Apart from all the strategies that involve technology, traditional advertising campaigns can also help in reaching out to more potential clients. For example, billboards and brochures can promote word-of-mouth among those who do not use social media.
By using these strategies, realtors can close more sales from their deals. To get more information about generating leads in the real estate business, visit Feeta Blog.
How to Generate Buyer Leads in Real Estate
How to Choose a Property Manager for Your Rental
A rental property bringing in a steady cash flow is a great asset to have. Several investors in the real estate industry tend to buy properties and, after minor repairs, lease them to the tenants. However, it can also be a difficult decision to leave your property entirely in the hands of tenants.
Unfortunately, as is the case with most rental properties, tenants do not uphold the responsibility of taking care of the property. This can even cause a financial loss to the owner. In such cases, owners need to hire a property manager.
An experienced property manager will take good care of the property, keep the tenants satisfied, and maintain a steady cash flow for the owners. However, if you hire an inexperienced property manager, he or she can mishandle the property and tenants, eventually causing a low retention rate. Therefore, it is essential to hire the right professional.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal has prepared a guide to help you choose the right property manager for your rental.
Benefits of Hiring a Property Manager
Hiring a property manager comes at a cost, but it saves you the hassle of property management and legal procedures, among several other things. The following are some of the benefits of appointing the right property manager:
- Ensures traction on the property with effective marketing
- Helps you obtain high-quality tenants
- Saves you from any legal issues
- Maintains proper rent collection and cash flow
- Eases the eviction process
- Maintains solid monthly reporting and accounting
- Acquires a higher holding retention rate
- Ensures proper maintenance and repair work
- Prevents longer periods of property vacancy
Tips to Choose the Right Property Manager
A property manager can help you build a good portfolio in the market. However, finding the right professional is not an easy task. Rental property management is a long, complex process that involves tenant screening, constant communication, and property maintenance.
To choose the right property manager, you can follow the tips given below:
- Research the market
- Stick with local expertise
- Look for Organization and Tech Expertise
- Conduct multiple interviews
- Get referrals
- Prefer a proven track record
- Look for licensed property managers
- Review local ads
Let’s discuss these tips in detail for a better understanding:
Research the Market
Market research is essential when choosing a property manager. These days, technology has made this easier for property owners to look for relevant firms and professionals, and shortlist those with the best reviews.
Once you have prepared a list of potential property managers, you should check the following key information on their websites:
- List of services they provide
- Management charges and schedule
- Staff and leadership information
- Services for tenants and owners
- Contact information
- Customer testimonials
- Having reviews
- Original license
Stick with Local Expertise
Property management requires a thorough understanding of the local markets. Experts are well aware of various market factors, thus making the process easier for both owners and tenants. Before choosing a property manager, you can inquire about their knowledge of the following factors:
- Tenancy laws and licensing: Different areas have different property laws that govern tenancy conditions and rental licensing. During the tenancy, some problems may occur that would require a legal solution, hence, the property manager should be aware of related procedures and laws.
- Market demographics: Understanding the market demographics helps acquire the right tenants and maintain the tenancy rate. For instance, if a property is located in an area with a large student population, the property manager will help market the property as a suitable option for students.
- Vendor relationships: Property management requires property maintenance and repairs at different intervals. If the manager is unaware of the vendors in the local market, the cost of property management will be high.
Look for Organization and Tech Expertise
Property management is all about organization. If the property manager does not take care of everything meticulously, it might result in a bad reputation for your property. For this, proper documentation and communication are essential.
Electronic systems are secure and help maintain quick and effective communication. Technology awareness can also help find the best solutions for various problems. So, managers that are up to date with the latest technological trends can provide huge benefits to owners and tenants.
Conduct Multiple Interviews
While you are looking for a property manager, several candidates might approach you with their portfolios. You need to gather as much information as possible before proceeding further.
While you are interviewing candidates, the following questions might help you in getting the best results:
- How long have you been in the property management business?
- What will you cover in the monthly management fee?
- What are the conditions for the management fee?
- Will you provide a property management agreement?
- How many properties can you cover each month?
- What are the basic tenant requirements and basic screening process?
- How do you carry out property inspections?
- What is your deposit returning policy?
- Are you aware of the demographics of the area?
- Do you have an online portal for tenants and owners?
- Will you provide monthly and annual financial and property management reports?
These questions will help you analyze the management skills and professionalism of the applicants.
Get Referrals
An important way to hire the best property manager is to get referrals from friends and investors in the market. If a manager or a company has a bad reputation, it will eventually come out when consulted with others. Similarly, good property managers will have a stellar reputation in the market, and everyone will suggest their services.
Prefer Proven Track Record
Source: Pinterest
A professional’s track record with previous clients can give you a better idea about the quality of his or her services. When choosing a property manager, look for an individual who has the best projects in his portfolio.
Generally, owners look for the average time property managers take to fill a vacant property. Moreover, the maintenance factor should also be kept a priority. If the track record of a property manager shows excellent property maintenance, he or she should be your first choice.
Look for Licensed Property Managers
Property managers with licenses and proper documentation are a safer option for better management of your rental. Some property handlers have a good reputation in the market and a strong track record, but they lack legal authority. It makes them unreliable.
A licensed property manager is certified by the local government. They have taken the required property management courses and exams, which means they have a comprehensive knowledge of property management.
Review Local Ads
Property managers use local property advertisement agencies to share details about vacancies in different areas. These ads are displayed in newspapers or simply on digital platforms. For instance, big real estate companies or property management firms utilize their websites to display rental properties.
These ads and classifieds are your best ways to analyze the best property managers. Look for the following features in ads to help you make your decision:
- Unit Description: The best unit descriptions describe the rental place in detail, with all its features listed. If the management firm is showcasing all aspects of the property, it shows professionalism.
- Quality Photos: These days, property advertisement has become easier because of digital platforms. If the property manager displays quality images of the property to attract the tenants, it shows his professionalism.
- Virtual Tour of the Property: With the arrival of technology, it has become possible for managers to arrange virtual tours of rental properties. This helps the tenants in ‘visiting’ the property virtually from any place.
These aspects can help you find the property manager you are looking for.
To get more information about rental property management tips, visit Feeta Blog.
How to Choose a Property Manager for Your Rental
A Guide to Rental Property Financing
Rental property financing is complex for new investors to understand.
Real estate investments are highly desirable as they provide opportunities for sustainable growth. For the majority of investors, buying rental properties can be the right way to start in real estate. Rental properties can be a source of healthy passive income. With time, expanding and diversifying this real estate portfolio becomes desirable.
However, financing the first rental property can be challenging. For a first-time real estate investor, the right funding for the first rental property is essential, otherwise, it can turn out to be a problem in the future.
However, financing has become very difficult for new investors due to trust issues in the market. For investors with decent credit sources, there are several ways to arrange funds.
A conventional way to invest in rental properties is saving money for down payments and arranging mortgages for the remaining payments. However, this is not the only path to financing rental properties.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal provides a complete guide on rental property financing.
Ways to Rental Property Financing:
The following are some of the ways that can help generate rental property financing:
- Private funding
- Online mortgage providers
- Seller financing
- Home equity
- Group investing
Let’s discuss these sources in detail.
Private Funding:
The real estate market has giant investors and businessmen who are always looking for different investment opportunities. They provide buyers with private financing with interest. The process is quite similar to conventional mortgage payments, but a quicker one.
For people who are looking to expand their portfolio in the real estate market, private financing can be an excellent way to fund properties. Traditional mortgage payments are slow and require documentation and legal procedures. However, a private funding source will provide you with the required funds with little documentation and no hassle related to legal procedures.
Rental properties are mostly financially feasible investments with a positive cash flow each month. In such cases, buyers can avail of private funding for short periods and then shift to mortgages later on. This will allow them to save more money from rent.
Buyers must also keep the high-interest rate factor in mind. Private lenders take higher interests as compensation for payments of large sums in a shorter time. However, this factor should not stop buyers from availing of quick funds.
Online Mortgage Providers:
Arranging a traditional mortgage is a complex and daunting task. It takes anywhere between three to seven weeks and lots of documentation procedures to get a traditional mortgage approved. The conventional mortgage process is completed in six steps:
- Pre-approval
- Property shopping
- Mortgage application
- Loan processing
- Underwriting
- Closing
To avoid this toil and lengthy procedures, finding an online mortgage provider can be a good choice. Rental property loan from an online lender is hassle-free and convenient. Buyers do not require to visit any banks and arrange brokers for the legal procedures and paperwork. All they have to do is to fill out the mortgage application online from their computers or mobile phones.
Online mortgage providers usually do not demand debt-to-income (DTI) details or any details about property size. This helps buyers get the required loans and invest them in any property of their choice. Moreover, loan repayment conditions are also flexible.
Seller Financing:
Seller financing might not seem like an appropriate idea while thinking about rental property financing. But, in cases when investors are unable to find finances from traditional or online mortgage providers or private funding, this can be a good option to try.
Seller financing is the process of arranging finances from the person who will sell you the property. If the property owner agrees to lend you the funds, it might be the easiest way to finance your rental property. Banks and credit unions have lengthy procedures to follow.
Seller financing has two major scenarios: first, where the seller finances the entire purchase; and second, where the seller finances the down payment. In both cases, the deal becomes easier to conclude.
However, getting finances from the seller is not an easy procedure. Most sellers may not sponsor the deal as they might want to sell their property to finance other projects. The trust factor also comes in while the talks are in process.
The contract must outline all the terms and conditions of seller financing to take the owner in confidence. Moreover, the owner should be aware of all the legal procedures and documentation that will provide a guarantee of payments over time.
Home Equity:
As a buyer who may have an old property in his / her name, an investor can draw money through a property equity loan or cash-out refinance. In most cases, it is one of the best ways to finance a rental property. Property lenders take your existing property as a guarantee to give you loans. The loan can then be refinanced in a new property.
Additionally, investors can borrow loans on their existing property. Most properties can fetch 80% loans of the equity value. On the other hand, cash-out refinance only gives a fixed rate of the loan. In all cases, the process can save you from paying extra payments to banks. ‘
Group Investing:
For investors with limited sources and no other means to finance the rental properties, group investing can be a profitable way to do so. There are hundreds of people out there in the market who can connect and invest in groups.
The concept is very similar to stocks and shareholding. Every individual in the group will get the shares in the rental property according to their investment percentage. This method is being used as ‘real estate investment trusts’ in big real estate projects.
Factors to Consider While Purchasing a Rental Property:
Buying and financing a rental property is a complex process. Several factors should be considered before selecting any property and pouring money into the market. The following are several factors that every rental property buyer must keep in mind:
- Buy a low-cost property
- Avoid high-interest rates on property loans
- Calculate the right repayment margins
Buy a Low-Cost Property:
While starting ventures in the real estate market, investors want to invest in big projects. Most times, it proves to be a big mistake. Similarly, for small investors, it is essential to think before making any investments. Small and low-cost properties are profitable and better investment areas. Higher mortgage payments burden the cash flow from the property as well.
So, to maintain a considerable amount of monthly rent and pay the mortgages, low-cost properties are very convenient.
Avoid High-Interest Rates on Property Loans:
Over the past few years, property prices have skyrocketed and so have the interest rates on loans or mortgage payments. However, some banks and lenders are charging more than the average market rates. Therefore, while purchasing any property on loans, it is essential to look for the right mortgage providers.
Arranging a low-interest mortgage provider will help investors save money from the monthly profits. Moreover, it will help property owners during any renovation work later on.
Calculate the Right Repayment Margins:
Calculation of the right repayment margins is as essential as selecting a low-interest mortgage provider. If the investor is not aware of all the expenses, he or she might miscalculate the payments and profits. It will lead to mismanagement, eventually burdening the owners. Therefore, investors must plan the loan repayment strategy.
Other costs such as home insurance, association fees, property taxes, regular maintenance costs, and pest control expenses should also be part of the payment plan.
For more information about rental property investments, visit Feeta Blog.
A Guide to Rental Property Financing
10 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Real Estate Investment
To answer the most commonly asked questions about real estate investment, understanding various factors is essential.
Real estate investment seems overwhelming to beginners because of the significant financial growth linked to it. In Pakistan, it is one of the most lucrative and highly-profitable investments. Construction projects across the country are attracting investors to secure their assets for a better future.
However, investing in the real estate industry is a complex process. Many new investors fail because they are unaware of the factors that can influence their investments. They tend to repeat common mistakes and lose their investments. So, a solid knowledge of the industry is essential before pouring money into real estate.
One way to predict the ups and downs of the market is to ask questions from experts. Real estate market analysts keep a track of key factors over time as it helps them predict market dynamics accurately. Gaining their insights can give you direction when investing.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal brings you answers to the 10 most commonly asked questions about real estate investment.
10 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Real Estate Investment
Familiarity with answers to the most common questions of real estate investment can help to avoid the most common mistakes during real estate investment. Here are the questions that every new real estate investor asks:
- What are the ways to determine the value of an investment property?
- How can one finance real estate deals?
- What is the best real estate investment strategy?
- Where can one find profitable investment areas?
- Can investments in real estate begin with no money?
- Are real estate agents essential to buy or sell any property?
- How can one predict rent charges for their property?
- How can one find the right tenant for a property?
- Who handles the basic repair value of a property?
- What should be the financial goals?
Let’s dig into the details of these questions and find out the answers.
What are the ways to determine the value of an investment property?
As a beginner in the real estate market, it can be difficult to find out the prices of properties. When it comes to selling or buying a property, both sides involve different factors. So, what are the ways that can help determine the value of a property?
Comparative market analysis (CMA) is one of the best methods to solve this problem. While working in a market with many properties on sale and many investors involved, it is easy to predict the rates of a property according to the area. An in-depth analysis of the most recently sold properties can give you the best estimate.
CMA reports are set by the real estate agents in the market, which helps new sellers and buyers with listing prices and estimates for investments. CMA compares one property to another with the same features, area, and facilities.
Another way to predict a property’s value is to get help from government officials. Land record offices have all the properties listed according to their locations. Moreover, they set a base price per sq. ft. of each property. Hence, it can help a lot in predicting the overall price of the property.
How can one finance real estate deals?
For most beginners, financing a real estate deal is the biggest problem. With no stable income sources, they fail to invest in any property and eventually fail to get started. However, proper awareness of potential sources that can generate finances for investments can be helpful.
There are two ways to generate finance: selling an old, self-owned property or acquiring conventional property investment loans. The first method can become a source of positive ongoing cash flow. Selling a home and then buying a new property can give you hefty annual returns on your initial investment.
Most people living in rural areas of Pakistan own a large number of properties. But, due to remote locations, these properties are considered practically worthless. So, these days, people from rural areas are selling their properties and investing in real estate projects in major cities instead.
On the other hand, for most investors with no previously owned property, loans are the only way to start real estate investments. However, these investments are not desirable as annual returns are not too high.
What is the best real estate investment strategy?
Without a proper strategy, a real estate investment is bound to fail. According to real estate experts, most beginners lose their investments because they do not strategize beforehand. Beginners are under the false impression that possessing a sufficient amount of money is all that is required, and it will give them profitable returns straightaway. However, the reality is pretty much the opposite.
Successful real estate investors formulate a strategy based on their investment goals, which helps them in their next venture. It provides them with a timeline to hold on to their assets and then invest at the right time. So, tuning investment strategy to goals is essential.
Generally, there are three main strategies that successful investors follow: opportunistic, add-on, and core. Moreover, factors such as types of property and location can also influence the decisions. For example, commercial properties are profitable as compared to residential properties.
How can one find profitable investment areas?
A very important factor to consider before investing in real estate is to choose the right area. Pouring money into properties with no real value is not a good strategy. With the recent widespread development of residential and commercial projects around Pakistan, property prices have skyrocketed.
Commercial properties have a higher value as compared to residential properties. For an investor who is looking to grow assets in a relatively short time, investment in commercial areas is recommended. Houses need repairs and time to increase their value.
Moreover, the availability of water, gas, and transport systems near a property also influences its value. If it does not have such facilities, it is not desirable for buyers.
Can investments in real estate begin with no money?
The state of one’s finances is the most important factor to start a real estate investment. However, in cases where investors do not have enough money to pay for down payments, investors need to be more creative. Funds can be generated in several ways to finance a real estate deal. However, these cannot be guaranteed every time as the market keeps changing. Some of these ways have been listed below:
- Real estate partnerships
- Wholesale dealings
- Conventional property investment loans
- Home equity loans
Are real estate agents essential to buy or sell any property?
One can start investing in the real estate market without any external help. However, the process will be time-consuming and rigorous as the market is much more complex to understand. The presence of a real estate agent can help a great deal as they are aware of all the complexities of the market as well as the processes that are involved in a property deal.
From evaluating markets, finding an attorney, and getting pre-approved loans, to negotiating and closing the deal, the real estate agent makes everything smooth and easy. However, with hundreds of agents in the market, scammers get the chance to target investors. So, choosing the right real estate agent is also important.
How can one predict rent charges for my property?
For investors who purchase properties to rent them out, a basic awareness of the right rent charges is essential. Proper rent estimation helps in advertising the property. An over-estimated property may remain vacant and a low-rented property might end up in negative cash flow.
An analysis of how tenants navigate the competitive rental market gives the best estimate of a property’s rent. Local market conditions and rates can also help you in advertising your property with the right rent charges.
How can one find the right tenant for a property?
If you have rented out a property, you would want to ensure that it is kept safe and protected. A good tenant takes care of your rental property and also makes rent payments on time.
When choosing the right tenant, proper screening is important. Check the references they have provided you with for a more thorough screening process.
Who handles the basic repair value of a property?
While purchasing any property, buyers are concerned about the expenses of basic repairs. Hiring professional teams can cost you a lot of money and affect your profits. If you are a new buyer, you should preferably do all the minor repairs yourself. It will help you keep the cost in control.
However, if you are a potential real estate investor, then you can hire a team to carry out all the repair and renovation work, as this helps to enhance the overall rates of a property.
What should be the financial goals?
Just like the right strategy, the right financial goals are also important. Whether you are a part-timer or a full-time investor, you need to have everything figured out. Should you hold on to the property until prices appreciate to make a profit? Or should you buy a commercial property to start your own business?
Before you start investing, also try to make an accurate calculation of whether you might end up losing money in the first few months, the point at which you may break even, and how much you can expect to make after three to five years.
Factors Influencing Real Estate Investment
Apart from all the above questions, new investors must also be aware of the factors that can influence their real estate investments:
- Demographics of the country
- Government policies
- The annual budget of the country
- Employment opportunities
- Interest rates on loans and property
- Market trust
- Tax policies
To get more information about real estate investment in Pakistan, visit Feeta blogs.
10 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Real Estate Investment
Tips to Get the Best Deal on Your Property
To get the best deal on your property when it comes to buying or selling a property, you need to avoid some common mistakes. Selling a property, in particular, is a more complex process. From preparing the house for selling to finding a suitable buyer, the process takes a lot of time to secure the deal.
A property is probably the most expensive asset an individual owns, so selling comes with an element of caution. Most property owners sell their property because they need immediate finances to manage expenses or invest in some other project.
While visiting a property on sale, most buyers generally offer less money than your property’s actual worth. Moreover, they will criticize several elements such as home design, closet positioning, and color choices. It can be emotionally challenging as a place is more than walls and roofs for the owners.
With no experience and knowledge, property owners face heavy losses while selling a property. However, a little know-how about the process can help secure the best deal with the highest possible rates in a reasonable time frame.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, brings you essential tips to get the best deal on your property.
Tips to Get the Best Deal on Your Property
The following are some essential tips that property owners can follow to get the best deal on their property:
- Prepare your home for selling
- Improve your home’s exterior
- Make the repairs
- Be patient while selling your property
- Do the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
- Choose a realtor carefully
- Setup a realistic price
Prepare Your Home for Selling
Before buying a property, the buyer imagines himself living inside it. If everything is properly arranged and decluttered, buyers can put in a good offer.
The following are certain measures that you can opt to prepare your property for sale:
- Thoroughly clean every part of your property
- Get rid of the clutter
- Depersonalize by removing family photos
- Rearrange all the furniture
- Move all the bulky items to storage
Apart from these measures, you can hire property stagers. They will showcase your best assets in order to impress the buyers. Stagers help property owners in selling their properties in a reasonable time frame.
Improving the Property’s Exterior
The exterior of a property is the first impression potential buyers have of your place. Hence, if you want to sell quickly, make sure your property’s exterior is attractive. For that reason, you should consider taking the following measures:
- Clean your house’s surroundings
- Consider minor repairs and maintenance of exterior elements
- Wash the windows
- Repaint some parts of your home, if needed
- Replace your door handles, if required
- Clean the pathway from the curb to the porch
- Prune the outgrown bushes and straighten up uneven paths
- Dust away debris and spiderwebs from windows
Taking these measures will make your home appealing to visitors and leave a positive impression.
Make the repairs
Minor repairs can greatly impact your property’s selling price. If you do not have enough time to do full renovations, you can focus on quick repairs. A complete survey of the house will point out all the areas that need quick fixing, such as:
- Loose tiles in bathroom and kitchen
- Loose hinges on doors and cabinets
- Stuck drawers and cabinets
- Leaky faucets
- Stains on carpets
If you have enough budget and time, you can add new hardware as well to make your home more attractive.
Be Patient While Selling Your Property
Most people want to sell their property as soon as possible because they think selling property is a piece of cake. However, it is completely the opposite. If you want to sell your property quickly, you probably need to rethink your strategy because a hasty decision will result in big losses.
If you do not analyze market prices and dynamics, real estate agents and buyers will benefit from the situation. The real estate market keeps fluctuating and you should wait for the right time to make your decision instead of rushing the process.
Even if you have spent money on quick repairs or renovation, this may backfire if you haven’t taken the current market conditions into account.
Do the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
In the real estate business, a comparative market analysis is essential. If you are unaware of the market factors and dynamics, your investment might crash. Your asset is the most valuable thing that you have and, for that, you need to be mindful.
CMA report will provide you with the following essential elements:
- Addresses of all the comparable properties in the area
- Description of all the properties including floor plan, facilities, and amenities
- The sales price of each property
- Prices of recently sold properties
- The fair market value of properties
- Neighborhood Details
Apart from these factors, the CMA report gives you a realistic estimate of your property’s price. So, comparative market analysis saves you from fraud and losses and you can get the best deal on your property.
Choose Your Realtor Carefully
Being new to the real estate market, you might not be able to understand the complex process of property selling. In such cases, you should hire a real estate agent after proper research. Although real estate agents usually charge 2-4% of the final cost, they help in securing a good deal.
A good real estate agent will keep your interests at the core of his business. He can present your property in much better ways to potential buyers. The following are the main responsibilities of a real estate agent:
- Facilitate meetings with potential buyers
- Carry out CMA and set the property’s price
- Prepare listings preparations for clients
- Take photographs of the property to present it on digital platforms
- Market your property
- Make property repair suggestions
- Stage home for a better impression in front of clients
- Process documentation, agreements, and records
- Coordinate meetings and appointments
- Secure the best deal
Set Up a Realistic Price
Setting a realistic price for your property is very crucial. While listing your property for sale, you should consider a comparative market analysis. It will help you decide the right price for your property. Just like all sellers, buyers and their real estate agents also conduct comparative market analysis so they have an idea about property prices in a particular area.
If you have set a high price for your property, chances are it will remain unsold. Similarly, setting lower prices will result in losses. Therefore, a balanced strategy is helpful in this regard.
For the latest updates, please stay connected to Feeta Blog – the top property blog in Pakistan.
Tips to Get the Best Deal on Your Property
How to Differentiate Your Property from Other Listings
With thousands of listings available online, buyers can easily get overwhelmed navigating through a sea of properties. There’s a high possibility that your listing may get swept under the plethora of estates that already stand out. Under such circumstances, the only way to cut through the noise is to differentiate your property from other listings.
If you’re not sure where to start, we have you covered. Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, features an in-depth guide on how to differentiate your property from other listings.
How to Differentiate Your Property from Other Listings
Even if your property offers something that others don’t, buyers will have no way to find out unless your listing is shaped in a way that stands apart. A listing that is able to instantly catch the attention of buyers is one that is more likely to be sold quickly as compared to others. Follow these steps and make your listing truly unique.
Stage Your Listing
When buyers look at pictures of a listing, they want to imagine themselves living there, something which is not possible with pictures of an empty, dull room. This practice not only attracts more buyers but also increases your property’s value.
Real estate experts have estimated that a staged home is likely to sell for 17 percent higher than non-staged homes on average. Moreover, the rate at which these listings get sold is also significantly much faster.
Hire a Photographer
Source: Pinterest
Simply taking pictures with your phone may seem like an easy and tempting idea. However, selling your property is a big deal, meaning you should go all out on presenting your property in the best way possible.
Hire a professional photographer, one that specializes in shooting interiors. Since online listings rely primarily on photos, low-quality DIY photos may lower your chances of finding a buyer.
Highlight the Best Features
Source: Pinterest
Not every part of your home needs to be photographed. Highlight the part of your home that stands out, something that others cannot offer. This can also take away the attention from a few undesirable features of your property.
If you have a spacious living room with plenty of natural lighting, highlight it through images and by mentioning it in the listing’s description. These factors can amount to a significant differentiation from other listings, allowing yours to stand out.
Keep It Neat
Source: Pinterest
A cluttered and messy space not only looks unappealing and uninviting but also bars buyers from envisioning themselves living there. When taking photos for your listing, ensure that the room is clean and free from any of your personal belongings.
A polished and inviting space offers the perfect imagery for buyers to visualize themselves with their own belongings.
Provide a Floor Plan
Source: Pinterest
Most listings tend to leave out one essential detail of the property – a floor plan. A detailed floor plan provides a bird’s eye view of the overall layout and design of the property. This information allows buyers to visualize the property and get an idea of how their furniture would fit.
Know Your Keywords
One mistake that most sellers make is erratically describing the property. This makes it hard for buyers to skim through the details, forcing them to move on to the next one. Knowing a few keywords pertaining to your property can make it easy for buyers to find exactly what they are looking for.
You can use keywords to either highlight the property’s main features or use descriptive keywords for triggering imagery. Some of the most common keywords you can use for describing your listings have been listed below.
- Wooden Flooring
- Air Conditioning
- Close to Public Transport
- Commercial Areas Nearby
- City Views
- Master Bedrooms
- Stainless Steel Appliances
Provide a Virtual Tour
Source: Pinterest
Apart from photos and floor plans, you can also upload a virtual tour of the whole house. This allows buyers to completely visualize the flow of the property. You can hire a professional videographer to shoot a thorough house video, showcasing the highlights of the property.
A 3-D floor plan is another way to provide some virtual insight into the property’s floor plan. This option might be a bit on the pricy side, but it will certainly be worth it. A 3-D plan not only allows buyers to visualize the interiors but also differentiates your property from other listings.
The Bottom Line
Even if your property is exceptionally unique, buyers will have no means of knowing that unless your listing is able to transcribe the same attributes. With thousands of listings already available, a differentiating factor is the only thing that can allow your property to stand out and garner attention from the right buyers. Use this guide to differentiate your property from other listings and find the best deal.
For more information, visit Feeta blogs – Pakistan’s first online real estate marketplace.
How to Differentiate Your Property from Other Listings
Should I Buy a House Near a Train Track?
With cities expanding at immense rates and the need for housing at an all-time high, buyers have been left with no choice but to consider settling down in rather unconventional localities. Such is the case with those that are considering buying a house near a train track. As the decision comes with a myriad of benefits and drawbacks, many of you will be plagued by the question; should I buy a house near a train track?
To help you thoroughly evaluate and make an informed decision, Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, features an in-depth analysis of buying a house near a train track.
Pros and Cons of Buying a House Near a Train Track
Despite seeming like an obvious pass, a house near a train track can offer a number of benefits. Some of these may even be enticing enough to forgo the few cons of this situation. So, if you’ve come across an excellent property near a train track, don’t let it slide by without considering both sides.
Pros of Living Near a Train Track
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A property near a train track has several benefits to offer. Depending on your situation, some of these benefits might be just what you were looking for. Following are some of the pros of living near a train track.
Affordable Properties
If you’re on a tight budget, a property near a train track might be the perfect option for you. Since most people tend to avoid living near turbulent places, the values of properties tend to be much lower as compared to other city areas.
If a compromise can be made on the strident sounds of trains passing by, these properties can offer some of the most reasonable prices out there – perfect for those on a smaller budget.
Accessibility
Since train stations accompany train tracks at regular intervals, there is a high probability that your property will be close to a train station. This serves as a substantial benefit for those that commute through public transport.
Moreover, train stations are surrounded by public bus stops, motels, restaurants, and overall well-developed infrastructure. These amenities and services make properties near a train track a good option for regular travelers and commuters.
Infrastructure Development
Another benefit that areas near train tracks offer is better infrastructure. As trains produce much traction in the locality, governing authorities are forced to invest in improving the surrounding areas. This could either mean better facilities and amenities, or a well-developed roadway surrounding the locality.
Cons of Buying a House Near a Train Track
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Buying a house near a train track comes with its own set of problems. From the regular blaring noise to a low resale price, these properties offer a myriad of drawbacks that should be thoroughly evaluated.
Noise Pollution
The incessant rattling and deafening sound of trains are one of the few reasons why buying a house near a train track can be so off-putting. Living near such high-intensity noise pollution can have severe repercussions on your health – both physical and mental.
Train transits during the day might be bearable, but night-time freights are surely an impediment. Regular sleep disturbance can lead to serious sleep-related issues such as insomnia or sleep deprivation.
Low Resale Value
Houses near train tracks tend to favor the buyer’s market, owing to the low demand for these properties. If you are buying a property with the intention of investing and reselling, a house near a train track will be detrimental to your investment.
If you do plan on buying a house near a train track, carefully evaluate your future plans since reselling these properties can be a hassle. From finding the right buyer to getting a good price for the property, the hassle of reselling these properties is just not worth it.
Air Pollutants
Trains emit an immense level of gaseous waste that is not only detrimental to the environment but also to your health. Given the high quantity of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide that trains produce excessively, your respiratory system could sustain severe deterioration.
Longer Commute
Since train tracks are generally located on the outskirts of the city, a house near one will surely be far from the city center. This may seem like a benefit to those who prefer a secluded lifestyle. However, living in a far-off area would also mean giving up on essential services and facilities.
This can be an even greater issue for those who have jobs in the city. Commuting to and from work can take up considerable time, not to mention the higher costs that come with increased distances.
Tips to Consider While Buying a House Near a Train Track
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If you plan on buying a house near a train track, you will inevitably have to deal with the drawbacks. However, there are a few workarounds that you can employ to make living near a train track slightly more bearable.
Invest in Insulation – To reduce the incessant rumbling, triple-glazed insulation can be the perfect option.
Buy an Air Filter – Air filters are a great choice to reduce the overall impact of air contaminants.
Study the Schedule – Most trains and cargo freights have a fixed schedule. You can align your routine along with the train’s schedule, ensuring you don’t get interrupted suddenly by a train passing by.
Buying a house is a once-in-a-lifetime decision, meaning it should certainly be thoroughly evaluated. If you are considering buying a house near a train track, these pros and cons should be meticulously analyzed. However, it all boils down to your personal preferences and deal-breakers.
Meanwhile, if you want to read more such exciting lifestyle guides and informative property updates, stay tuned to Feeta Blog — Pakistan’s best real estate blog.
Should I Buy a House Near a Train Track?
Everything You Need to Know About Bahria Town Lahore
Bahria Town Lahore, a luxurious residential project that offers a modern lifestyle and amenities right in the heart of Lahore. This planned and well-developed society offers a luxurious lifestyle to people looking to live far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal has compiled a list of the things which you should know before relocating or investing in Bahria Town Lahore.
Bahria Town Lahore Location
This beautiful gated residential society is located in the Iqbal Tehsil of Lahore. To be specific, it is just 15.2 kilometers away from Thokar Niaz Baig which connects it with Canal Bank Road. It is also in close proximity to another modern gated community; Sukh Chayn Gardens. You can easily access this gated community after crossing the shakham chowk on Canal Road.
Price of Plots, Houses and Apartments in Bahria Town Lahore
This flagship Bahria Town project is divided into different sectors and each sector is divided further into blocks. It has six sectors that are named Sector A, B, C, D, E and F.
The plots in sectors A and B are high in demand as they are located near the main gate. The residential plots for sale in Bahria Town Lahore are available in different sizes such as 5 marlas, 10 marlas and 1 Kanal.
However, on the other hand, people looking for houses in this prime-gated society can explore housing options in different sizes such as 5 marlas, 10 marlas and 1 Kanal.
Besides these plots and houses, the society has flats and apartments that are available in various categories and price points.
For your convenience, we have listed the price range of different housing units and plots in the tables given below.
Price of Plots Bahria Town Lahore
Area | Price |
5 Marla | PKR 50 Lakes – 75 Lakes |
10 Marla | PKR 90 Lakes – 2 Crore |
1 Channel | PKR 2.5 Crore – 3.75 Crore |
House Prices in Bahria Town
Area | Price |
5 Marla | PKR 1.1 Crore – 2.2 Crore |
10 Marla | PKR 3 Crore – 4.3 Crore |
1 Channel | PKR 5 Crore – 8.9 Crore |
Flats Prices in Bahria Town
Area | Price |
700 Square Feet | PKR 70 Lakh – 1.05 Crore |
800 Square Feet | PKR 82.5 Lakh – 1.2 Crore |
936 Square Feet | PKR 1.12 Crore – 1.12 Crore |
Amenities in the Society
Similar to Karachi and Islamabad, this modern housing society in Lahore also has a complete range of basic facilities. Additionally, it also comes with some modern amenities such as shopping centers, large community parks, top educational institutes, etc.
Following are some of the amenities that are available in this modern society.
Top-Notch Security System
Bahria Town Lahore is known for its top-notch security system. 24/7 patrolling of security guards and state of the art surveillance system ensure the residents of the community to feel safe and secure. This international standard security system prevents any suspicious person from entering the area.
High-Quality Educational Institutes
One facility that many people look for in the housing society is top educational institutes where their kids can get a quality education. Management of Bahria Town has launched multiple schools and colleges for the convenience of its residents. However, there are also some notable schools that have their branches in society as well. These include the Beaconhouse School System, the City School, Imperial College of Business Studies etc.
Healthcare Facilities
There are several international standard healthcare facilities available in the area. The society has its own hospital “Bahria Town Hospital” which is located in the Takbeer block. Some other notable hospitals, clinics and laboratories available in the society include:
- Poly Clinic
- Sharif Medical Hospital
- Chugtai Lab
Entertainment Facilities
This modern housing society provides a range of different entertainment facilities both for adults and kids. Some of them are listed below.
Safari Villas Park
This park features a variety of animals that are brought here from different parts of the world. Some of the animals include lions, deers, monkeys, etc.
Parks and Landmarks
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This housing society is well-planned and has a world-class infrastructure. It has different community parks and landmarks that are well-maintained. You will find the replica of the Eiffel Tower which is one of the major attractions in the area that many people from other parts of the city come to see.
Shopping Centers
Besides educational institutes and hospitals, there is one more thing that homebuyers look for in a housing society; ie the presence of grocery stores, supermarkets and shopping malls nearby.
You will be pleased to know that this residential community has various commercial areas, shopping malls and supermarkets. People living in the area have access to all departmental stores and shopping areas where you can shop from all the major brands.
Restaurants and Cafes
Lahore is known for its rich variety of vibrant and delicious food. From traditional food places to renowned cafes, you may find different international food chains and local fine-dine restaurants. Some of the famous international food chains in the area are Papa Johns, Dominos, KFC etc.
Local eateries like Johnny Jugnu, Ravi Restaurant, and Butt Karahi are also available in the area.
Grand Jamia Mosque
(Source: Pinterest)
Bahria Town Lahore has the 14th largest mosque in the world and the third-largest mosque in Pakistan, having the capacity of 70,000 worshipers. This mosque draws architectural influence from other historical mosques in Lahore like Badshahi Masjid, Wazir Khan Mosque and Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The Grand Jamia Mosque has 4 minarets and 20 small domes.
Other Facilities
Just like Bahria Town Karachi and Islamabad, you get an uninterrupted supply of electricity in Bahria Town Lahore. There is no load shedding in the area as a result of the management’s collaboration collaborated with the Lahore electricity supply company.
If you want to know more about other Bahria Town projects, visit our blog at Feeta.pk.
Everything You Need to Know About Bahria Town Lahore
What You Need to Know About Living Near an Airport
Choosing a place to live is probably one of the most important decisions a person has to make in their lifetime, and with rising real estate prices, the choices are limited. There are several factors to consider when looking for a property, however, price and location are the main factors that influence our decision – even more so when considering living near an airport.
There is always a tradeoff in finding the perfect home since no property can fit the definition of “the perfect home”. Living near an airport might not be the ideal choice but some people have adapted and have found their “Perfect Home”.
A person who wants a calm environment might not prefer having their house being in the vicinity of an airport. On the other hand, a hearing-impaired person or someone with a job at the airport might instantly snap at the opportunity of lower-priced properties.
To help you make the right decision, Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, features everything you need to know about living near an airport.
Pros of Living Near an Airport
An airport is the hub of all major transportation routes and living near one comes with some enticing benefits.
Cheaper Prices
If a property, especially residential, is located near an airport, its value is automatically lowered by some margin due to a variety of negative attributes associated with airports. However, this is not an iron-clad rule as some commercial properties may rise in value. Although, if you can adapt to living near an airport, cheaper home prices are something to look forward to.
Quick Access to Main Highways
Airports have quick access to the main highways as they require high-quality road infrastructure. Convenient access to the main highway usually means that traffic issues are mitigated and most places in the city are relatively easy to access.
Never Miss a Flight
This might seem like an obvious and small benefit but for frequent travelers, traveling to and from the airport can take up a sizable portion of time that could be used for other important tasks.
Jobs
An airport is a megastructure and requires many auxiliary systems to keep it running smoothly. This opens up several opportunities for jobs at the airport. Airports claim that they create jobs. However, this number is usually on the optimistic side and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Cons of Living Near an Airport
(Source: Pinterest)
An airport is a very busy place and living near one comes with a few significant downsides.
Noise Pollution
The most obvious drawback of living near an airport is noise pollution. A jet taking off registers very high on the decibel scale. An airport has about 4 times the amount of noise compared to an average urban living space. A high level of noise on the decibel scale certainly means that taking airplanes off would shake the whole building due to resonation.
Moreover, if an airport has a higher frequency of nighttime flights, it may disturb your natural sleep patterns, increasing the risk of detrimental effects on your health.
Air Pollutants
Commercial jets burn a lot of fuel and expel harmful particles into the air such as sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide. When jet fuel burns, it can leave behind a lot of microparticles. This can easily cause respiratory complications if exposed for prolonged periods.
Longer Travel Times
Due to their immense sizes and negative effects on quality of life, airports are generally constructed on the outskirts of the city. This means that if you live near an airport, a lot of crucial services such as hospitals, educational institutes, and shopping centers will be farther away from your house. It also means that your friends and family might not be able to visit you more often.
Pro tips to consider if you have no choice
(Source: Pinterest)
Life doesn’t always present us with choices, forcing us to make do with what we have. Here are some tips to make living near an airport more bearable.
Triple glazed insulation can reduce noise levels by a significant margin and is a worthwhile investment to consider if you’re deciding on living near an airport.
- Study the Airport Traffic
Sometimes, an airport with lower traffic or low-powered jets might not be that much of a nuisance. Therefore, if the airport has no nighttime flights and you go to work in the morning, you can avoid a major portion of the noise pollution.
Air pollution is a major issue and high-quality ventilation systems with good air filtration can significantly mitigate the number of pollutants you breathe.
High-quality air purifiers can significantly help with the problem.
Airports are being constructed in more and more cities as the economy expands. Some of the most prominent societies to look out for in the three main cities of Pakistan have been listed below.
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and is host to some of the most modern infrastructure in the country. Some housing societies and their distance from the airport are listed below.
- Supreme court housing society (10km)
- Eighteen (23km)
- Top City 1 (10km)
Lahore
Lahore is also host to some impressive housing projects in the vicinity of the Allama Iqbal International Airport. Therefore, a few have been listed below.
- Askari 10 (6km)
- DHA 5 (10km)
- Cantt housing scheme (6km)
Karachi
Karachi is the most populous city in Pakistan, resulting in limited choices for deciding where to build houses. Some of the prominent housing societies near Jinnah International Airport have been listed below.
- Model Colony (3 km away)
- Green Town, Shah Faisal (3 miles away)
- Malir Cantt (7 km away)
While every neighborhood has its downsides and upsides. Certainly, it all comes down to your particular preference and circumstances and how you adapt to them.
For more information, visit Feeta.pk – Pakistan’s first online real estate marketplace.
What You Need to Know About Living Near an Airport
- Published in #librarydesigns, International, Real Estate Guide
A Complete Guide to DHA Phase 6 Lahore
In the last few years, Lahore has seen a paradigm shift in the type of housing options it offers. From old city houses to mansions (havelis), the city is now giving way to modern and luxurious homes in residential societies like Bahria Town, Sukh Chayn Gardens, DHA etc.
The transformation isn’t a sudden one; it is due to the demand of the residents of Lahore for a modern and luxury lifestyle that has led developers to create these ultra-modern residential communities.
DHA Phase 6 Lahore is one such project that is offering quality living to residents. It is the housing scheme of the Defense Housing Authority, a renowned name in the local real estate market. They have developed several projects in Lahore such as DHA Phase 5, Phase 7, Phase 8, etc., which garnered a lot of interest from investors and homebuyers.
DHA Phase 6 is a well-planned residential community with a vibrant neighborhood, high-class amenities and large commercial areas, which makes it one of the best places to live in Lahore.
If you’re planning to buy a house or invest here, you should know what to expect. This is why Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal has come up with an in-depth guide on DHA Phase 6 Lahore.
DHA Phase 6 Lahore Location
This phase of DHA is located between Barki and Bedian road. This residential society is connected to areas such as Dhira, Hera Shingwala, Defense Raya Golf Resort, and Lahore Ring Road. It is located in a prime location in the city, as opposed to DHA Phase 5. It has one of the best management schools (LUMS) in close vicinity (just a 20-minute drive away, to be precise).
Plots in DHA Phase 6 Lahore
This housing society is divided further into 13 blocks, namely A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M & N. The residential plot for sale in DHA Phase 6 Lahore is available in different sizes, such as 5 channels, 10 channels, 1 channel, 2 channels, with 1 channel being the most widely available in this society.
The main boulevard in the society is in close proximity to blocks like A, B, H, J and L. The main commercial plots in the area are available in 4 and 8 marlas. There are also 2 marla commercial plots available in each block.
If you’re looking for an affordable housing option in the area, you should opt for 5 marla houses that are available in the price range of PKR 1.3 crore to 2.5 crores. 1 channel houses for sale in DHA Phase 6 Lahore are available in the price range of PKR 7.5 crores to 11 crores. For your convenience, we have listed the price range of different residential and commercial plots.
Price Range of Residential Plots in DHA Phase 6
Plot Size | Price Range |
5 Marla | PKR 65 Lakes – 1 Crore |
10 Marla | PKR 1.3 Crores – 2.5 Crores |
1 Channel | PKR 2.75 Crores – 5.9 Crores |
2 Channel | PKR 6 Crores – 13.5 Crores |
Price Range of Commercial Plots
Plot Size | Price Range |
4 Marla | PKR 1.1 Crore – 17 Crores |
8 Marla | PKR 6.8 Crores – 38 Crores |
Facilities in DHA Phase 6 Lahore
DHA Lahore is known for its well-planned infrastructure and world-class amenities like top-notch security, large commercial areas and an abundance of green spaces. Just like in other phases, Phase 6 has all the basic facilities and luxuries that you don’t typically find in other housing societies. To provide more insight regarding the amenities in this community, we have listed some of them below.
Security
This phase has one of the top security services that ensure the safety of the residents in the community. It has a patrolling staff and a complete surveillance system that monitors any suspicious activity in the area.
Quality Education Institutes
One of the facilities that many people look for in a housing society is educational institutes where their kids can get a quality education. Some of the most notable educational institutes in the area are:
- The Millennium Universal College
- Lahore University of Management Sciences
- School of Sciences and Engineering
Entertainment Facilities
DHA Phase 6 features some world-class entertainment facilities for both adults and kids. For instance, residents have access to the Defense Raya Golf Resort, which is one of the best golf courses in any residential community. Not only this but Phase 6 also has different commercial areas and landmarks that are located in the nearby DHA societies.
Top Healthcare Facilities
This phase of DHA has some of the best hospitals, clinics and laboratories that are equipped with well-trained staff and advanced medical equipment. Shaukat Khanum Laboratory is also available in close proximity to this society. These healthcare centers have some renowned doctors along with support staff.
Restaurants and Cafes
There are different restaurants and cafes in the area that are offering both fine and casual dining. Some of these include Gloria Jeans, Mocca, Kitchen Cuisine etc.
You can also find restaurants of different cuisines like Italian, continental, and pan Asian in this phase of DHA.
Shopping Centers
There are a variety of markets and shopping centers for the residents where they can find all the popular brands as well as grocery stores. You can easily buy everything you need under one roof.
There are many other facilities like an uninterrupted supply of electricity, transport, a grand mosque etc. in DHA Phase 6, which makes it one of the prime residential societies of Lahore.
If you want to get information about other DHA projects, visit our blog at Feeta.pk.
A Complete Guide to DHA Phase 6 Lahore
Top Phases to Invest in DHA Lahore
Are you thinking about investing in DHA Lahore but not sure in which phase to invest? If that’s the case, then Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal has come up with a list of areas in which you can get excellent returns on your investment.
DHA Lahore
The success of investing in real estate depends on the location – in which case, there is no better place than DHA Lahore. The Defense Housing Authority Lahore is a renowned name in the local real estate market that has developed various projects in all major areas of the city. Initially, they were launched for retired army personnel but, after the massive success of these projects, they allowed civilians to buy properties in DHA too.
With a total of 12 phases spread across the metropolis, DHA Lahore is one of the most expensive and poshest areas of the city. It is established in one of Lahore’s prime locations and offers a secure and luxurious lifestyle. This housing scheme features many famous food chains and has one of the best business schools in Pakistan (LUMS) in the vicinity.
Therefore, homebuyers looking to live in a community with all the major facilities at their disposal can find houses for sale in DHA Lahore in various sectors and blocks.
Houses for rent in DHA Lahore are also available, especially in phases 1, 2, 3 or 4.
Some phases, in particular, provide the best return on investment due to the luxury lifestyle and range of amenities. We have listed some of them below.
DHA Phase 8
Phase 8 is located between Ring Road and Barki Road, which makes access to other parts of Lahore quite easy. It offers all the high-end amenities which include wide carpeted roads, an advanced security system, underground electricity, famous restaurants, shopping malls, parks, schools, hospitals and much more.
Due to easy accessibility to highways and premium living, Phase 8 is considered one of the best places for investment. The plots for sale in DHA Phase 8 Lahore are available in the following price range.
Residential Plots Price Range
Area | Price Range (PKR) |
5 Marla | 43 Lakh – 1.15 Crore |
10 Marla | 1.05 Crore – 3.4 Crore |
1 Channel | 1.55 Crore – 5.35 Crore |
2 Channel | 3.5 Crore – 13.2 Crore |
DHA Phase 7
Phase 7 of DHA ranks second on this list. This phase is relatively new and offers much better returns compared to phases like Phase 5 and 6. This newly developed phase is located alongside Barki Road and Defense Raya Golf Resort. DHA Phase 7 features well-carpeted roads, schools, hospitals, underground electricity wiring, uninterrupted electricity supply, restaurants and much more. All these amenities and the secure surroundings make it an ideal investment area.
The residential plots in this phase are available in different categories that include 7 marlas, 10 marlas and 1 Kanal. They are available in the price range of PKR 80 lacs and 3.5 crores. If you have a tight budget and are looking to build a house in this area, then this is the best area for you. The plots in phases 6 and 8 are more expensive in comparison.
DHA Phase 5
DHA Phase 5 Lahore is another phase that offers high-end amenities and premium living to the community. This phase is fully developed and quite populated, which means you can easily find a house for rent in DHA phase 5. The plots are available in various categories and price points. For your convenience, we have listed the price range of the available plots.
Residential Plot Price Range
Area | Price Range |
10 Marla | 1.25 Crore – 4 Crore |
1 Channel | 2.1 Crore – 6.5 Crore |
2 Channel | 4.5 Crore – 16 Crore |
4 Channel | 14 Crore – 40 Crore |
DHA Phase 6
DHA Phase 6 is another suitable choice for people who are looking to buy or build a house in this community. Just like phase 5, it is well-developed and offers all the basic facilities and luxuries to the people living in the community. The plots’ prices haven’t appreciated much in this area in the last few years due to the increase in the price of plots in DHA Phase 8 Lahore. For example, the price of a 1 channel plot in this phase is 2.3 crore, which is low compared to DHA Phases 7 and 8. However, if you’re looking for a property for rental purposes, then this is the ideal place for you.
DHA Phase 10
DHA Phase 10 Lahore is in the development stage, and the Defense Housing Authority Lahore hasn’t allotted the plots to the owners yet. However, plot files of various categories are available in this phase. These are a great way of getting the best returns on investment because their prices appreciate when all are cleared. So, if you’re looking to buy a piece of land for investment purposes, then you should go for Phase 10. The location of this phase is ideal and, in the future, the society will offer similar amenities and modern luxuries.
For more real estate investment guides, follow Feeta blogs.
Top Phases to Invest in DHA Lahore
Most Expensive Sectors in Islamabad
But what exactly makes these sectors so expensive? The answer lies in its commercial and residential values, as well as its location close to the hills and the main markets of the city.
Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s smartest property portal brings a detailed overview of the most expensive sectors in Islamabad. Let’s take a look.
Who Is Living in the Expensive Sectors of Islamabad?
It is an understood fact that these highly expensive sectors in Islamabad are preferred for living and investment by millionaires, given that they can easily afford to live there.
Most of the population living here consists of government officials, businessmen, politicians, and even foreigners. Since the sectors are posh and close to the best commercial areas, these sectors are a popular choice for foreigners.
The 9 Most Expensive Sectors in Islamabad
The property value of houses and plots located in expensive sectors is based on how safe they are, and what areas are in their proximity ie parks, restaurants, markets, etc.
Most houses for sale are valued as per how close they are to the main areas, and how the trend increases over time proportional to their demand. All of these sectors fall under the list of CDA approved housing societies, making them ideal for investment and for living.
These expensive residential sectors of Islamabad are mentioned as follows. The capital city, besides being famous for its beauty, is also famous for the posh living standards that it offers. Because of its planned sectors, cleanliness, and serene atmosphere, most people do not mind spending beyond their budget limit to buy a property in the most expensive sectors of Islamabad.
Sectors | Expensive Sub-Sector / Road | Size of Houses | Estimated House Prices Upto (Rs.) |
E-7 | Gomal Road | 5 Marla – 4 Kanal | 50 – 90 Crore |
F-7 | Parveen Shakir Rd, Parbat Rd, Nazim-ud-din Rd, Bhittai Rd | 5 Marla – 4 Kanal | 42 – 80 Crore |
F-6 | Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Hill Rd, School Rd | 5 Marla – 4 Kanal | 27 – 35 Crore |
F-8 | Kohistan Rd, Kaghan Road, Park Rd | 5 Marla – 4 Kanal | 20 – 30 Crore |
F-10 | F-10/2, Sumbal Road | 5 Marla – 2 Channels | 10 – 25 Crore |
G-6 | Ataturk Avenue | 5 Marla – 2 Channels | 15 – 38 Crore |
F-11 | F-11/2, Hilal Road, Hamza Road | 5 Marla- 2 Channel | 10 – 25 Crore |
I-8 | Sector I-8/2, Type Sultan Road | 5 Marla- 2 Channel | 7- 15 Crore |
D-12 | D-12/1, D-12/4 | 5 Marla – 2 Channels | 5 -18 Crore |
Sector E-7
E-7 is not just an expensive sector in Islamabad but also ranks as one of the most expensive areas in Pakistan. This area is home to many diplomats, foreigners and embassy officials, given it is right at the base of the Margalla hills.
The sector has a range of luxury houses that go up to 4 canals and also encloses a commercial market area that has renowned restaurants and salons.
Sector F-7

Source: Pinterest
F-7 is one of the most sought after sectors in Islamabad that connects to Faisal Avenue and Margalla Road, as well as a linking road, Nazim-Ud-Din Rd, which leads to Blue Area.
Because of its prime location and easy access to the main sectors close by, F-7 leads as one of the most expensive sectors in the city. With lush green land around and carpeted roads, the sector encloses the top commercial areas with modern amenities and facilities for its residents.
Sector F-6

Source: YouTube
Currently emerging as the second most expensive sector in Islamabad, F-6 is the home of posh cafes, homes, and brands that make up the vibe of the city. Kohsar Market F-6 and Beverly Center are two famous commercial areas in F-6 that are frequently visited by the elite class.
Because the sector comprises multiple embassies, the security of the area is always up to the mark. The close commercial space paved with designer brands and restaurants is a great option for foreign consulates.
Due to its high commercial value, it also ranks high as a residential area, which is why it falls in the expensive range of real estate properties in the capital.
Sector F-8

Source: Facebook
With a high geographical advantage, Sector F-8 is considered one of the most valued sectors as it is surrounded by major landmarks and well-settled neighborhoods.
The property value in this sector is very expensive on account of the infrastructure and the facilities available.
The roads of this sector are well connected with other sectors, joining the rest of the areas inside and outside the city. Sector F-8 comprises many head offices of big companies as well as buildings.
Besides this, the main Islamabad Kechehri is also located in this sector, which is why the real estate value of this sector is very high.
Sector F-10

Source: Graana.com
F-10 shares a border with Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9) and lies adjacent to Margalla Road. The sector has a big commercial area that caters to top brands from across the country, as well as multiple restaurants.
It is surrounded by an organized road network that keeps it connected with the surrounding areas and sectors. Because of its border with an active commercial area, F-10 is one of the most expensive areas of Islamabad with all luxury amenities and facilities nearby.
Sector G-6
G-6 is one of Islamabad’s most prominent and expensive sectors. Its high value is relative to its location situated across Jinnah Avenue and Kashmir Highway, making it almost central to the commercial areas and other main sectors of the city.
Sector G-6 links to Blue Area and is a lush green area with clean carpeted roads. The area has famous markets and landmarks nearby such as Aabpaara and Shakarparian National Park.
Because of its easy accessibility for the residents in G-6, the price trends have gone very high, especially in the areas that are close to Blue Area.
Sector F-11

Source: Graana.com
F-11 is one of the most expensive areas in Islamabad. It caters to the posh living standards of bureaucrats and businessmen. F-11 is a developed sector with elite commercial markets and facilities that add to the ease of people living in the area.
F-11 shares a link road with F-10 and E-11, and also lies adjacent to Margalla Road. Besides expensive houses in the sector, there are also many apartments and housing schemes, such as the Naval Housing Scheme, which are located on Hilal Rd and contribute to the value of this sector.
Sector I-8

Source: Facebook
The I-8 sector has gradually developed into a highly expensive sector in Islamabad, just after the F sector range. The sector has gained the massive interest of investors who are looking for commercial and real estate properties.
This sector is one of the most sought after locations in the capital because of its fast development and convenient access to twin cities.
Besides the commercial market and top restaurants in the sector, I-8 also has several schools, colleges and hospitals nearby.
Sector D-12

Source: Graana.com
D-12 is a scenic sector that is located right next to Margalla Hills, beside E-11. It is a developing sector and has already attracted the interest of real estate investors, because of which the property value of the sector has increased at a drastic rate.
The layout is similar to other sectors in the city, with developing commercial spaces and necessities available in the area.
Keeping the above pointers in mind, it can be concluded that Islamabad’s sectors have always been subject to high property values due to the planned infrastructure of the city as well as the beauty of nature around them.
With time, these top sectors gained value based on the commercial value, location and security of the area.
If you’re looking for more information regarding real estate investment opportunities, follow our Feeta blog.
Most Expensive Sectors in Islamabad
- Published in International, News & Updates, Property News, Real Estate, Real Estate Guide, Real Estate News
Buying or Building a House: Pros and Cons of a Corner Plot
Are you confused about a suitable location for investing in a plot? Are you unsure about where to start?
Investing in a real estate property can be a tough decision to make when you are new to the market and are not up to date with its real estate trends.
Finding the right location can especially be challenging as you have to weigh the risk factor and potential worth of a wide range of options available to you. It’s not just about which area makes your work commute shorter or brings you more entertainment facilities – a prime location can define the actual value of a plot or a house in the long run. For instance, corner plots are usually high in demand and relatively more expensive because of their high net value.
Feeta.pk discusses all the pros and cons of investing in a corner plot to provide clarity and help you make a decision.
Pros of Buying or Building a Corner Plot
These are some of the perks that you can enjoy with a corner plot or house:
Clear View of the Street
First and foremost, corner plots can provide you with a clear and unobstructed street view. In the case of other types of plots, residents usually only get to look at the front lawn of their next door neighbor from their balconies or windows. This, hence, increases the value of a corner house.
After all, what would you prefer: the view of your own yard or a beautiful park in your vicinity?
More Parking Space
Source: Wigantoday
One of the most popular reasons for investing in a corner plot is to enjoy the perks of more parking space. Due to the increased population in big cities, parking has become a difficult and cumbersome issue. Corner plots provide the benefit of ample parking space next to the property as well.
A hack for creating more indoor parking space is turning your lawn into a garage (after getting approval from the relevant authorities) and then securing it with a gate.
Natural Light and Better Ventilation
Source: Glassonweb.com
Corner plots are not surrounded by other properties, which results in better ventilation and more sunlight filtering through the house. Both are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the constant airflow can help prevent bad odors, moisture and pollutants. The natural sunlight can also make your room look brighter.
Good Design Options
Source: Trendir
If you are someone who would prefer to design your house yourself, corner plots would give you more freedom to do so.
Since corner plots are not surrounded by other plots and are also usually bigger in size, it makes it easy for you to get creative with the additional space.
For example, if you wanted to build a bigger balcony on the second floor of your house, it may become an inconvenience for other residents on the same street because it will overlook the front of the house. However, if it is built on a corner plot, you wouldn’t have to face such issues.
It is important to keep in mind that, if you are planning to buy a property in any housing society, you would have to ensure that you abide by the construction laws of that specific area before planning any such projects.
Extra Yard Space
Source: Pinterest
Another reason why corner plots are higher in price than any other property is that they provide the benefit of more yard space.
Usually, corner plots have two lawns. You can grow one into a garden with outdoor furniture set up, and use the other as a space for your kids to play around.
These ideas will aesthetically add to your house, which will eventually result in increased resale value.
Cons of Buying or Building a Corner Plot
Now that you are aware of the benefits of investing in corner plots, let’s find out some of the drawbacks of investing in such properties.
Dealing with Pedestrian Traffic
Source: driveandstayalive.com
If you are planning to buy a corner plot or house, you should keep in mind that there will be a lot of foot traffic that you would have to deal with.
For example, if your house is close to a market or school, a lot of people will walk past your house to get their errands done, pick up their kids, etc, which can eventually cause privacy issues for you.
Noise Pollution
In comparison to other properties, people living in corner plots have to face a lot of disturbance resulting from car horns, traffic jams, etc. This gets worse if your house is near the main road or a busy intersection.
Other houses in the neighborhood have to deal with noise pollution only to a limited extent, whereas you would be exposed to noise pollution from both sides of the property in a corner house.
More Maintenance Required
Source: fantasticgardeners.com
Extra space requires thorough and regular maintenance, so a lot of your effort and time would be consumed in landscaping.
Corner plots and houses have more exposure and higher visibility, thus, you would have to take extra care of the exterior as well. It would also be more costly as you would be responsible for the upkeep of a larger property.
Vulnerable to Robberies
Source: safestyle.com
Corner houses are more susceptible to break-ins, depending on their visibility and location.
If your house is visible from the adjacent street, or if it is constructed in a way that anyone walking outside your house can see or hear you, this can result in more risk.
Excessive Lights
Source: BBC.com
There are also increased chances of light pollution – the outdoor artificial lights can be intrusive at night-time. For instance, people who live in corner houses would have to bear the headlights of every passing car. Usually, street lights are installed at the corner of the street or at the intersection next to the house. Their bright and harsh light can prove to be disturbing for your sleep, and also contribute to the increase of carbon dioxide in the air.
Conclusion
Just like every other property, corner plots have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Every plot has its own perks, but its value largely depends on the location.
If you want to know more details before making an investment, you can visit Feeta.pk and have a look at different guidelines.
Buying or Building a House: Pros and Cons of a Corner Plot
- Published in International, Real Estate Guide
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
Buying or selling a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make in your life – which is why hiring a real estate agent would be the most appropriate approach to handle the stress. While it may be tempting to avoid hiring one and sell/buy a home yourself, the costs still outweigh the benefits. For instance, you may not be able to devote as much time to potential buyers; you wouldn’t know how to market your property effectively, or you may not be aware of the nuances of the local market.
This is why you need someone who knows the ins and outs of the market. The right agent can ensure that your property is sold at the best price or that you get the best value in the market for a new place. However, with so many options available now, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose from. It can especially be tricky to filter out people who are looking out for your best interests from those who are just looking for ways to make quick money at your expense. Graana has compiled a few factors that you should consider during the decision-making process.
Experience Matters
It takes time and effort to build a track record with quality inventory, so hiring someone who has handled several housing transactions would be your safest bet. A real estate agent should be able to make competitive offers or negotiate with sellers on your behalf – and that can only come from relevant experience. Skilled agents would also be up to date on the latest trends and patterns in the industry.
Internet sources now have a lot of information at our disposal to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Conduct thorough research on your prospect agent’s digital presence, for example, their listing materials website etc.
However, a long work history doesn’t necessarily mean that all the information provided would be authentic. To counter that risk, do a preliminary interview with them to get an idea about their strategy. For instance, ask them what they have sold in the last month; how much time they take to finalize a deal; what type of properties do they have the most experience dealing with, etc. You can interview multiple prospects before hiring the best prospect. The one who is most prepared for their presentation would be more likely to put in more effort in working for you.
Also research according to your individual needs. Just because one seems good at their job, it doesn’t mean they would be the right fit for you. For example, the priorities of first-time homebuyers may be different from those of repeat buyers, and they would want a real estate agent who has worked with similar clients.
According to Corey from Buy Yo Dirt, real estate is not an easy business, and the land is loaded with land mines that can wipe out your profits. That’s why it’s crucial to perform extensive research before diving in, so you’re aware of all the benefits and drawbacks of real estate investing. When looking for a property that is profitable, there are some crucial factors to consider.
References and Referrals
There is no bigger credible factor than a referral from a previous, satisfied client. You can also ask your friends, family or other people in your network for an unbiased opinion. If you don’t have direct contact with any, ask the real agent to provide you with references before signing a contract with them.
You can contact other agents as well to see what rapport they have in the market. Online reviews are helpful too – they also give you a chance to check how the agent responds to negative feedback.
Support Staff
Usually, real estate agents are handling multiple clients at a time. Look for someone who has the ability to cater to you regardless of how many people they are dealing with. Also, ask upfront at the beginning about the availability of support staff so there is someone always at hand to answer all your queries.
The Right Fit
Decide which qualities are most important to you and look for that in your real estate agent. For example, do you want someone who is available to talk on the weekends?
Be straightforward and clear about your requirements from the start. Technically, they should be asking you questions and taking your opinion every step of the way. Most real estate agencies already own the technology to filter and find suitable living options for you. However, if you are still not coming across a property that you want to explore or is within your price range, it means they are just looking to benefit themselves.
If you feel like you both are on different pages, you always have the option to find someone else; don’t feel obligated to compromise, especially if the agent is exerting any pressure on you.
Local Area Expert
If you are concerned about only a specific area (either for selling or buying), you can narrow your search to find an expert in that neighborhood. If you have friends or family in the mentioned area, you can ask them to recommend an agent too.
This would give you the advantage of being able to rely on someone who has a stronger understanding of property rates. According to Ryan from Sound home Buyer, a local area expert is crucial in the overall real estate process.
Realistic Expectations
Buying or selling real estate is a long, complicated process with multiple factors involved, and you need someone who is honest with you about that rather than paint an optimistic picture. The associated risks of your decision should be openly communicated to you, backed with facts and figures in terms of investment analysis, long-term impact etc.
The Fine Print
Take a closer look at the proposed contract before signing on the dotted line. It should state the terms you both have verbally agreed upon, including the commission the real estate agent would receive. Also, pay attention to the length of the contract – real estate is a seller’s market today so selling a property, for example, should only take 6 months or less. If the contract exceeds this time period, it would be best to hire another agent.
According to Bret Arrington From AIP House Buyers, if you want to sell your property fast, you should hire highly professional real estate agents.
In the hyper-competitive real estate market, it is best advised to hire a real estate agent to help you navigate through the long process of paperwork, negotiations and large sums of transactions.
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
- Published in International, Real Estate, Real Estate Guide
All About Property Mutation in Pakistan
Once you have completed all the formalities of a real estate transaction, the next and final step is to register the said property under your name to make it official in government records. This is known as the mutation of a property. It refers to the entire process in which the title of ownership of a property is transferred to another person. Simply put, it is the title deed (also called a conveyance deed) needed to have the property under your name.
Feeta.pk has compiled all the basic details that you need to know regarding the property mutation process.
When do you need a mutation certificate?
- When you buy a property
- When you inherit a property
- When you receive a property as a gift
- When you purchase a property through a power of attorney
How do you apply for a mutation certificate?
Since obtaining the mutation certificate is not a legal obligation, many new property owners postpone the process. However, the mutation process should ideally be started as soon as possible once the property has changed hands – at least within 3-6 months of the land purchase. Without it, the buyer may risk facing issues in obtaining complete legal ownership of the property in question.
The process just comprises of a few, simple steps:
- Visit the land administrator’s office in the concerned area (where the property is located) and submit the required documents. These may also vary according to circumstances. For example, if this is a mutation of the property after the owner’s death, applicants would have to submit a death certificate, succession certificate etc. You can cross-check on the government website or call on the helpline for further information, but you would still have to visit the municipal body to hand in the papers.
- Both the seller and buyer have to appear with two witnesses and the sub-registrar will hear their verbal agreement for trading the property.
- This will be recorded in the Inteqal (Mutation) Register, and you will be handed a receipt.
- Afterward, you would have to submit a nominal process fee in the National Bank of Pakistan (this will be just a one-time charge).
- There will be a physical verification of the site by the relevant authorities.
- The municipal body may take up to a month to update the record, after which they would issue the mutation certificate.
Why is it important to get a mutation certificate?
Even though it is not a legally binding document, the mutation certificate is still necessary for several reasons:
- It serves as additional proof of ownership.
- You will be able to record the property under your name in the municipal local body.
- It can also be required when applying for utilities, such as electricity and water services.
- It may also serve as a tax record.
- You would need it if you want to sell or transfer your property to someone else in the future. If you are unable to produce a mutation certificate before potential buyers for verifying the chain of ownership, you may risk the sale of your asset.
- In case of land dispute, corruption or hostile takeovers, the mutation certificate can help challenge false claims in court.
- All immovable assets (individual homes, apartments, land, etc.) are subject to property tax payment, and mutation is just a way to ensure that. The certificate is required by the government to fix the property tax liability and other levies on the rightful owner.
- It can also help you correct any errors in the records in case there is an unauthorized transaction.
What is the difference between registration and mutation?
There is some ambiguity over the difference between property registration and mutation since the purpose of both seems similar. Property registration refers to the process in which you claim legal rights on a property by registering the sale under your name. The process of mutation, on the other hand, is the buyer’s responsibility and can only be initiated once the property registration has been executed.
Property Registration | Property Mutation |
Also called a baye-nama | Also called inteqal |
Mandatory process after transfer of property | Not a legally required process after transfer of property |
Legalizes the actual sale of a property | Transfers ownership of the property |
A sale deed | Does not require a sale to take place; it applies to inherited and gifted properties too |
While the key differences between the two are just a few, it is still important to know the significance of each to avoid any potential problems or confusion in the future if you choose to resell the property. This is why it is advised to acquire both in the beginning.
If you are looking for more information on the real estate processes in Pakistan, you can visit this link.
All About Property Mutation in Pakistan
- Published in International, Real Estate, Real Estate Guide
The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need for Selling and Transferring Property in Pakistan
Selling and buying property in Pakistan is a regular occurrence in the country, where hundreds and thousands of people sell and transfer property. For those familiar with the process, the transferring procedure might just be a piece of cake. But for people who are new and confused about where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
Before we jump into the tricky aspect of this process, let’s clear the air about what exactly transferring property means and why it is an essential aspect of buying and selling property in Pakistan.
What do we mean by transferring property?
As per the law, any individual who owns a property should have the land or property verified under their name. The land should be under the designated ownership; only then can they sell the property to themselves. This is the basic requirement of selling a property.
In Pakistan, the transfer of any property generally consists of the owner transferring the title of the land from one person to the other. Transferring property can occur in multiple ways for various reasons, such as a mortgage, gift deed, inheritance, lease, exchange, etc. All such explanations are why transferring is an essential legal procedure.
Who is eligible to transfer property?
All individuals who can sign a contract are authorized to transfer property ownership in Pakistan. According to the Contract Act 1872, a contract is claimed as a binding agreement between two parties, meaning that it is a legally binding document for any sale and purchase of land in the country.
There are a few exceptions for people who are not eligible to transfer a property:
- Minor: Anyone under the age of 18 is a minor and therefore cannot carry out the process.
- Unstable Individuals: Someone who cannot understand the consequences of their actions, for instance, that of a mentally ill person. Other reasons can be permanent or temporary physical disability such as a Coma etc.
- Legally Barred Individuals: Someone barred from signing contracts cannot transfer property in Pakistan.
What are the steps involved in transferring and Selling a property in Pakistan?
The transferring process, although time-taking, is a simple and easy process with not many legal proceedings. We’ll break down the process into different steps to help you better understand.
Token (Bayaana)
This is the very first step of selling after you’ve successfully secured a client. This involves the buyer giving approximately 1 / 4th of the total price. If not the exact percentage, there is an agreed amount between the buyer and the seller to indicate an agreement from both sides of the party.
The Token (Bayaana) is given by the buyer with a series of negotiations and based on a contract, in which all details are specified. After this, the seller holds negotiations with any other potential buyers.
Usually, a specified period is set and written in the contract for the full amount to be paid. If the sale falls through, the token is returned. But if the full amount is not paid in the specified time, the seller has no obligation to return the token, even if the sale doesn’t go through.
What is a Property Sale Agreement and how can we get it?
A sale agreement contract is a set of required documents that include all information related to the seller and buyer involved in the transfer process. In Pakistan, these are the required documents that are attached with the Bayaana form:
- Complete details of the property with the property owner’s verified name
- Terms of sale for the property
- The total amount of money which the property is being sold for
- Final date for the buyer to pay the remaining sum of money
What is the complete list of documents required?
To carry out the transfer process smoothly, you need to collect the following documents organized. You’ll need:
- Recent Passport Photos of both parties involved (Buyer and Seller)
- Photocopies of National Identity Cards of both parties
- Original Purchase Deed of the Seller (From the time they purchased the property)
- The original ‘Sale deed’ which is the agreement contract between both parties
This list of documents can also include some more documents depending on the province, region, area, etc. (A lot of documents, we know, but verified property takes tough measures!)
- A ‘Record of Rights’ also known as Fard-e-Malkiat, is a form that can be obtained by the seller from the property registration office. This guarantees that the property is under the name of the seller.
- You’ll need a Non-Demand Certificate (NDC), a document that shows you don’t have any fine due on the property. Depending on the location, you can get this from the local development authority’s office.
- For properties in private housing schemes, there is the need to request a letter from a particular society to carry out the property transfer. This can be used in place of the Fard-e-Malkiat document.
Possession of Stamp Paper and Tax Payment
Source: Pinterest
This is one of the essential and final steps of the transfer process. You’ll need a stamp paper to draft the deed for the sales; that will be the contract for the sale. You can choose. Buyers; will be required to pay stamp duty and taxes during this step.
Let’s take a look at this easy breakdown of the tax duty involved:
- Stamp Duty 3%
- Capital Value Tax 2%
- District Council Fee 1%
- Fixed Registration Fee PKR500 (Can differ as per govt. Order)
Drafting the Sales Deed
In Pakistan, the sales deed is usually recommended to be drafted by a property lawyer or a property agent aware of the bylaws and the rules involved in the process. This is a particularly safe option to avoid any complications that might arise in case you are doing it yourself.
Although, people who are selling and buying property as a business have become familiar with constructing the ideal draft for this deed, which can be done easily with the help of the internet. However, the common practice and recommendation are to take the help of a lawyer to avoid any future complications that may occur.
What do we do after drafting the Sale Deed?
Source: Freepik
Finally, after a long process, you’ve reached the last step. You can take the sales deed (inscribed stamp paper) along with the required documents to the registrar’s office. From here, the sub-registrar will call both parties simultaneously and hear their verbal agreement for the trading of property.
You’ll need to sign the documents and put in your fingerprint to verify the final sale and complete the transfer process. Once this is done, the official will register the sale deed successfully, then the transfer process is complete, and the property is now successfully transferred to the buyer.
How much is the Commission for the Property Dealer Involved?
If you’re wondering what the person who helped you secure a client and help you proceed with the sale and transfer of the property is, there is a commission that the dealer/agent gets from the client. Although there are no specific laws to govern and record the work of real estate agents and dealers in Pakistan, the general practice remains a constantly changing variable and experiences changes from time to time.
Usually, the commission of property agents comes to around 1% of the total value of a property. This 1% of the value is each from the buyer and seller as the commission to the dealer. If the buyer and seller both have different agents, then both agents get to keep a 1% commission each from their own clients. Sometimes, property agents will ask for as high as 2% of the property value, or even lower than 1%. The amount varied according to the success, reputation of a property dealer, or property value.
Suppose you’re looking to learn more about the legal aspects and procedures involved in property buying and selling. In that case, you can stay connected with our blogs at Feeta.pk, where you can easily find comprehensive information to guide you through the real estate market.
The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need for Selling and Transferring Property in Pakistan
- Published in Housing Schemes, Infrastructure, International, Property Laws, Real Estate, Real Estate Guide
Things you need to know about House Flipping
House flipping is one of the most common ways to earn money through real estate in Pakistan. If you have ever seen people who buy properties that are almost in ruins and, after a series of renovations, turn them into spectacular homes that later make good profits when they sell them, and you wonder how they do it, you are at the right place.
This blog brings you things you need to know about house flipping. To learn more about house flipping in Pakistan, keep on reading.
What is house flipping?
Flipping is a quick profit strategy in which an investor purchases real estate at a discounted price and then improves the property to unload it at a better price. Instead of buying a property to live in, the person buys a house as a real estate investment.
It is worth mentioning that the primary purpose of flipping is to buy low and sell high. In short, flipping, also known as grand real estate investing is a type of real estate investment strategy in which an investor buys a property not to use it but to sell it for profit.
How do investors make money through property flipping?
This gain generally stems from a price appreciation arising from a hot real estate market in which prices are rising rapidly or from capital improvements made to the property, or both. For example, an investor could purchase a property in a “warm” neighborhood, do significant renovations, and then offer it a price that reflects its new look and amenities.
Currently, in the absence of inventory, tearing down and rebuilding houses can be an extremely lucrative strategic investment form in the face of a poor housing market. Older homes are usually at low prices and favorable mortgage rates allow borrowers to purchase the property with ease.
Things you need to know about house flipping:
Following are some of the things that you need to consider before flipping property in Pakistan.
Consider your finances and associated costs:
Real estate requires capital. The first cost is the cost of acquiring a property. While interest on borrowed money is tax-deductible even after the Tax, it is not a 100% deduction. Every rupee spent on welfare is added to what you have to earn from the sale to cover costs.
Do extensive research on your financing options to find out which type of mortgage is best for you, and find a lender that offers low-interest rates. An easy way to research financing costs is to use a mortgage calculator, which allows you to compare the interest rates offered by different lenders.
Of course, paying cash for the property eliminates the interest cost, but even then, there are property holding costs and opportunity costs to immobilize your money. Renewal costs must also be taken into account. If you intend to repair the home and sell it for a profit, the sale price must exceed the combined cost of the acquisition, the cost of maintaining the property, and the cost of the renovations.
Even if you manage to overcome the financial hurdles of scaling a home don’t forget about capital gains taxes, which will reduce your earnings.
Time constraints:
It is time-consuming to renovate houses. It will take months to find and buy the right property. Once you own your home, you will need to spend time getting it fixed. If you have a day job, the time spent on demolition and construction can be a wasted afternoon and weekend. If you pay someone else to do the work, you will spend even more time than you would expect to monitor the activity, and the costs of paying others for profit will decrease.
Once the work is complete, you will need to schedule inspections to ensure the property meets applicable building codes before you can sell it. Otherwise, you will have to spend more time and money to give it up somewhat.
By showing it yourself to potential buyers, you can spend a lot of time traveling to and from the property and in meetings. If you use a real estate agent you will be owed a commission.
It may make more sense for many people to stick to a day job, where they can earn the same kind of money in a few weeks or months regularly, easily roll without risk, and with a consistent time commitment.
Skillset:
Professional builders and skilled professionals, such as carpenters and plumbers, often trade houses for income alongside their regular jobs. They have the knowledge, skills, and experience to find and organize a home. Some also have union jobs that provide unemployment checks throughout the winter while working on their side projects.
The real money in a house exchange comes from equity. If you’re handy with a hammer, enjoy laying rugs, and can hang drywall, roof a house, and install a kitchen sink, you have the skills to flip a house.
On the other hand, if you are unfamiliar with the instruments, you will have to pay a professional for restorations and repairs. And that will reduce the chances of you getting a substantial return on your investment.
Lack of information:
To be successful, you know how to choose the right property, in the right location, and at the right price. Even if you have a lifelong argument (putting a house together at, say, the closing of a song), it’s crucial to know which restaurants need to be done and which ones to skip.
You also need to understand the applicable tax and zoning laws and know when to cut your losses becomes, learn to find out before your project turns into a cash hole.
Not patient enough
Professionals take their time and stay on the right property. Newbies rush to buy the first house they see. They then hire the first contractor to make an offer to tackle the work they cannot do themselves. Professionals do the work themselves or rely on a network of predefined, trusted contractors.
Newcomers hire a real estate agent to help them sell the house. Professionals rely on the efforts of the “owner for sale” to minimize costs and maximize profits. Newcomers hope to go through the process, put on a coat of paint, and earn a fortune. Professionals understand that it takes some time to buy and sell homes and that profit margins are sometimes tight.
Inspect your new home:
Check the box or electrical circuit board, making sure that the labels next to each switch, such as kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc., are located correctly. Do this by removing or unplugging each switch (one by one) to find out which room in the house they belong to. You can also hire an electrician to check the state of the electrical box (panel or panel) and if it needs to be repaired or replaced with a new one.
Check your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to see if they are working well, need batteries, or be replaced.
Contact utility companies:
When you get to your new home, you will want essential services, such as electricity, gas, water and sewerage, cable, Internet, and telephone. So contact those companies in advance to set the date of transfer of those services to your new address.
Update essential documents:
One month before moving in, update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration card.
These are some of the things you know about house flipping. Flipping houses for a living is getting popular by leaps and bounds because house flipping profit is excellent.
Give these pointers a read and incorporate them into your next purchase. This blog is especially beneficial for people who want to know about property flipping and flip houses for beginners.
To know more about real estate trends, visit the Feeta blog.
Things you need to know about House Flipping
Real Estate Strategies for beginners
Suppose you want to join the real estate investment community to grow your assets and plan your future to live on income. In that case, you must first evaluate the different alternatives to participate in the sector. Some require a more significant investment of time or money than others and experience or knowledge about the industry. In this blog, we bring you a list of real estate strategies for beginners that they can use to excel in the real estate industry of Pakistan.
To know more about these strategies, keep reading.
Vacant spaces:
Vacant spaces, including land, are among the few assets in the world whose price appreciates over time. This type of investment gives value to areas of your property that are not occupied or of little use, such as guest rooms, parking lots, basements and ceilings. It works for both seasonal and long-term leases. It is ideal for beginning investors unfamiliar with market values or the practice of leasing entire properties.
In short, one of the best strategies to increase your real estate portfolio is by investing in vacant land.
Leases:
It is the most common earning mode. In this case, you buy a property to lease it, either in the short term (temporary or vacation) or long term (more than six months). You can focus on having multiple tenants for a property in different periods (winter or summer, vacations, holidays, AirBnB style) or opt for the traditional lease to a single person for a specified time.
Buying and selling:
In this strategy, your focus is on acquiring and reselling residential properties in areas of most significant demand, close to high-traffic public spaces (supermarkets, metro stations, bus stops). It requires you to study well the prospects before investing and the regulatory plans of the target zones.
Manage properties:
Under this strategy, you buy and lease properties and offer administration services, from paying everyday expenses to technical maintenance checks, such as plumbing and electricity.
Renewals:
In this strategy, you buy houses at a low price and need repairs; you completely renovate them and then sell them at a higher price. The challenge here is to manage knowledge and values of masonry, design and architecture work.
Real estate funds:
The investor invests in real estate indirectly through a private fund dedicated to buying or developing properties for sale or rent. The profits of the projects are distributed among the contributors of the fund as dividends. The industry initially began focusing on corporate buildings and offices, but later expanded into the housing sector.
Invest in auctions:
In this case, the investor acquires the real estate in an auction process with the sole purpose of reselling it later at a higher price. This type of investment is attractive because the property went through the bank first. Therefore the property’s papers and debts are up to date.
Keep in mind that all these investment alternatives have natural limitations, such as the location of the property, its accessibility, and current demand, as well as artificial ones, such as co-ownership agreements for office buildings and apartments and condominiums debts associated with real estate.
Be informed:
Although it is not necessary to have studies or a degree to dedicate yourself to investing in the real estate sector, it is essential that, when you are in the business, you know basic concepts of the industry, such as the price/cost differential, capital gains, generation value, the profile of the investor and the type of property. The fact that you do not master the vocabulary of the world in which your company operates can lead, at least, that people distrust you.
In this sense, a fundamental behavior to be more and more informed about the business is to listen carefully to people associated with the company. In this way, you will not only be able to access privileged information about your clients, but you will also gain more and more confidence in your expertise.
This same practice will affect your pricing method. Whether you are based on margins, target prices, demand, competition or the highest possible value, it will always be essential to be informed to define the amounts of your business most appropriately.
Have a plan:
Discipline always translates into success, and this habit has much more to do with being active and constant at work than being rigid and unable to react to changes. This is why, when we talk about having a plan and abiding by it, what you must understand is that before entering the real estate market you should take some time to design your business plan.
This plan will help you establish critical aspects, such as the vision and goals of your company. Still, it will also encourage you to protect your business with a series of rules that ensure the decisions you will make throughout your career as an entrepreneur in the field.
You will be able to establish specific things such as your target market, selection criteria and even the selection criteria of your properties. Put yourself before problems through a contingency plan that consider your investment’s risk analysis and the financial viability of a purchase or a sale.
Find allies:
The real estate business tends to be independent and lonely because it allows practitioners individual freedom and flexibility compared to other jobs. For the same reason, it is advisable to go to good allies to maintain a good network of contacts and grow in a highly competitive and agile market.
With allies, we mean reading books that teach methods to achieve financial “good health” or encourage the practice of habits to be effective in business, even attending courses and seminars designed especially for people who want to learn everything necessary to function. Successful in the world of real estate investment.
It is also advisable to interact with real estate agents and financial advisers to listen to their experiences and opinions, but above all to finish inserting themselves more and more into the beautiful and complex world of real estate.
Finally, a good idea to become a great real estate investor is to interact with ordinary people who are examples of success, either due to their personal experiences or economic fluctuations in business in general and within the field.
It is a type of inspiration that you can also find in opinion leaders with a good presence in social networks and participation in books, courses and seminars in the field.
So, these are some of the strategies that beginners should keep in mind while entering the real estate market. Make use of these strategies and excel in the real estate market of Pakistan.
Real Estate Strategies for beginners
Know the Difference between Buyer’s Market and Seller’s Market
Would you like to sell or buy a home at the best time of year? Despite the fact that certain seasons may be busier than others, the fluctuations in the real estate market are much more influenced by supply and demand than by the time of year. Keeping an eye on the housing market is one of the most important things to watch and watch out for whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market in your local area.
Everybody wants the best deal on a new home, but it’s not always easy. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic prospective homebuyers have had a difficult time answering the question, “Why are houses so expensive at the moment?”.
In order to save on a new home and avoid overspending on the mortgage, savvy homebuyers try to time their purchases around buyer’s markets.
When purchasing a house, it is important to know the difference between buyer’s markets and seller’s markets. Let’s find out more with this blog.
What Is a Buyer’s Market?
Buyer’s markets occur when more homes are for sale than buyers are available. It means that more homes are listed for sale than there are buyers. Buyer’s market often refers to the state of a market where there is relatively more inventory than demand.
Lower home prices are an indicator of a buyer’s market. A seller’s home will often sell for around the listing price or even less in a buyer’s market. You cannot raise your asking price much without causing buyers to look at comparable homes offered by other sellers in your neighborhood.
Due to the volume of competition, sellers are at a disadvantage. Many sellers decide to accept a lower sale price instead of waiting for the right buyer to come along.
Seemingly longer than average time on the market is another sign of a buyer’s market. There’s likely a buyer’s market if the for-sale signs aren’t replaced with sold signs as you drive through your neighborhood. There is little chance of seeing a bidding war over a house on the market. With so many homes available, buyers are unlikely to spend more than the asking price.
What is a Seller’s Market?
During a seller’s market, the number of buyers overrules the number of available homes on the market or when there are more buyers than available homes. A single property often attracts multiple buyers, resulting in a bidding war. Selling your home in a seller’s market can be a great option because you can get a higher sales price than your listing price, or at least more than your bottom-line price (the lowest price you’re willing to accept for your house).
Be aware of the seller’s advantage when buying a home in a seller’s market. The advantage of getting a lower sale price on a property that other buyers are interested in is unlikely if other buyers are also interested.
An offer made by a competing buyer could cost you the opportunity to buy the property. The seller’s market is sometimes referred to as a renter’s market because sometimes prospective buyers must continue renting until they can raise their down payment and compete with other buyers.
According to a licensed realtor from FL Cash Home Buyers – the key to selling a property fast is to utilize as broad of a net as possible for buyers. The key to this is to find the right realtor. Realtors can help sell a house not only quicker but usually more profitably and as legally correct as possible.
The market for Buyers or Sellers? Find Out with These 4 Tips
A buyer’s or seller’s market can be determined without being an expert in it real estate. The easiest way to tell can usually be found by looking at current and recently sold listings.
A buyer’s market has the following characteristics
- Sales of homes are slow
- The homes sell for less than the list price
- The home price index is declining
- There are many homes available for sale
A seller’s market has the following characteristics
- Houses sell quickly
- The home sells at or above the listing price
- The price of homes is rising
- There aren’t many homes for sale
A Few Tips for Buyers
When there are limited housing options and a lot of buyers are interested, time is of the essence.
- A seller’s market is an excellent time to act fast if you find your dream home. Those who hesitate over a house they want to buy may find it is no longer available by the time they are ready to negotiate. Getting pre-approval for a loan before you need it will ensure financing.
- Make sure you know you’re at a disadvantage before you make an offer. There is no need to push for specific closing dates, concessions, or contingencies in a seller’s market. Make sure you focus on what’s important to you. Make sure you think twice about stipulations you want to be written into the contract. Make an all-cash offer if possible. Since cash buyers don’t have to deal with financing issues, sellers prefer them.
- Having patience is crucial when you keep losing out on the homes you are interested in. Don’t get discouraged if you keep losing out on homes you are interested in. Frustrated buyers end up suffering in a seller’s market. Many inexperienced bidders engage in bidding wars to get the home they want, even if the home isn’t worth much. That’s not a good idea.
- If you are tired of losing, you may end up making an offer on a home you wouldn’t usually be interested in. Property ownership is an investment and often a 30-year commitment. Don’t get sucked into a low-cost house. You’d be better off waiting until the market cools off before starting your home search.
A Few Tips for Sellers
To increase interest in your property in a seller’s market, you’ll need to compete with other sellers.
- Before you market or show your property, make sure your home is clean and organized, and in good condition.
- The price of a home tends to rise in a seller’s market, but pricing your home relatively still helps. You’ll be more likely to attract buyers if you lower your asking price slightly below fair market value. It is common for sellers to list their homes slightly below their assessed value to encourage bidding wars.
- Examine offers carefully: During a seller’s market, it’s even more important to consider offers carefully. In their search for the highest offer, sellers frequently ignore the buyer’s financial strength. If buyers say they will pay a certain amount, that doesn’t automatically mean they can get the funds. The appraised value of your home cannot be financed beyond that.
- Your last concern should be accepting an unrealistic offer and then having to resell your home when the deal falls through. Buyers will have more power when negotiating when your house has been on the market longer.
- Make sure any buyer who requires financing is preapproved for a loan. When buyers receive pre-approval, their credit and finances are verified, ensuring they can obtain a loan for a specific amount. Prequalification, however, is merely an estimate of a buyer’s finances.
- Observe contingencies: Also, be aware of offers that include contingencies. In the event that certain conditions are not met, buyers can back out of sales contracts, including mortgage house contingencies, home sale contingencies, appraisal contingencies, and inspection contingencies.
- According to Phil from Cash offer Please, Many homeowners choose to sell their homes through a real estate agent in order to get the best price. However, you may be able to sell your home for less than market value by making a cash offer to the buyer.
Summary
Knowing where the market stands is beneficial when buying or selling property. There is less competition for buyers in a buyer’s market when there are many homes available. On the other hand, a seller wants to list their house during a seller’s market when there are fewer properties for sale and a high number of interested buyers.
It is still important to hire a real estate agent, regardless of the market conditions in your area. A real estate agent can give you a leg up on your competition, regardless of market conditions.
Choosing the right time to buy a home can be a major challenge. In a seller’s market, you will notice that homes disappear almost immediately after being listed. To avoid losing out on what could be your dream home, you should get preapproved as soon as possible instead of waiting until the last minute.
Know the Difference between Buyer’s Market and Seller’s Market
Pros and Cons of Homeowner Association
Several localities offer residents the option to join a homeowner association. These associations can be quite helpful in resolving minor community issues. However, they may come with several drawbacks that need to be considered. To understand the pros and cons of joining HOAs, you must first understand what HOAs are, what they do, and how they affect homeowners.
What are HOAs? A question that you might be wondering. The term simply refers to homeowner’s associations, which manage a community for the benefit of its residents.
What does HOA mean in Housing?
Homeowners associations exist to manage residential communities, maintain curb appeal, and keep property values high. In addition to this, property owners’ associations manage residential communities. Home developers are responsible for initiating the association.
As a result of legal advice, the developer drafts the association’s governing documents. Bylaws, amendments, rules and regulations and articles of incorporation are among the documents.
Simply put, it would mean living in a house that is a part of an association. Although there are plenty of benefits to living in an HOA, it may not be suitable for everyone. Living in an HOA community, for example, gives you access to amenities you would not otherwise have.
What is the purpose of an HOA?
As soon as you move into your new home that is registered with the association, you become a member. The HOA’s governing documents are automatically applied to you as an HOA member. The documents outline the dos and don’ts of a homeowner. Rules like these help preserve property values and keep neighborhoods safe.
Managing an HOA entails taking care of the best interests of the community, enforcing rules, and setting the amount for dues. A review of the HOA’s governing documents is recommended before moving into a homeowner’s association.
Pros of HOA
Here are some pros of HOA that can help you make a decision.
1. HOAs are responsible for maintaining common areas
The aesthetic appeal of a well-maintained community contributes to the ease of living within it as well. A landscape that offers clean roads, trimmed trees, and blooming flowers, brings harmony and peace. The wellbeing of a community is important, and it is comforting to know that these services are in place.
The benefits of living in a community with an HOA include common community areas being maintained by the organization. Swimming pools, playgrounds, barbecue areas, and community centers are included.
The spaces can be enjoyed without having to worry about maintenance. In addition to maintaining the landscaping in front of each unit, some HOAs also take care of maintenance in the backyards of residents.
2. A consistent value for each property
Property values are a primary reason people buy an HOA home. Your board helps you protect your investment and ensures its value remains the same. It is the owners’ responsibility to maintain their lawns, homes, and personal property in accordance with community laws. This offers several benefits for the homeowner as well as the community. The members of the board live in the same community, and they are just as eager to see it thriving as you.
3. Complying with standards
Every homeowner must follow certain guidelines. Prior to signing on the dotted line, buyers should familiarize themselves with the governing documents. There isn’t much tolerance for unruly behavior in a typical association – from a wild party in someone’s backyard to disregarding architectural guidelines. The neighborhood has a board that mediates neighbor disputes and sets forth consequences when things don’t work out.
Cons of HOA
Let’s take a look at the cons of HOA.
1. HOA fees must be paid monthly
Residents of the community must pay HOA fees because the association maintains the common areas and exteriors of homes.
The fees for these amenities vary from community to community. In addition, HOA fees are not set in stone, so they are subject to change from time to time. When the association is unable to collect enough funds to maintain the community, the association may have to increase the monthly fee.
2. Failure to pay HOA fees can have serious consequences
Paying your HOA fees is an important part of living in a community. Fees must be paid by all residents of the community. If the HOA remains unable to collect enough money from residents, the property may not be able to be properly maintained. This can result in the association firing the property manager, causing the community’s appearance and condition to deteriorate.
3. Rules and regulations are enacted by the HOA
The HOA sets requirements for your home’s appearance. Ranging from what type of front door and windows you can have to decide what color your front door or shutters can be painted – the association has complete control over your home’s appearance. You may even be restricted in how much outside decor you can use and how many vehicles you can park in your community. If you violate the community’s rules and regulations, you could receive a fine.
4. Inadequate management
Poor management can lead to deterioration in some HOA communities. As a preventative measure, electing board members who have the association’s best interests at heart is the perfect way to avoid such a situation. In addition, many HOAs hire a management company to ensure responsibilities and duties are properly fulfilled.
5. Foreclosures and lien rights
A lien or foreclosure is always a concern when living in an HOA. There are certain HOAs that can place links on your property and then foreclose on it. The lien will only occur if your association due aren’t paid.
Conclusion
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of living in an HOA before making a decision. Paying monthly fees and adhering to the rules of an HOA community is necessary. You’ll also benefit from things like preserving your property value and being able to access well-maintained amenities (like landscaping). In the long run, you will benefit more from HOAs if you can tolerate the minor inconveniences they bring.
Stay tuned to Feeta Blog to learn more about Pakistan Real Estate.
Pros and Cons of Homeowner Association
Karachi Vs Lahore – Which One is Better?
Karachi Vs Lahore – Which One is Better? This is a question people ask all the time.
Karachi and Lahore are the two most famous cities in Pakistan. Both are known for their rich culture and amazing hospitality. Karachi is popular for being an economic hub, whereas Lahore is popular for its amazing heritage and beautiful architectural buildings. Both the cities have their own importance and are unique in their own way.
Let’s have a look at the basic factors of both Karachi and Lahore.
Karachi
Karachi, the city of lights, is the 8th most popular city in the world. There are several reasons for being most popular. Its history, its culture, fashion, trade, entertainment and investment are some factors that contribute towards it. The city is super busy in comparison to any other city in Pakistan.
If you plan to go somewhere, you will have to leave an hour before, because Karachi has always witnessed immense traffic. While traveling in Karachi, you will notice that the city is full of energy, warmth and enthusiasm. Residents of Karachi are diverse in cultures, ethnicities and religions. All these aspects add to the diversity, versatility and uniqueness of the city of lights – Karachi.
City Size and Population of Karachi
The metropolitan city has a population of more than 23 million and a population density of almost over 24,000 people per square kilometer. Which makes it clear that Karachi is denser than any other city of the urban population in Pakistan. This is why Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan.
Demographics of Karachi
It is believed that almost 90% of the population in Karachi are migrants from various backgrounds. For a large number of Gujarati Muslims, Karachi has historically been a home. Communities of Gujarati Muslims include Chhipa, Memon, Khoja, Ghanchi and Tai.
Many non-Muslims left Karachi for India after the 1950s. Therefore some small communities of Parsis, Anglo-Indians and Goan Catholics are still present in Karachi. Muhajirs in Karachi are large in number ie is almost 50% of the population, which includes Gujarati, Rajasthani and Malabari Muslims.
After Muhajirs, the second largest group in Karachi are the Pashtuns, 25%, who hail from Balochistan and Afghanistan.
Growth in Karachi’s Population
At the rate of around 5% per year, Karachi is growing. Almost 45,000 migrant workers come to Karachi from all over Pakistan every month. It is expected that rapid growth in the population of Karachi will make it the seventh-largest city in the world by 2030.
Weather of Karachi
Summers in Karachi are very hot, arid, windy and oppressive, whereas winters are short, dry and more comfortable than summers. The temperature in Karachi varies from 55 F to 94F. It is above 100F and below 49F.
Transport of Karachi
For shorter routes, people of Karachi use rickshaws or taxis, and for longer routes, they prefer transportation through buses, which is far cheaper than any other mode of transport.
Places to visit in Karachi
Here is a list of some of the most famous places to visit in Karachi.
The Beach
Going to the beach has never been a regret! We always enjoy ourselves and spend hours and hours at the beach without realizing the time. Karachi is famous for its beautiful beaches. Tourists from Pakistan always make sure to pay a visit to the beach during their stay in Karachi. Sea view beach is the closest to the city, and no matter what the time is, it has always been crowded.
Winter Land
For the people of Karachi, winter land is a huge bliss! Because of the hot weather in Karachi, people don’t get to experience rain and winds for a long time. Winter land is a place to experience when you feel like having some fun by getting some winter vibes. The place offers several fun activities, such as bumper cars and slides.
Mohatta Palace
To experience Indo Saracenic architecture, Mohatta Palace is the place to visit in Karachi. In 1927, it was built as the home of Shivratan Mohatta. It is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. The palace contains a secret passage, a 1km path underground and leads to a Hindu temple. In this palace, you will also find various displays of British culture from the subcontinent.
Brother Hall
To experience Karachi’s British colonial history, Frere hall is a Venetian gothic building that one must visit. Frere Hall is Karachi’s most iconic place, with a beautiful mural painted by one of Pakistan’s most revered artists Sadequain Naqqash.
Empress Market
Named after Queen Victoria, the Empress market has been in operation for years. From groceries, spices, seafood to some fun activities in Karachi, the empress market has been a popular place. It is one of the busiest places in Karachi for shopping.
Food culture in Karachi
Karachi is famous for its food. Here is a list of restaurants in Karachi that are known for their delicious cuisine.
- Behari tikka at Meerath Kabab House
- Dum Biryani from Gol Market, Nazimabad
- Fish by Yadgar
- Katakat and Brain Masala from Noorani at Do Darya
- Beef fry kabab at Burns Road by Waheed
- Javed Nihari (dastagir, FBArea
- Nihari by Ghaffar Kabab House
- Afghani Boti at Al-Asif
- Afghani Pulao by Al-harmain
- Peshawari chapli kabab by A-one (Shah Faisal)
- Balochi tikka from Madina 2, Superhighway
- Karahi by anwar baloch (Malir)
- Kali Mirch Chargha by Cafe Laziz
- Hunter beef burger from Hanifa
- Super bun kabab at Pakistan Chowk
- Cheeseburger by Khan Broast, Near Waterpump
Universities in Karachi
With a literacy rate of 65.26%, Karachi has some of the best universities in Pakistan. There are almost more than 50 colleges and universities that are located in the capital of Sindh. The categories of colleges and universities include science, arts and commerce.
Top universities in Karachi include:
The Jinnah University for Women, located in Karachi, is the pioneer university for women in Pakistan
The University of Karachi is the largest in Pakistan with the largest faculty.
NED University of Engineering and Technology is Pakistan’s oldest engineering institute located in Karachi.
The National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, NUCES-FAST, is recognized as one of the top universities in Pakistan. It has two branches in Karachi.
Lahore
Let’s find out about Lahore now.
A lot of travelers in Pakistan start their adventure in Lahore, The heart of Pakistan. The city is known for its vibrant, hospitable and joyful atmosphere. But, we cannot forget Lahore’s scrumptious food, which you cannot find in any other city in Pakistan. Lahore has been of great importance when it comes to geography and culture. There are a lot of fun places in Lahore that you and your family can visit.
Colonial and Mughal dynasty eras can be witnessed all over the city with several beautiful historical architecture buildings. Because of Lahore’s fantastic taste, Lahore is also known as the food capital. Several places can be visited in Lahore to experience the beautiful architecture of the walled city. Rich in history and tradition, Lahore has experienced three eras: Mughal, British and modern.
City Size and Population
With the boundaries of 1772 kilometers, the current population of the city is 7 million. In the past 14 years, the city has expanded due to its growing population. Because of this, it remains the 42nd most populated city in the world. The population density of the city is nearly 63000 residents per square kilometer.
Population Growth in Lahore
With a population above 11 million, experts thought that Lahore would become a central megacity by 2025, but it has already become. With an increase in Lahore’s population, it is expected to become the largest populated city by 2050, with almost 42.46 million people.
Weather of Lahore
With an average high of 102F and a low of 83F, the hottest month in Lahore is June. Winters in Lahore last for almost 2.5 to 3 months, with an average low of 47F and a high of 66F.
Transport of Lahore
Modes of transport used in Lahore include bus services, rickshaws, taxis and metro services. Two major providers of bus services are Lahore Transport Company and Punjab Mass Transit Authority.
Places to visit in Lahore
Here is a list of places to visit in Lahore.
Badshahi Mosque
Located in Lahore, constructed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Badshahi Mosque is the largest mosque of the Mughal era. It is one of Pakistan’s most iconic sights that people all over the country love to visit. It is known as the crown jewel of Lahore with a large courtyard that can comprise almost 10,000 people.
Fort Road Food Street
Fort road food street has some of the best restaurants in Lahore. The food street has beautiful and colorful buildings with rooftop restaurants for citizens to enjoy the view. There are both desi and continental restaurants with amazing food quality.
Delhi Gate Market
The old city of Lahore had almost 13 gates to it. When the British conquered the region all of these were destroyed. However, 6 out of 13 were rebuilt, and Delhi Gate is one of them. The entrance leads to a busy market filled with lots of happening and life. It’s a great place to visit if you want to have a look at the local life of Lahore.
Anarkali Bazaar
Anarkali bazaar is divided into two, the old and new. While on your visit to Anarkali bazaar you will get to find a lot of traditional foods, clothes, jewelry and handicrafts. Walk-in Anarkali bazaar has always been an interesting thing to do for people; even if you don’t want to buy anything, a walk at Anarkali bazaar is also enough to enjoy the locality.
Shalimar garden
Visiting a Shalimar garden is one of the most relaxing things that the people of Lahore tend to do. It is a great option if you want to spend time with your family. There is a beautiful fountain with colorful flowers to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for visitors.
Universities in Lahore
With a literacy rate of 64%, Lahore is considered to be a primary education hub of Pakistan with some top universities. Almost 40 licensed universities offer degrees in business, science, humanities and engineering.
The University of Punjab, Government College University, and Forman Christian college are Pakistan’s oldest universities. The recently-established University of Lahore is a private university and offers programs in medical sciences, health sciences, biology and engineering.
Conclusion:
Both Lahore and Karachi are unique in their own way. The cities are of great importance to Pakistan. Lahore, because of its historical architecture, and Karachi, because of its vastness. In this blog, Feeta.pk has listed down the stand-out features of both cities.
Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comment section below!
Karachi Vs Lahore – Which One is Better?
Corner Apartments | Pros & Cons
Corner houses and apartments are the first choice for investment or living for all. Real estate holds high value for corner houses, and especially apartments, given that they come with their own perks.
However, there is still an ongoing debate about whether or not investing in a corner apartment is ideal, there are significant pros and cons of corner apartments that one should keep in mind while making the final decision.
In this blog, Feeta.pk discusses all the upsides and downsides to getting a corner apartment so you can make an informed choice.
Corner Apartments | Pros & Cons
Pakistan’s real estate sector is shifting towards increasing the development of vertical landscape, and this is giving rise to the availability and demand of apartments. This need for apartments is simultaneously adding to the rising demand for corner apartments. Let’s take a look at some facts that can help you decide if it’s worth it.
Why Opt for a Corner Apartment
Starting with a good note, corner apartments are everyone’s preferred choice because of multiple reasons. These reasons factor in to help you live comfortably.
Privacy
As apartments typically come with balconies and a back terrace, a corner apartment actually gives you privacy in the balcony as there is only one neighboring balcony, and the other side is free. This is ideal for people who love to keep their privacy intact and have introverted personalities, thus keeping you at a distance from any nosy neighbors that you may have.
Additional Square Footage
Because of the huge infrastructure and architecture involved in elevating an apartment complex, corner apartments usually get extra square feet in their space.
Because of this, they look and feel wider than other apartments of the same building. For instance, we can understand this by taking the example of an apartment covering 850 sq. M. ft. In this, the corner apartment may be about 120 sq. M. ft. larger due to its positioning in the building. This is a very prominent advantage that makes people prefer corner apartments.
Extra Ventilation
Even though apartments, generally, are great with ventilation as compared to houses, Corner apartments come out at the top. This is based on their L shaped design, which leaves more outdoor areas for ventilation. With corner apartments, we can also credit the importance of windows and how they keep the ventilation flowing, leaving your house fresh.
Having extra ventilation keeps your house temperature cool in summers, and the fresh air is great for your health. Besides this, good airflow keeps your house safe from water seepage, mold, and other issues that are likely to stem from a closed space.
Scenic Views
Corner apartments have the most beautiful views, and that is a sure fact. This is one of the biggest reasons why people choose to live in corner apartments. With the extra balcony space, and windows around, you can enjoy the scenery any time of the day.
Source: Pinterest
Even if there are no green areas around or any parks to view, you can always enjoy the night view of the twinkling lights from houses and buildings around that make a great view from the corner apartment.
Why Not Opt for a Corner Apartment
With so much value, there are a few drawbacks that can come in the way of your decision to live in a corner apartment. This may be a big factor for some, and for others, it can be insignificant.
A Lot of Sunlight
Source: Pinterest
Although this remains a variable according to the location and direction facing of an apartment, corner apartments usually get more sunlight than others. This is because there is less view blocking and more windows.
This drawback may be considered as an advantage by some who live in cooler weather conditions, but in Pakistan, summers can be really harsh and the sunlight can become unbearable.
More Expensive
Because of their high demand and less availability, as well as the perks that come with it, corner apartments cost higher than other apartments. Real estate has a lot of demand and value for corner houses and apartments, and resale, investment, living in these is always the ideal choice for people.
People who love the benefits that come with living in a corner apartment are willing to pay more just to create a better home or invest in a better property that will give profitable returns in the future.
Prone to Noise Pollution
Even though corner flats have more privacy than other facing flats, they can have more noise overall as well. This is because they are usually situated by the roads and intersections, busy with traffic and people passing throughout the day.
This can cause disturbance for you all day and disrupt the calm environment that your home needs.
Corner Apartments -Ground Floor
These are actually on the lower end of the cost spectrum and cost like other apartments. The difference? Well, corner apartments on the ground level do have privacy and ventilation, but the airflow and scenes are not the same.
People living in such property have to keep their windows covered at all times to avoid nosy neighbors and people passing by who want a peek. Because of keeping the windows covered, the temperature and ventilation are disturbed.
Considering both factors for corner apartments, the decision eventually comes a lot to how all these things are affected by the location, city and weather of the area.
If you’re looking for a corner apartment to move into, or are deciding to for a corner housethe above-mentioned facts can help you understand according to the location you are going for.
You can find out more information about apartments and housing at our Feeta blog.
Corner Apartments | Pros & Cons
- Published in International, Lifestyle
Here’s how you should choose construction material for your house
Being the foundation of any house – construction materials should be selected after thorough research and evaluation. Anesthetic design with sustainability is only possible with the proper construction material. However, many remain unaware of the significance of choosing the right materials, foregoing this important step entirely.
To help you make the right decision for your home, Feeta.pk brings you a complete guide on how you should choose construction material for your house.
Estimate your Costs
The construction market offers a wide variety of quality construction materials. However, their prices may vary significantly. Opting for the highest-grade materials should be the right move if you have a limitless spending budget since durability and sustainability are the utmost priority.
However, there will be a limited spending budget in most cases, and finding the perfect materials for your home under a limit can be quite tedious. As a general rule, choose cost-effective materials without compromising overall quality. Estimating a budget can help know how much you can spend on materials, cut down on unnecessary costs and make room for better construction material.
Availability of Materials
Source: EnvatoElements
Before deciding on any materials, it is essential to determine their availability in the market. Materials that are either rare or unique can become impossible to find in the market, or they might have to be shipped from a different country. This can raise costs and delivery times for the construction and building materials, affecting the overall timeline for the construction of your house.
Climate Conditions
Source: EnvatoElements
Construction materials for homes greatly depend on the climate conditions of the area. Factors such as average rain, snowfall, sunlight, and temperature are essential determinants for the materials. Some materials perform better in cooler temperatures, while others deteriorate under heavy rain or snowfall. This makes it necessary to consider the whole climate while choosing construction materials.
Sustainability
Source: EnvatoElements
With climate activism on an all-time high, the construction industry has also taken a few steps to incorporate sustainability. Construction materials are responsible for a significant portion of the world’s carbon footprint, especially materials such as cement. This has led to a rise in the use of eco-friendly construction materials. If you want your house to be greener, the construction market has several sustainable options that you can explore.
Aesthetic Appeal
Source: EnvatoElements
Another factor to take into consideration while choosing materials is their aesthetic appeal. Construction materials can drastically change the aesthetics of your house. For instance, laminated wooden flooring can give your home a touch of elegance, while opting for ceramic tiles can offer a minimalistic appeal.
The materials that you choose should also compliment the surroundings of your house. A log cabin-style home may look pleasant in the hills of Murree but not so much in the streets of Lahore. Your home’s aesthetic appeal should mirror its surroundings while incorporating your unique taste.
Durability
Source: EnvatoElements
Durable construction materials are essential for any home, increasing lifespan and lowering maintenance costs. Some materials can offer universal durability, while others are climate-dependent. Generally, construction materials should be repellent to moisture, corrosion, and other environmental conditions such as heavy rain.
Structural Integrity
Source: Pinterest
For construction materials, it boils down to structural integrity and performance. The materials that you choose should withstand heavy loads and excessive weights. The choice of materials should be evaluated, and there should be no compromise on quality. Anything made out of poor quality can become a safety hazard.
Maintenance
Source: EnvatoElements
The best construction materials are those that require minimal maintenance. Maintenance is necessary for preserving your home’s original look. However, it can also rack up additional costs over time. To avoid these costs, opt for high-grade quality materials as they offer higher durability and less maintenance over time.
Construction material should always be selected after thorough research. Factors such as durability, aesthetics, and climate conditions should be considered. However, the general rule of thumb is to never compromise on quality, as these materials are the core of your house. For more information on construction materials, visit Feeta.pk – Pakistan’s first online real estate market.
Here’s how you should choose construction material for your house
- Published in Construction, International, Real Estate
Top Bedroom Furniture Ideas in Pakistan to Refine Your Bedroom
After a long and tiring day, all one needs is to relax at the place that you feel most comfortable in, ie your bedroom. Your room is your safe space, and decorating it with your favorite pick of bedroom furniture design that can make your bedroom just the dreamy place where you can relax.
Choosing the right bedroom furniture sets can have a major effect on our day in the long run. Our entire day depends on how we are taking care of ourselves, taking a good amount of sleep, how we are relaxing our backs on the mattress and bed set.
You can take a look at this collection of bedroom furniture in Pakistan that Feeta.pk has compiled for you to bring instant comfort and aesthetics to your room.
Popular Ideas for Beautiful Bedroom Furniture in Pakistan
When you’re choosing your bedroom furniture, you need to pick a theme and just go with what will look best with it. There is a vast variety of types and sizes of furniture that you can get to create just the desired aesthetic that you want.
Here are some modern bedroom furniture ideas that you can utilize while refining your bedroom into the relaxing and comfortable space that you need.
Chocolate Bedroom Furniture Design
The simpler, the better.
In Pakistan, heavy wood is generally used for making bedroom furniture which can be very expensive if carved. So keeping it simple will not only be affordable for you, but also give your furniture a rich effect, but it will also be very useful for you to restyle with any theme you want to set your room with, for many years to come.
This chocolate brown design incorporates not only minimalism but also delivers elegance on a simple budget. The dressing table is a stylish and compact design, that perfectly complements the bed set and the cupboards.
Cherry Wood Bedroom Furniture Design
Source: Pinterest
This cherry wood furniture design is a beautiful and modern furniture design that has brass detailing that brings out an elegant finish to the furniture. It comes with a dresser that has multiple drawers, as well as side tables to complete the bed set.
The cherry wood is a beautiful color if you’re looking for a rusty and warm theme. It is a very popular choice for bedroom furniture in Pakistan. Not only is it minimal, but also very stylish.
Wall-Mounted Head Rest Bedroom Furniture Design
Source: Pinterest
Wall-mounted headrests are the new thing since 2021! These are making round around the interior industry and is a famous choice for bedroom furniture. Although this falls more on the expensive end of the spectrum, this is a very luxurious and beautiful design that will elevate your bedroom.
It typically comes as a cushioned headrest that is detailed with brass or gold, and on the side, you can incorporate mirrors or leave as be. This is a very lavish bedroom furniture choice that is bound to awe your guests and also create a pleasing and relaxing environment for you.
Extended Headrest Bedroom Furniture Design
Source: Pinterest
This modern bedroom furniture design features an extended headrest that encloses the side table space. It gives off a very neat and minimal look that refines the aesthetic of your bedroom. Because it encloses the side tables, it gives a compact and organized look to your room.
The brass detailing in furniture seems popular, but it is actually optional, you can switch it with any other details or even leave it simple for a clean and sophisticated look.
White Bedroom Furniture Design
Source: Pinterest
This white dreamy aesthetic with a white backdrop is just the calming environment that you need after a long day. White bedroom furniture is a very common choice for people who love a calming and soothing aura.
You can always style white bedroom furniture with cream colors, or pastel hues to keep a cool decor, or switch it up with a pop of dark colors to freshen up the theme of your bedroom every once in a while. White is also an ideal choice if your bedroom is smaller in size, as it gives a more open and wider feel to the room.
Black Bedroom Furniture Design
Source: Pinterest
This one is for all the black enthusiasts, who love a dark and calming vibe to their bedroom. Black is a great color to go with grays and cream shades, as well as silver detailing that gives it an elegant finish.
Black bedroom furniture is a very unique choice that you can make and set a theme for your bedroom. Not only does it look rich and luxurious, but it also sets an elegant theme for your bedroom.
This is better off with a complete set of furniture, with dressing table, cupboards and side tables black as well, since only a black bed set might look singled out for the room.
Mahogany Bedroom Furniture Design
Source: Pinterest
Mahogany wood or color is a very popular choice in bedroom furniture in Pakistan. This is a rich color that goes well with all themes and remains vibrant throughout the years.
If you’re opting for a mahogany colored bed set, try choosing a simple design and bed set with minimal geometric details that will keep your room aesthetically pleasing. The best thing about this is that it can fit in with dark hues, pastel colors, and even contrasting colors.
So if you’re someone with colorful interests, this is the optimum bedroom furniture design for you.
Gray Cushioned Head Rest Bedroom Furniture Design
Source: Pinterest
This cushioned and studded design is a very popular choice in Pakistan, that not only revamps your bedroom look but also gives you a comfortable and relaxing space. The cushioned headrest is very comfortable and also gives a luxurious finish to your bedroom furniture.
It is a modern design that looks ravishing in almost all colors, especially dull tones like mauve, gray, white etc. The best is to pair the bedroom furniture with different hues of the same color for a rich finish.
This article will assist you in choosing the right type of furniture for your bedroom, with all the right aesthetics that will reflect luxury and elegance.
If you’re still confused about the type and size of your furniture for your bedroom, you can look up these 50 small bedroom ideas that you can incorporate while revamping your bedroom.
For more innovative ideas and creative tips, you can follow our blog at Feeta.pk.
Top Bedroom Furniture Ideas in Pakistan to Refine Your Bedroom
- Published in Decoration, International
Plastic Roads | How will they help?
Plastic is a material so hazardous that it may be at the forefront of causing climate change, yet the human population cannot survive without it. For decades, scientists have tried to find a solution to decomposing plastics, yet their research remained unable to decipher this predicament.
The only solution that remains is recycling, and what better way to mass recycle plastics than to make infrastructure out of it. This was the idea behind the innovation of introducing ‘Plastic Roads’ – a cost-effective way of addressing infrastructure needs while simultaneously recycling plastics. Feeta.pk features an in-depth analysis of plastic roads and their impact.
Adverse Effects of Plastics
Before delving into how plastic roads will help, it is essential to first understand how plastics harm the environment. Plastics are responsible for a considerable portion of the world’s overall carbon footprint. Since plastics cannot decompose, they are either recycled, incinerated, or discarded.
The numbers reveal that almost 55 percent of the world’s plastic waste is discarded, and 25 percent is incinerated. This leaves behind only 20 percent of plastic waste that is recycled. These numbers reveal how plastic waste is a threat to our planet, as more than half of this waste ends up in the ocean, damaging marine life, while the incinerated plastic results in more than 850 million tons of greenhouse emissions being pumped into the atmosphere.
How do Plastic Roads help?
Source: Pinterest
A mix of sustainable road construction technology and climate mitigation – plastic roads originated as an experimental idea in India back in 2001. Since then, immense research has been poured into this innovative idea, and the result is an answer to both climate change and sustainable construction.
The initial benefit of plastic roads is the mass recycling of plastic waste. Just a one-kilometer strip of the plastic road can consume and recycle almost 10 tons of plastic waste. If this innovation is implemented worldwide in constructing roads and highways, the globe’s plastic waste would be slashed to almost zero.
Looking at the sustainability side of plastic roads, these innovative roads come with a wide range of benefits compared to regular roads. They offer higher flexibility, durability, and a lifespan three times longer than regular roads. Moreover, the construction materials for regular roads are much more expensive, whereas plastics are practically free, taking down construction costs by several folds.
Construction Process
Source: EnvatoElements
Since the idea is still in its initial phases, the plastic road construction processes vary. Each country has tried to develop a unique formula for making plastic roads. India, the first nation to experiment with this idea, used bitumen and plastic to make its plastic roads. Indonesia has experimented with an asphalt-plastic mix. Plastics remains the common denominator.
Since the construction of plastic roads is rooted in recycled plastics, the source of these plastics is everyday-consumer items such as product packaging and water bottles. However, the end-product of making these roads is unrecognizable, seeming almost similar to a regular concrete asphalt mixture.
The process of making the mixture is straightforward. The plastic waste material is sorted, cleaned, and shredded. The material is melted at around 170 degrees, with bitumen later added to the mixture. This simple mixture is laid out for roads like a regular asphalt concrete mixture. The wet process in plastic road construction is also quite common, consisting of a mixture of plastics, bitumen, and aggregate.
Pakistan’s first-ever Plastic Road
Source: Pinterest
In December 2021, Islamabad made history by laying down a one-kilometer plastic road on Ataturk Avenue, making it the first plastic road in Pakistan. This project was a result of a collaboration between CDA and Coca-Cola Pakistan. This plastic road in Islamabad has made way for these roads to become the future of Pakistan’s road networks, making the country environment-friendly while saving millions in costs.
Tackling not just climate change but also the question of sustainability, plastic roads are truly the future of modern infrastructure. Despite being in its initial stages, several nations have implemented policies for plastics in construction.
This ground-breaking innovation can decrease the world’s greenhouse emissions by billions of tons while making construction cost-effective. If more countries follow suit, plastic roads could become the symbol of restitution for the Earth’s environment.
For more details, visit Feeta.pk – Pakistan’s first online real estate market.
Plastic Roads | How will they help?
Effective Real Estate Marketing Ideas That Every Real Estate Company Should Follow
One cannot object to the fact that comprising a property is an essential matter to discuss. The reason behind this is that in Pakistan, real estate is one of the most beneficial investment opportunities which plays a big part in generating the economy.
But how does this all come into work?
In this blog, Feeta.pk will explain how this is done. And the answer is that real estate companies execute their work through the promotion of real estate companies. Now you might be wondering who promotes the brand and what is the reason behind it?
In today’s time of evolution and development, it has become important to have a marketing team that helps in branding your company. They design such techniques that help to boost the plan and make its presence known. If we talk specifically about the real estate sector, the marketing in real estate chooses the most prominent marketing company to create their name in the market.
In this blog, we will present some interesting and effective marketing ideas that every real estate company should follow
So, let’s have a look!
- Setup a social profile
- Make an attractive business card
- Make yourself easy to contact
- Hire a professional photographer
- Do local sponsorship
- Make your website and application user friendly
- Build google business profile
- Make social media adds
- Keep an eye on your competitor
Now, let us explain every idea in detail!
Setup a Social Profile
The first and most important effective marketing idea is setting up a social profile. This will give your company an instant boost if done correctly. For this, you will have to make social media accounts on all networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Setting up a social profile will help you connect to your clients and also highlight your success stories. Through your social media profile, you will educate your buyers related to real estate and update them with the project that you are working on.
In one way or another, the world is now dependent on social media, you will probably not be able to make your presence without social media as much as you can with the help of it. To make your social media attractive you will have to upload nice photos, catchy captions, and above all, you will have to be active on social media for your clients.
Make an Attractive Business Card
Design an attractive business card for your company. The card should contain all the necessary information such as the name of your company, contact name and number, email, and company address. A business card would represent your company’s brand and it is also considered to be an overall business image of your business.
Your card must be designed in such a way that it inspires people and the desire to contact the company. A business card is also considered a direct marketing tool because in-person meetings lead to sharing of business cards directly to whomever you want to share them with. By this, we can say that a business card can make or break the marketing game for you. The reasons behind this are
- It gives an ease of contact details
- Create a quick first impression
- Gives a personal touch
It is a fact that successful marketing of real estate lies in professional and great photography. Photographs of poor quality will make people lose interest and result in less followership. For this, you must hire a professional photographer who has experience in architecture and home photography. By this, you will be able to make your listings attractive and gain the attention of people and then this will result in helping you to get a potential buyer. Your photos will act as a support to show your clients what you have to offer. Nowadays 3D tours are becoming a popular thing. Your professional photographer can also create a 3D video of your property which will help your clients to have a 3D tour of the house while sitting at home.
Hire a professional photographer today to make your real estate company’s listing more enticing and attractive.
Do Local Sponsorship
Being a local sponsor will help you make your brand be in the spotlight. Be a sponsor at festivals, school events, or a sports team. This means that you can get your business name or brand logo on pamphlets, t-shirts, or flyers. If you will sponsor a local group you will directly become their real estate leader for reference. Some ideas for local sponsorship are
- Donate to charity
- Sports team sponsor
- Sponsor an event such as pet adoption,
- Donate money at local schools
- Contribute monetarily to different building projects
The sponsorship idea completely lies in the motto “spend money to make money” though it is an old saying it is true without any doubt. Therefore real estate companies should take advantage of these sponsorship opportunities and donate to a cause to create a positive impact on society and build maximum exposure for your company.
Make your Website User Friendly
Nowadays people get attracted to what’s easy for them to use and understand. You must formulate a user-friendly website. The reason why a website is important for real estate marketing is that it helps to educate clients and makes it easy for agents to provide them with valuable resources. A website should deliver content that helps buyers throughout the purchasing process. Here are a few features that should be included in your real estate website
- Photos and description of properties
- Searchable listings
- Customer-centric content
- A consistent look
Build Google Business Profile
To make it easy for users to find you on google maps, search and knowledge panel, set up a google business profile. The reason why having a business profile on Google is important is that it is one of the most trusted platforms for authentic reviews. You can make your business rank higher through Google’s business profile. But this is dependent on the regular maintenance of your business profile. This can be done by logging in to your profile daily and adding new content like listings and photos.
Make Social Ads
To create a presence on social media, the feature that helps the most is paid social media ads. Making social ads for your real estate business can result in excessive engagement and an increase in followers on your profile. This feature allows you to choose your target audience with a budget that suits you. Keep in mind to choose a picture or video for a paid ad that is attractive and highlights information that you would want to give to your audience. Social media ads are one of the effective ideas that can help in real estate marketing.
Keep an Eye on your Competitors
In this era of competition, it is important to keep a check on what your competitors in real estate are doing. How are they managing their social media or how does their website look? By this, you can also get an idea of the mistake they are making and you can avoid replicating them. this will help you distinguish how your company can do better. after you do your analysis, you can come up with new ideas that how can you make your company stand out.
So, which way do you think is most effective?
For the latest updates, please stay connected to Feeta Blog – the top property blog in Pakistan.
Effective Real Estate Marketing Ideas That Every Real Estate Company Should Follow
- Published in International, Technology
How to Get to Fairy Meadows? A Complete Guide
The exotic beauty of Pakistan; Fairy Meadows is located at the foot of Nanga Parbat at the western edge of the Himalayan mountain range in Pakistan’s northern region. The road to Fairy Meadows is a picturesque and quite dangerously high mountain track.
If you plan to travel to Pakistan, you must have Fairy Meadows on your bucket list. For more detailed info on travel guides of Pakistan, you can visit the blog page of Feeta.pk, where you can find various blogs on related topics.
In this blog you will find a complete guide to Fairy Meadows, so let’s start this virtual journey.
Some interesting facts about Fairy Meadows Pakistan
Fairy Meadows height from sea level | 3300m |
Height of Nanga Parbat | 8125m |
Temperature | Highest 26 degrees C in July & Lowest 4 degrees C in January |
History Behind the Name
Back in 1953, Australian climber Hermann Bhul gave the name Märchenwiese which means, “Fairy Tale Meadows ”, to this place because of its eye-catching beauty. He became the first person to climb the peak of the Nanga Parbat. The local name of Fairy Meadows is “Joot”.
In 1995 the government of Pakistan declared the place as a national park.
Road to Fairy Meadows
The road to Fairy Meadows is not an easy and simple one. You need to get there by going through a few stages. First of all, you will have to go to Gilgit which is a city located in the North of Pakistan. From there you go to the Raikot bridge, then there is a jeep ride and finally a 2 hrs hike to the destination.
Steps to reach Fairy Meadows:
Follow these steps to reach Fairy Meadows.
Step 1: Go To Gilgit
Now there are a few options you have to reach Gilgit. The first one is to Fly to the city via Islamabad International Airport. Per day there are 3 flights to Gilgit from Islamabad. Fairs are also quite affordable, however, during the summer season the prices go high.
The other option you have is taking a bus from Islamabad to Gilgit. It will be an 18 hour road trip on Karakoram highway. It will cost you less as compared to the previous option; usually around Rs 2500. This bus will drop you off directly at the Raikot Bridge.
Your bus | 18hrs |
Your Airplane | 1hr, 15min |
If you want to avoid traveling through the Karakoram Highway, flying is probably a better option for you. Traveling on the Karakoram highway is enjoyable, yet very frustrating at the same time. Landsliding is very common on this route, and the passage can be blocked for hours and sometimes even for days so this unpredictability can be a bit overwhelming for travelers.
Step 2: Go to Raikot Bridge
80km south of Gilgit we have the Raikot Bridge. It is a 2 hour drive to get there. You can either take a taxi or hitchhike your way to the bridge. The taxi fare is a bit high, it’s around Rs 1000. Also, there is this NACTO bus terminal, you can get into a bus from there that will head towards Chillas.
Step 3: Scariest Jeep Ride
After you have reached the Raikot Bridge, the next destination is Fairy Meadows. There is only one way to reach Fairy Meadows, and that is taking an adventurous jeep ride. It’s a 2 hour drive.
Unlike regular, bumpy mountain rides, this one is going to be crazy. However recently the road was widened after there were a few accidents. So now the road is not as dangerous. The drivers are also experts so there is nothing much to worry about.
Fares are again a little bit high; Rs 8000 for one jeep. However, if 3 or 4 people share the jeep they can split the fare among themselves.
In case you are thinking about it, don’t try to skip the Jeep ride, unless you have no choice but to walk. Police will stop you midway so it’s not worth giving a try.
This ride alone would be one memorable experience for you. This adventure is all worth it because the end destination is the mesmerizing beauty of Fairy Meadows.
Step 4: Hike
Jeeps will pick you up from the Raikot Bridge, and drop you off at the village of Tattu. From there onwards, there is a 2 hour hike to Fairy Meadows. Before leaving the jeep, make sure you tell the driver your departure time and day.
You can also arrange horse porters if you want to. They are usually used for carrying the luggage, the rate is Rs 150 / km. You can also ride the horse up for Rs 1500.
If you want to hike, that’s not a bad option too. The hiking trail is 5km, and it takes about 2-3 hrs to reach Fairy Meadows from there. It can be very hot during summer, so you must be prepared.
Best Time To Travel To Fairy Meadows
April-May and September-October can be the best time to travel to the Fairy Meadows. Also, avoid going on weekends.
This is the time when the place will see relatively fewer travelers because this is not the peak season. There are more chances that you will get to have a place for yourself if you travel during this time, although it will be colder as compared to midsummer.
Fairy Meadows is a quite popular tourist attraction, and every year it sees lots of tourists from all around the world. That being the reason it can get really busy during the peak times like midsummer and public holidays etc.
What To Pack?
Before you start with your journey, the first and foremost things to keep in mind are where you are gonna stay and what you need to pack for it. And if it includes hiking, you must be extra well prepared.
Following are the things that you will need for your hike to Fairy Meadows.
- Any regular Shoes for Hiking
- Water-Proof Jacket
- Map App
- Snacks
- and of course, a backpack to carry all your stuff
Place To Stay
You can either make the reservations beforehand, or you can look around to find a good place to stay.
Ranging from Houses, cottages, hotels, camps, and wooden huts, you will see a pretty fair range of options for accommodation, from which you can choose one that suits you. There is a particular name for Fairy Meadow cottages; “Pari Mehel” which translates to “Fairy Palace”.
Beyal Camps, Pinterest source
The average cost of one room at Fairy Meadows ranges from Rs 2000 to 3000. The most expensive one is Raikot Sarai as it charges Rs 7000 for just one night’s stay.
Raikot Sarai is a camping resort. You can take a jeep from here and that can take you to Tattu village.
Beyal Camp is another good camping place, which is at a distance of a few kilometers from Fairy Meadows. You can hike to Beyal Camp from Fairy Meadows and it takes almost 3-4 hrs.
Reflection Pond
Reflection Lake, Pinterest source
Another tourist attraction at Fairy Meadows is the Reflection Lake. The special feature of this lake is that it shows the crystal clear reflection of the majestic Nanga Parbat aka “the killer mountain” aka the “9th highest mountain in the world”.
The place is rightfully named, Fairy Meadows. This heaven-on-earth place attracts tourists from all around the world for its beautiful views and serenity. The journey to Fairy Meadows might be long and hectic especially since it includes a hike, but when you get there you will forget it all and just won’t want to come back. You can also visit the Feeta blog where you will find more interesting and informative blogs on tourism and various other topics.
How to Get to Fairy Meadows? A Complete Guide
- Published in International, Lifestyle, Tourism
LCBDA auctions 7 plots for Rs34.89bn
LAHORE: The Lahore Central Business Development Authority (LCBDA) auctioned seven commercial plots, titled ‘Downtown Lahore’, worth Rs34.89 billion.
The size of plots auctioned ranged from 12 and 14 Channels. The event organized was attended by international and domestic investors.
The auction jury comprised LCBDA CEO Iman Amin, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Colonies Secretary Jamil Ahmed. Sumair Abid and Kamran Ali Rehman.
While addressing the occasion, LCBDA CEO Imran Amin informed that developers were offered a five-year installment plan.
The event aimed to promote urbanization in the provincial capital. This activity will ensure economic growth and employment generation in the area.
For news and blogs, visit Feeta.pk.
LCBDA auctions 7 plots for Rs34.89bn
- Published in International
Best 5 Marla Corner House Ideas in Pakistan
In Pakistan, 5 Marla houses are a very popular and affordable choice when it comes to choosing the area for a home. This is because it is less costly than other home sizes, and not too small compared to 3 Marla houses in many cities across the country. Because of its high demand and convenience, 5 Marla houses are always the first to be bought out from entire housing schemes and societies.
5 Marla house is 125 sq. M. yards and can accommodate a family of 4 to 5 people depending on the design and architecture of the house. In this specific house size, the most popular demand is for corner houses, given that they typically come with extra land, and because of no house or building on one side, they offer better ventilation and views. If you are looking for design ideas for your Dream 5 Marla Corner House, this article by Feeta.pk has a collective list of corner houses that you can incorporate into your house design.
Considerable Factors for Choosing 5 Marla Corner House Ideas in Pakistan
Budget-Friendly Planning:
When choosing front elevation and architecture for your house, remember to keep the range of your budget in mind. Certain materials, wood, and paint can cause a hike in your finances. Typically, 5 Marla Corner houses are cheaper compared to 5 Marla houses located centrally between other houses. So if you’re smart with choosing your design, you can build your dream house within your budget.
Front Elevation and Architecture of House:
Since 5 Marla Corner houses have more space for creativity in terms of interior and exterior design, you can be unique and creative according to your liking in this. The placement of windows, the balcony, and the architecture of the house should be for what you want and like. Elements like corner windows, glass boundaries for balconies, and a small lawn can add a very soothing effect to your home’s overall feel and look. While deciding on your designs, it is necessary to keep in view that both the interior and exterior of the house complement each other.
A Family Discussion is Due:
Well, choosing designs for your home is a family matter which you need to decide and plan together. This includes the number of bedrooms, their liking, and the design they want.
Design for 5 Marla Corner House – Option 1
5 Marla Corner houses are usually designed keeping in mind the front and side elevation that comes in plain sight. For such compact houses, it is important to spare space for a small balcony and window to keep the ventilation good. This house specifically has both, along with a careful modern design that does not include a lot of cuts, yet still comes out as a contemporary design. The detailing with different textures and color combinations in brown and gray elevate the look of the house, along with a small garage space to park your car in.
Design for 5 Marla Corner House – Option 2
This 5 marla corner house design is a double story home that touches two roads being the corner plot. The use of dark and light gray with white and wood brings out the contemporary design and architecture of the houses, along with giving them a larger look than their size. The overall style of this house is vertical given the windows and cuts and comes with a balcony that doubles as the roof of your garage. This is a common practice for 5 Marla house designs.
Design for 5 Marla Corner House – Option 3
A stylish and simplistic edge to your 5 Marla corner house gives it a rich and luxurious look, along with an openness that comes with subtle colors. Using white in small spaces is an excellent choice to enhance the exterior as well as the interior design of any house. Besides this, the overall elevation of the house is very clean cut with a minimal design that makes up a contemporary home.
Design for 5 Marla Corner House – Option 4
Modern architecture has transformed the shape of 5 Marla corner houses with sleek designs and minimal decor that gives a simple front elevation a unique edge. The use of wooden panels and vertical lines gives the house a very symmetrical and neat finish and also makes up for the design of a house. Here we can see that the balcony has a glass boundary finish, along with a rustic wooden look that combines white, brownish gray and wood brown.
Design for 5 Marla Corner House – Option 5
This 5 Marla corner house has a unique and modern front elevation that is enhanced with the use of lighting around the house. Paneling and using different textures in the house is the new way to go, contrary to the old fashioned use of paint and gold brass around the houses. The simpler you are willing to keep a design of the front elevation, the more house will look elegant, especially for corner houses that are visible from 2 sides.
Design for 5 Marla Corner House – Option 6
Use of LED lights, brown wood panels, and white paint, a beautiful combination for your corner 5 Marla house. This beautiful house is a great option if you’re looking for a sleek yet stylish front elevation design, that comes around with the use of light gray tiles. This design is not too costly as well, as it has very neat cuts and windows that give the house a spacious look. We can also not the placement of garage, where the gate complements the house altogether.
You can choose from these modern and sleek options that will elevate the look of your 5 Marla corner house. If you’re looking for more design ideas and house plans for your 5 Marla dream house, follow our blog at Feeta.pk.
Best 5 Marla Corner House Ideas in Pakistan
- Published in Architecture & Art, International
Everything you need to know about HBFC Home Loans
In Pakistan, becoming a homeowner is a dream for many. However, the country’s soaring real estate market has made it impossible for many to achieve this dream, especially for the lower- and middle-income classes. If the current trends continue, these groups would be excluded entirely from the market.
To tackle this issue, the government of Pakistan launched a home financing initiative known as the Home Building Finance Company (HBFC), with the sole purpose of providing easy-installment home loans. The company continues to help those wanting to become homeowners through its financial assistance programs.
For those that want to know more about how to avail of these loans, Feeta.pk features everything you need to know about HBFC home loans.
A little about the Company
Established in 1952, House Building Finance Company (HBFC) is the country’s only real estate financing institution. With regional offices and area branches spread all over Pakistan, the institution aims at providing financial assistance to every Pakistani struggling with housing needs.
Over the years, the company has launched several programs to provide affordable housing to the lower- and middle-income classes. Programs such as ‘Ghar Pakistan’ and ‘Ghar Aasan Flexi’ allowed millions of Pakistanis to become homeowners with minimal debt.
Currently, the company’s objective is to reduce the demand and supply gap of residential units in the country, allowing the majority of the masses to own a home.
HBFC Home Loans
Despite majorly targeting the middle- and lower-income groups in the country, HBFC home loans are also available for almost all individuals that need some sort of financial assistance in closing the deal. Currently, the company offers three types of loans to its clients.
- Purchase of House or Flat
- House Construction
- Balance Transfer
These loans have extended to livestock owners, farm owners, and non-resident Pakistanis. These flexible payment solutions aim to assist anyone in Pakistan that requires finances for their housing needs.
Who is Eligible for an HBFC home loan?
Since the program’s primary objective is to facilitate lower and middle-income groups, a strict eligibility criterion has been set. To be eligible for the ‘Ghar Pakistan Scheme’, your monthly income should be below 100,000 PKR, while the ‘Ghar Pakistan Scheme Plus’ requires a monthly income below 175,000 PKR.
Affluent individuals can also apply for a home loan through the ‘Ghar Sahulat Scheme’. However, these loans offer higher interest rates since the target audience of these loans are the lower-income groups.
Moreover, those applying for the HBFC home loans must be salaried individuals, self-employed business owners, and self-employed professionals. For verification purposes, HBFC requires a one-year bank statement, monthly utility bills, and a salary slip.
How to Apply for an HBFC Home Loan
Source: HBFC
If you are unfamiliar with the application process for an HBFC home loan, simply follow the instructions below.
- Head over to the HBFC home loans website at hbfc.com.pk.
- Click on the ‘loan inquiry form’ option. This will take you to the next webpage, where you will need to enter your details and other credentials.
- Once the inquiry form has been submitted, the company loan agent will review the application and contact you within two to three working days.
- During the screening process, you can check your loan status on the company’s website at any time.
- After an initial screening of your inquiry, you will need to submit an application with the required documents and other processing fees.
- The next step involves filing a few legal documents for financing and security purposes.
- If approved, the loan amount will immediately be disbursed as decided in the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Pakistan’s real estate market is set to exclude middle- and lower-income groups, making it impossible for them to become homeowners. HBFC home loans aim to combat this exponential increase in prices by providing low-interest home loans with easy installments. For more information, visit Feeta.pk, Pakistan’s first online real estate market.
Everything you need to know about HBFC Home Loans
- Published in Housing Finance, International, Real Estate Guide
Sheesh Mahal | Why is it a wonder?
Sheesh Mahal – The palace of the mirrors or Crystal Palace, located at Shah Burj block in the Lahore Fort’s northern-western corner, is a testimonial of extravagant art and magnificence. It was built between 1631 and 1632 during the time of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The structure exhibits Shah Jahani choice and style in every aspect. Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh subsequently made the additional extensions. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 as part of the larger Lahore Fort Complex. It is known as the “jewel in the Fort’s crown” since it is one of the 21 monuments built by successive Mughal kings inside Lahore Fort. Feeta.pk highlights the characteristics of Sheesh Mahal and explains how it is still a wonder today.
Lahore’s walled city is filled with stories of love, passion, romance, and exquisiteness. Architectural structures stand there as a testimony of magnificence and splendor. You’ll come across many stories of passion, desire, intricacy, and grandeur while wandering around the fort. The atmosphere surrounding you will be fascinated by such stories. Those who search out the secrets of the Lahore Fort will find them. Apart from being a stronghold, it was the Mughal dynasty‘s preferred residence that prompted them to build luxurious rooms for the great palace.
The elegant white marble pavilion is decorated with intricate mirror work, exquisite hard stone, and unique embellishments. The royal family and close associates had exclusive access to the hall. As you climb up the massive elephant stairs after entering Lahore fort, you will reach the renowned and spectacular Sheesh mahal. If you stand at one corner of Sheesh Mahal, which is currently located in Greater Iqbal Park, you can see the Badshahi Mosque, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s Samadhi, and the Minar-e-Pakistan. It’s a breathtaking panorama that shows the progression of history.
During the Sikh Empire, Ranjit Singh’s favorite spot was Shah Burj. Over the top of Sheesh Mahal, he established a harem. The significant use of white marble and hierarchical elements of the construction represents the Shah Jahani architecture.
The courtyard is accessed by the façade, which is made up of five arcaded marble rooted by paired columns. The pavilion is shaped like a semi-octagon and comprises apartments with plated pinnacles, finely adorned hard stone, and convex glass mosaics with hundreds of little mirrors. In geometric and tendril designs, stucco tracery and carved marble screens are further decorative highlights. Precious stones are embedded in the engraved dividers and bases. The central hall’s roof stands two stories high. The hall was initially covered with fresco murals, later replaced with multicolored glass mosaic.
Sheesh, Mahal was designated as a protected monument under the Antiquities Act by Pakistan’s Department of Archeology in 1975. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 as part of the Lahore Fort Complex broader. Additional structures on top of Sheesh Mahal during Punjab’s later Sikh and British administration contributed to the dead load, making the edifice prone to collapse. And it wasn’t until 2006 that the ceiling’s faults were fully rectified, and the structure was restored.
Sheesh Mahal has been preserved entirely as a memorial to Mumtaz’s passion and love for Shah Jahan. The love story that led to the creation of this edifice is as remarkable as the structure itself. According to folklore, Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s adored wife, wished to float in the stars as she saw in her dreams, and to make her desire come true, Shah Jahan had it built for her in Lahore. Unfortunately, she died before she could enter the palace, leaving the king saddened. Later, Shah Jahan had his soldiers build the Taj Mahal in India as a tribute to her.
Sheesh Mahal is undoubtedly a wonder even today. Any visitor entering the palace can not help but get mesmerized and awe-struck by the magnificence and beauty of the palace. The palace still tells stories and exhibits exquisiteness and love in every detail. The walls take you through history and provide an unforgettable experience. The palace reminds us of the great architects who created this magnificent edifice.
It is extremely important that we value our cultural heritage and preserve our extraordinary unique architectural marvels.
Watch this space for more information on that. Stay tuned to Feeta Blog for the latest updates about Pakistan Real Estate.
Sheesh Mahal | Why is it a wonder?
- Published in Architecture & Art, International
5 Ways on How to Start Preparing your Retirement Plan
Are you worried about your post-retirement days? Though you have worked hard your entire life for your family and still want your finances to be ongoing. It is a great idea to start thinking of a retirement plan and by this, you will be able to accomplish your wishes with financial independence.
A retirement plan in simple words can be defined as making preparations for your future by planning today. It is important to design a retirement plan that suits your needs. The preparation for retirement planning includes
- Deciding when will you retire
- Formulating a retirement plan
- Estimate the amount of money you will be needing
- Planning investment to earn profit from your retirement saving
- Plan about your healthcare
- Calculate your mortgage
Managing your financial plan might seem a bit crucial because it determines the source of your income and your expenses as well. This is important because it helps in formulating a retirement budget by your plan. People entering retirement age mostly don’t plan for the time when they will no longer be working. But it is very important to ponder upon it at least 25 years before your retirement age to maximize as much profit as you can.
In Pakistan, it has been seen that unfortunately, people start thinking about retirement plans after they enter their 50s. Which is very little time to prepare and execute a retirement plan.
If you want to spend your time without depending on anyone for financial assistance, whether that might be your healthcare expenses, your joy and fun activities, or your daily expenditure, here are some ideas that will help you in your post-retirement days.
Feeta.pk in this blog lists down five ways how to start preparing your retirement plan.
- Buying a commercial property
- Investing in a plot
- Opening a retirement saving account
- Buying real estate for rental income
- Purchasing lifetime insurance
Buying a Commercial Property
If you don’t want to rent out your commercial property, starting a business of your own is a big yes!
Buying a commercial property to run your business is one of the greatest ideas for your retirement plan. If you already have some experience in business this will be the cherry on top to utilize your commercial property for running your own business. The most convenient ideas for business setup include opening up a bakery, general store, or grocery shop. Other than this there are ample ideas that can work best for a business setup, which primarily are a café or a restaurant, a fitness or center, a salon, or a boutique. One of the main things that need to be kept in mind before starting a business at the commercial property is the location. Therefore it is very important to plan a business that is beneficial for you in the long run. Business is a nice idea to stay busy and earn even after your retirement, also you can always hire people for help if it’s not easy for you to work full time.
Investing in a Plot
When it comes to investing in a plot, two things can be done depending on your budget, buying a plot file or a plot
A plot file can be defined as a document that the housing societies issue before they are developed. For long-term real estate investors in Pakistan, this is considered to be one of the most popular investments. The rates of the files about the plots are increased once the possession is announced and the plot is allocated. The buyer must thoroughly check and analyze the place where they are planning to invest and if you are choosing this as a retirement plan then you will have to be very careful so that when you invest your money in a plot file, you get a long- term profit from it.
The second option is buying a plot. Once you have bought a plot, you resell it at a higher price after some time. This is considered to be the safest and most popular investment. Usually, smart investors buy plots in areas that are underdeveloped and then wait until the area is fully developed and the price of it increases.
Opening a Retirement Saving Account
If you want to start saving your money for post-retirement days, opening a saving account is one of the options. So if you are planning to start a retirement fund then open a savings account. The benefit of this will not only be saving your money but also generating profit on your deposit. In Pakistan, almost all the banks allow their clients to have this particular type of account and obtain interest periodically. These accounts are not fixed accounts and you can easily withdraw money from them at any time from your debit card, online banking service, or checkbook. This is one of the most ideal plans for your retirement. If you are self-employed or even salaried, opening a savings account is a great idea.
Buying a Real Estate for Rental Income
If real estate investment is new to you, it is better to familiarize yourself with it so that once you invest in real estate you can obtain maximum profit out of it. Not just for real estate but for any investment that you plan to do, you must start researching about it thoroughly.
If you are someone who owns more than one residential property, you can easily rent it out for your post-retirement days and fulfill your financial needs from the rent that you will get from that property. In case you don’t have more than one residential unit, you can start saving for more units as a retirement plan. Real estate for rental income is a remunerative investment option if you are planning your retirement. The reason why it is profitable is that it gives you a constant return on money that you have spent on it. It is understood that renting out your property is a bit of a hassle, but for this, if you prepare a proper agreement with the tenants and make them aware of your rights, it won’t be as difficult as it seems.
Purchasing Lifetime Insurance
If you are looking for a practical retirement plan, purchasing life insurance is the answer. In simple words, it can be described as an agreement between the insurance company and the policyholder. The company promises to pay an amount after a period once the policy has matured and in return for this, the policyholder makes payment to the company either monthly or yearly. This is a smart way of saving money for your old age.
Other than this life insurance companies also offer various benefits such as accidental disability or hospitalization. This will help you in not being worried in case of emergency about your health-related expenses.
Companies that offer Life Insurance in Pakistan
It is better to start thinking about your life insurance from an early age, for instance when you enter your late 20s start thinking about purchasing a life insurance policy.
Why is Retirement Plan Important?
It is better to realize the importance of a retirement plan before you can no longer work. Here are a few reasons why having a retirement plan is important.
- It helps in the fulfillment of one’s dream
- Ensures financial independence
- Helps you meet the needs of family members who are financially dependent on you
- Ensures that money is available upon urgent need whether that’s related to health or any other circumstance
- An increase in the average life expectancy has been noticed
- Relying only on pension is risky
Some Retirement Facts:
- Normal retirement age is between 60-65 years
- Early retirement age is 10 years before the normal retirement age
- Late retirement age is 5 years after the normal retirement age
- Members account balance will be used to purchase an annuity, on retirement
- A tax-free sum of 25% of the account balance will be received by the member upon retirement
It is never too early to start thinking about your retirement plan. In this blog, Graana.com has listed down the five most popular and beneficial ideas for your post-retirement days. It depends on you which plan you think is most suitable and can benefit you in the long term.
To have a stress-free life, you should gear up and start planning for your post-retirement days for not only a regular income but to grow your money as well. This will help you in the days when you don’t want to be dependent on anyone, your kids, or on your family and also when you can no longer work. You can adopt any of the plans mentioned in this blog for a relaxing time during your retirement days.
So, what’s your pick?
Contact Feeta.pk today for investment opportunities to earn even after your retirement.
5 Ways on How to Start Preparing your Retirement Plan
- Published in International, Technology
Development of Islamabad’s Sector E-12/4 in the offing
ISLAMABAD: The development of Islamabad’s sector E-12/4 will be launched soon.
In this regard, the Capital Development Authority has invited bids to start work on the sector. The authority received offers from 5 contractors, with the lowest standing at Rs289.81 million.
As per plans, the development will include construction of roads, including main roads and service roads, installation of street lights, sewerage system with a drainage system and water supply pipelines and development of green belts and public parks.
The authority informed that the proposal of the new sector has already been submitted to the commission formed under the federal government to revise the master plan of the capital city.
For news and blogs, visit Feeta.pk.
Development of Islamabad’s Sector E-12/4 in the offing
- Published in Everyday News, International
How to Check the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority List
The government of Pakistan has launched several initiatives over the years to facilitate federal government employees. One such perquisite is the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). The authority is responsible for introducing new housing schemes in the capital and allocating a quota for government employees.
However, accessing the FGEHA list can be a hassle if you’re not familiar with the procedure. To ease the process, Feeta.pk features a guide on how to check the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority list.
A little about the FGEHA
The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority was established in 2019 under the ordinance of the President of Pakistan. The objective behind creating this body was to ensure a safe and secure shelter for the lower-income groups in the capital that are currently residing in impoverished settlements or ‘katchi abadis’.
The FGEHA aims to deliver new housing units to federal employees at low and affordable costs, ensuring every employee becomes a homeowner. Currently, the authority is planning on pushing in almost five million low-cost units into the market, with federal employees being at the utmost priority for the allocation of these houses.
The government hopes that this initiative will be able to tackle the status quo in the country’s real estate market which completely excludes middle- and low-income groups, while extracting immense profits from the ones that can afford it. By pushing more units into the market, the demand for housing will decrease, allowing the skyrocketing prices to descend.
How to Check the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority List
Source: FGEHA
The process for checking the FGEHA list is quite simple. Follow the instructions given below to access the list.
- Head over to the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority’s official website.
- At the top side of the webpage, you will find several drop-down menus. Select the ‘membership drive’ drop-down menu.
- The drop-down list will offer various options for different memberships. Click on your allocated membership program.
Source: FGEHA
- The next webpage will have the message ‘click here to login. Click on this message and this will take you to the login page.
- Once you reach the login page, add your credentials to the specified fields. Enter your CNIC number (without dashes) and your password.
Source: FGEHA
- After logging in, the details of your membership will be available on your screen.
- If you encounter any issue while logging in or if there is no information regarding your membership, you can file a complaint at ‘complaint@fgeha.gov.pk’ to have the issue resolved.
- For any other issue or query regarding your membership in the program, you can visit the FGEHA office in G-10/4, Islamabad.
Pakistan’s government is known for its generous well-fare programs for its employees. The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority is one of such programs, making way for lower and middle-income employees to become homeowners in the country’s capital. The government is planning to expand the program to allow more federal employees to become part of the FGEHA list in the near future.
For more information, visit Feeta.pk Pakistan’s first online real estate market.
How to Check the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority List
World Bank Estimates Capacity of Punjab’s Real Estate to Generate Rs400 Billion in Tax Revenue
In a recent report published by the World Bank, the international body has identified potential in two out of three major areas of tax revenue collection. The major areas are mainly Services Sales Tax, Urban Immovable Property Tax (UIPT), and Stamp Duty, among which the latter two are exclusively related to the real estate sector. As per the report, these two areas can collectively bring Punjab’s real estate sector to generate revenue of up to Rs400 billion if it is incorporated with the modern techniques of digital mapping.
UIPT is duly gathered by E&TD (Excise and Taxation Department), whereas the BoR is responsible for collecting the stamp duty. Improved and digitized land records assist in improving system analysis and coordination of the two main land-related tax authorities ie E&TD and BoR, in addition to implementing Stamp Duty and UIPT. Because of this integration between the two land tax authorities, Punjab real estate has shown the prospect of generating the highest revenue in tax.
As per the WB report, Punjab’s urban housing gap is expected to reach up to 11.3 million units by the year 2047. This gap is being generated by the rising population, migration of people from rural to urban areas in the country, unnamed and abandoned lands, and a decline in the existing housing stock. An estimated 2 to 2.5 million units are being constructed in Punjab under the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency.
Mainland records in Pakistan currently fall under the responsibility of provincial Boards of Revenues (BoRs). All Register of Deeds, Mortgages and Property Transfers are maintained here, as per person-based records, along with the facility of cadastral maps. BoRs typically stemmed from only rural records initially. With the unplanned expansion of urban areas around the city center, eventually, city centers were also included in this. For private housing agencies and cantonments, the responsibility of keeping records of plots and properties is on their end.
The World Bank reports the effect of the absence of standardized systems in keeping records of property rights in urban areas, and there are significant challenges that are keeping the revenue at par. These challenges include lengthy dispute resolutions, overlapping records of registries, inequitable taxation and a lack of property rights information for authorities to perform their responsibilities. Women from urban areas face extreme marginalization in their property rights and loss of inheritance due to a lack of transparency in property ownership, cultural restrictions, forceful property transfers etc.
Federal and provincial governments have come to the realization that such challenges may hinder the possibility of achieving the goals of the Naya Pakistan Housing Program of constructing about 2.5 million low-cost homes in Punjab. To resolve these issues, the World Bank has proposed an amount of $ 150 million on their behalf to develop and improvise the ‘Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement Project’.
This expense breaks down into four components; $ 103 Million for cadastral maps for Land Records Management and Information Systems (LRMIS) and digitization of records, and another $ 3 million for Land for Housing, to make the process of identification and evaluation easier. LRMIS proves to be extremely beneficial for keeping track of property and land rights and combining it with cadastral mapping systems such as PropSure bringing authenticity and transparency to the digitized land record systems.
Digital cadastral mapping assists in the integration of multiple registrations of a land area and designates it under a single and unique identifier. This process helps in enabling a seamless process that allows clarity and authenticity in the real estate sector
The remaining amount of about $ 35 Million is designated for the establishment of Land Information Systems to combine the rural and urban land records. The project risks environmental damage posed due to mass construction. Still, it is the solution to the current housing and land record issues in the system.
For more news and information on the latest property trends and developments, follow our blog at feeta.pk.
World Bank Estimates Capacity of Punjab’s Real Estate to Generate Rs400 Billion in Tax Revenue
- Published in International, Real Estate
Commonly Used Sands For Construction
When you think of building materials, what comes to your mind?
It’s most likely stone, cement, steel bars, etc. However, one other material is fundamental to construction: sand. When mixed with other construction materials, it provides strength and adds bulk. Its tenacious properties make it vital for building materials. On Feeta.pk, you can find many informative blogs regarding construction materials, etc.
Sand has been used in construction materials for ages. It is mainly obtained from the sea, beach, river, and desert. There are many different types of sand, and each serves a different purpose. It’s crucial to know the kinds of sand because you will decide which one would be suitable for your project based on that.
Types of Commonly Used Sands For Construction
Sand is classified into different types based on its grain size, color, shape of granules, binding power, bulk, and price.
Concrete Sand
Following are the characteristics of concrete sand.
Source
As the name suggests, concrete sand is made from crushed concrete. After crushing, the sand is filtered to remove impurities and larger fragments. It mainly consists of limestone, granite rock, and gneiss.
Its Nature and Shape
It is coarse and has relatively smaller particles than crushed stone sand. Its particles are sharp and angular in shape, making them rough and less absorbent.
Its Use
After mixing it with water and cement, it is used for constructing patios, sidewalks, etc.
Other than that, some other uses of concrete sand include leveling medium, bedding pipe, and de-icing.
Pit Sand
Following are the characteristics of Pit sand.
Source
Pit sand is found naturally in deep pits about 2 to 3 meters underground.
Its Nature and Shape
It is also coarse sand with sharp, rough, and angular grains, enabling it to have the perfect binding properties. It is reddish-orange as it contains iron-oxide in it. It usually has zero salts in it compared to sea sand.
Its Use
Due to this reason, it absorbs less moisture, hence making it more suitable for building and construction purposes. Its binding properties make the buildings rigid and stronger.
River Sand
Following are the characteristics of River sand.
Source
The other name for river sand is natural sand. It is found naturally near the streams and banks of rivers.
Shape and Size
It is white-gray and has a really fine structure. Because of its particles’ extremely fine form and softness, it is in high demand for construction work.
Its Uses
Mainly it is used for construction, masonry work, RCC, plastering, block works, etc. It requires less water because of the already trapped moisture in its particles.
It is cheaper than other types of sand because it is found naturally. You need to keep it in mind before using it for construction to make sure that it has less than 5% silica because it generally tends to have higher amounts of silica in it.
Manufactured Sand or M-Sand
Following are the characteristics of M-sand.
Source
It is an artificial type of sand that is manufactured in factories. This sand is used mainly as a substitute for the fine river sand. With the rise in demand for fine quality sand, M-sand has been used more and more. One significant advantage of using this sand is that it cuts the cost of transporting the natural sand from rivers to the construction site. Hard granite goes through crushing, sieving, and washing, and then this river sand-like sand is formed.
Shape and Size
Its granules are angularly shaped, which helps in creating an excellent bonding when used in construction material.
Its Uses
It requires a high amount of water, but it can be compensated by using cement.
Because being manufactured artificially in the factories contains zero silt or any other forms of impurities. Besides being economical, it has fewer chances of adulteration because it’s being prepared under control conditions.
Mortar Sand
Mortar sand is also called masonry sand. It is widely used for landscaping and construction. Masonry sand is a suitable type of sand often used in construction.
Shape and Size
Because it has almost the same-sized grains, it has a smooth and fine structure.
Its Uses
Besides masonry work, it is also used for many other purposes, particularly for exterior finishings because of its nice appearance.
Fill Sand
Following are the characteristics of Fill sand.
Source
As the name tells us, fill sand is mainly used in construction work for serving. Many different sand grains are mixed with aggregate to get this sand. Particularly, fill sand is all finely crushed rock particles that have gone through the process of erosion.
Its Uses
It is a perfect base material for the construction of buildings because of its compaction properties. It can also be used as a backfill to stop drainage in underground concrete tanks.
No matter what type of sand you choose for your project, some things must be considered. The silt material should always be less than 3%, and there should be no traces of any kind of impurities. Also, you should analyze the sand type that you are buying and check whether it is suitable for your project or not. As sand is one of the basic materials used for construction, your carefully chosen sand type can make a difference in the structure’s strength and durability.
For the latest updates, please stay connected to Feeta Blog – the top property blog in Pakistan.
Commonly Used Sands For Construction
- Published in Construction, Infrastructure, International, Real Estate, Technology
Building Control South announces crackdown against encroachments in Zone 4.5
CDA Building Control South Director Shafi Marwat has ordered a campaign against illegal residential and commercial construction in Zone Four and Five.
In this regard, the authority has formed two teams – with Deputy Director Javed Zehri in charge of the Zone Four team while Deputy Director Sajjad Bajwa will oversee the operation in Zone Five.
Director South Shafi Marwat has instructed the concerned teams to write a letter to the Enforcement Directorate to stop illegal constructions in the stated areas.
For news and blogs, visit Feeta.pk.
Building Control South announces crackdown against encroachments in Zone 4.5
- Published in Everyday News, Graana News, International
9 Things to Consider Before Investing in Real Estate in 2022
Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
This quote perfectly summed up the advantages of investing in real estate and for all the right reasons. Real estate is said to be one of the most lucrative investment opportunities around the globe and, Pakistan is no exception.
In Pakistan, real estate is considered to be one of the most common and widely practiced investment opportunities. Every year, millions of people invest in real estate because of its benefits and financial rewards.
Why Should You Invest in Real Estate?
And, we will tell you why you should invest in real estate.
We have jotted down some of the pointers that will help you understand the advantages of real estate investment in depth.
Real estate is one of the best investment opportunities out there because of the following reasons:
- You get full ownership of the tangible asset.
- You can easily mitigate the risk associated with real estate by being strategic and informed about the latest real estate market trends. In short, it is easy to predict the real estate market.
- Property owners get certain tax relaxations on their property.
- Real estate comes with stability. Unlike other investment opportunities such as stocks, real estate investment is stable and prices appreciate over time.
- You have control over your investment and you do not have to rely on external sources to manage your property.
- Real estate does not get affected by severe economic conditions. In short, real estate ensures safety from inflation hedge.
- There are multiple uses of real estate. You can use it for accommodation, renting, reselling and leasing.
- Real estate faces less market volatility in terms of prices and risk.
- Real estate yield a high rate of returns.
If you are planning on investing in real estate make sure to know the pros and cons of investing in real estate and tax on property.
Things to Consider Before Investing in Real Estate in 2021
Before making any kind of investment in real estate, do consider the following factors:
- Diversified Portfolio
- Credibility
- Customer Base
- Transparency
- Safe and Secure Investment
- Location
- Research about Market Trends
- Installment Plans and Down Payments
- Money-Back Policy
1. Diversified Portfolio
In real estate, there are high chances of portfolio diversification. It means you have many opportunities to invest in. You can invest in commercial properties, residential properties, and industrial areas and vice versa. Check out factors affecting the real estate market.
It is important to know about the different real estate options and how you can use them to reap financial benefits.
For instance, residential properties can be used for accommodation, rentals and bread and breakfast services. On the other hand, commercial spaces are solely dedicated to business and commerce.
2. Credibility
Before investing, always consider the credibility and records of the real estate company. Make sure that their product offerings are approved by local developmental authorities. Also, ask around and try to know as much as you can about the company.
Also, if they have an online presence, visit their social media accounts and read the customers’ reviews.
3. Customer Base
Try to contact the people who have been the customers of that specific company. Ask questions and try to grasp as much knowledge as you can.
Sometimes, others can provide you with valuable insights as well. So, listen carefully and try to gain as much knowledge as you can.
Also, the ratio of the customer base is crucial because it tells you about the success rate and credibility of the company. The higher the customer base, the higher is the worth of the company.
4. Transparency
Transparency is the most important element in real estate. It ensures the validity and reliability of the company. Before financing any sort of real estate project, make sure that the operations and processes of the company are clear and transparent.
There are many real estate agencies out there that do not ensure transparency. For instance, they will not inform you about all the costs associated with the property such as maintenance costs vice versa.
5. Safe and Secure Investment
Before investing, make sure that the investment is 100% safe and secure and there are no hidden terms and conditions attached to your purchase. By safety, we mean that your money will be safe with the company and your money will not get blocked in any way possible.
A good investment is secure, gives you ROI and has high liquidity. If all these three elements are present in your investment, you are good to go.
If you are looking for transparent and secure real estate projects within major cities of Pakistan, we suggest you have a look at the following projects:
These projects are located at prime locations, making them stand out from the crowd. If you have low capital, don’t worry, because you can still invest in these lucrative projects. You can invest in these projects from 17 lacs and onwards.
The best thing about these projects is that they will provide you with annual estimate gains and a money-back policy.
6. Location
The location of your investment can make all the difference. For instance, if you are investing in a shop in a commercial hub, your chances to benefit from the investment may improve by many folds. Similar is the case with residential properties. Residential properties will not only ensure a good resale value but it will also yield good rentals. Checkout invest in a shop or a house.
7. Research Market Trends
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that the construction and housing sector has been consistently higher than nine percent over the past decade.
It is crucial to be informed and up to date with all the latest market trends and news. It will not only allow you to make a better and more informed investment decision but it will also help you to become a risk aversive.
8. Installment Plans and Down Payments
Many real estate projects sound lucrative and attractive. However, they may come with a high price and risks. For instance, some firms have very rigid installment plans. Look for projects that offer you flexible and easy to pay installments.
Also, be clear about the down payments. Usually, if you will pay a larger down payment, you will have to pay easy and manageable installments and your number of installments will also reduce.
9. Money-Back Policy
Not all real estate firms offer a money-back policy. However, Feeta.pk Pakistan’s smartest property portal offers money-back policy.
It means that if you think your investment purchased by Feeta is not making money, you can always sell it back to the company. Feeta is providing real estate investment solutions. No one offers such services in Pakistan where you get a secure and transparent investment opportunity with a money-back option.
These are some of the factors that are of pivotal importance. Make sure you consider all of these before making any kind of investment.
If you want to know more about real estate like 1 marla to square feet follow real estate podcasts, real estate books, real estate youtube channels, and real estate blogs.
If you have any questions or confusion, let us know. We will be more than glad to help you out. Get to know top insurance companies in Pakistan.
Disclaimer:
None of the information published in this article should be constructed as investment advice. We strongly advise our readers to always do their due diligence before investing in any project. It is the reader’s responsibility to know the laws regarding investments in their region.
Watch this space for more information on that. Stay tuned to Feeta Blog for the latest updates about Pakistan Real Estate.
9 Things to Consider Before Investing in Real Estate in 2022
- Published in International, Real Estate
Land and Property Laws Everyone Should Know About
Land and property; two reciprocal terms
Land and property are two terms that are interchangeable and often come together. Property can be defined as a thing that is owned by a person; it can be tangible and intangible or movable or immovable. Let’s make it more simple and define it as having a legal title over something considered to be your property. Land and property together are explained as a piece of land or real estate owned by a person under legal laws.
What is the difference between movable and immovable property?
Between movable and immovable a variation is drawn in Pakistan, immovable property is defined as the things that are attached to the earth. ie buildings and land plus the benefits that are to come from land or anything that is attached to the earth but under the laws, grass, crops, and machinery embedded in or attached to the land. Considerable movable property is defined as anything that is not included in immovable property is movable property, therefore, the definition of movable property is given about immovable property.
What is the definition of land in Pakistan?
Not only Under the constitution of Pakistan 1973 but also other laws related to land, property rights are protected and have always been brought into notice. Articles under the constitution of the Islamic republic that focus on property rights are articles 23, 24, 172, and 173.
Let’s have a look at these important articles that explain land ownership in Pakistan.
Article 23 of the Constitution of Pakistan:
Under Article 23 it is stated that “every citizen shall have the right to acquire, hold and dispose of the property in any part of Pakistan, subject to the constitution and any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the public interest.”
Article 24 of the Constitution of Pakistan:
About the acquisition of private property article 24 makes the following statement. “No property shall be compulsorily acquired or taken possession of saving for a public purpose, and save by the authority of law which provides for compensation therefore and either fixes the amount of compensation or specifies the principles on and how compensation is to be determined and given. ”
Article 172 of the Constitution of Pakistan:
In article 172, it is stated that “any property which has no rightful owner shall be located in a province, vest in the government of that province and every other case, in the federal government.”
The article simply means that firstly, minerals, land, and other valuable things that are within the continent or beyond territorial waters of Pakistan come under the ownership of the federal government, and secondly, natural gas and mineral oil that is found within the provincial territory shall be equally divided amongst the federal and the provincial government.
Article 173 of the Constitution of Pakistan:
The last article that talks about the protection of land and property laws, article 173 states “the federal and provincial government can grant, sell, dispose or mortgage any property that vests in them. These governments can purchase or acquire property. All properties acquired for the federation or of a province shall vest in the federal government or the concerned provincial government. ”
In Pakistan, the land is divided into three basic categories; private owned land, state-owned land, and village common land.
Private owners of the land have all the rights to gift, sell, exchange or even dispose of their private land to whomever or however they want but by the legal rules and regulations.
State land is also known as crown land ie Sarkaari Zameen is the land that is under the control of the government, Federal, Provincial or Local. In some cases, state land is given to the citizens under some schemes such as horse studs, cattle breeding, etc. in this scenario the land is under the control of the government but is possessed by the citizens.
Village common land termed as “Shamilat land” is the land given by the state to the owners of a village which can be used for the common purposes of the village community. Every person who is recorded as an owner of land in a village is also a joint owner in shamilat.
What is the difference between Commercial and Personal Property Law?
Commercial Property Law:
The property that is used for business purposes is termed as commercial property; besides this, it can also be termed as land that brings about profit for the owner. A lawyer who works for commercial property is likely to have clients from a wide range of areas because they are capable of dealing not only with domestic but international clients as well.
Examples of commercial property can be from a restaurant, warehouse, or building. You can easily make money / earn profit by reselling it or leasing it out.
For more details related to commercial property visit feeta.pk.
Personal Property Law:
Buying and selling of personal or residential property are defined as personal property law. It means that personal property includes one’s own house, residential unit, or any land that they own under legal terms. The lawyers who work under this law also have clients in a wide range of domestic and international just like commercial property law.
Transfer of land and property
The basic rule for transferring land or property is that it is a must according to the law that if an individual possesses a property it must be registered and verified under their name, this is important if you want to sell your property. There are several reasons for the transfer of property which can be gift deeds, inheritance, mortgage, exchange, etc.
Who is not eligible to transfer a property?
There are a few exceptions for people who are not entitled to transfer a property which includes, legally barred individuals, unstable, and under 18.
Laws of Tenants:
The law of tenants includes a few responsibilities that the tenants have to abide by. Which include
- It is important to pay the agreed amount on time. This has to be followed even if there is an ongoing dispute between the tenant and the owner.
- Be careful that you do not cause any damage to the property and if accidentally any damage is caused by you you must pay for it.
- If you are facing any problem while residing in the residence it is very important to immediately report to the owner so that the problem can be fixed.
- If there are any charges mentioned or highlighted in your agreement that you have to pay, you must abide by them, the entire time you are staying on the property.
Feeta.pk in this blog has focused on the basic land and property laws everyone should know about. Being aware of your rights and having knowledge about the laws is very important so that your rights are protected and no one can fraud or scam.
Land and Property Laws Everyone Should Know About
- Published in International, Technology
Are You Sure Are You Making A Safe Investment?
When you are spending your hard-earned money on investing, there is always this nervous feeling that makes you question whether you are making the right decision or not. To minimize any risks involved in this and make sure of the right investment, there are several measures that you can take. However, it is important to be mindful of the fact that investments do fluctuate with time, sometimes giving very high profits and sometimes even less than what you spent.
In this article, Feeta.pk is going to help you get familiar with the measures that you can take to know if the investment is genuine or not. Let’s find out how you can be sure of what you’re doing is a safe option.
Identify the Red Flags
Red flags in investment are usually pressure tactics that are used to unintentionally lure your mind to be alarmed and go for it. Let’s take the example of ‘Limited Time Offer’ or ’10 days left to get this at half price ‘will make you feel you will be left out. Trusted companies that are offering opportunities to investors always know that people will need time and will come to them on their own, instead of such offers.
Look in the ‘Right Place’
It is important to start looking for investment options at the right place. What we mean by this is to look for authentic sellers and properties which belong to a verified housing society. You can also find new options which are yet to grow and have a margin of growing rapidly in a short time, but that is still a risk if the seller and area are not coming under a genuine tag.
What you can do is talk to area property agents, and also lookup online for any new property areas that you are interested in. Feeta.pk is an authentic site for you to start looking for investment properties with. Feeta’s property agents are well-equipped with area wise knowledge to help you get an idea of what property is a safe option for you.
High Publicity Does Not Mean ‘Safe’
Generally, highly publicized projects are a great option to go with because they are luring big investors and have also developed a reputation they would not want to ruin. However, sometimes, it can also be misleading given that they might be expanding on illegal land and your money might go down the drain. You have to weigh all the sides before making a decision, for instance, hearing from other people, getting a professional agent involved, asking for legal document proof of their project being genuine.
Good and safe projects have a way of making their way around town through word of mouth, so you can evaluate your option by talking to a few people who are in the investing business.
Learn About the Company You’re Investing With
When getting your money involved, checking on the company and the team of directors/owners is a crucial step that you should always take. Look about the owner’s portfolio, any other projects they have, how they are performing, and you can even take the help of other people in learning about the company.
You can also verify the address, phone number of the company, or any reviews that might be up on the internet before getting yourself involved. If you are unable to find any proper information or come to any negative conclusions about the company, it is better to steer clear of it and look for other options.
Keep Your Timeline in Mind
There is no shortcut to becoming rich overnight, and the same goes for any investment. You can’t expect your investment to bear good profits in a matter of days, you’ll have to choose where to invest according to the timeline you want your profit back. That will help you determine the type of project you want.
So if you want good returns in a short amount of time, don’t hurry into investing just anywhere. Take your time to analyze what your options are, how the market in the areas is trending, and which area will bring you the most profit in the time frame you need it.
These simple pointers will help you land a very safe and secure investment which will help you get a good profit over some time. If you are confused about safe property investment, you can get in touch with Feeta.pk and find out the very best options of authentic properties for you.
Are You Sure Are You Making A Safe Investment?
- Published in Education, International, Real Estate Education
Bids to uplift E-12/4 open: CDA
Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) opens bids for the development of Sector E-12/4.
As per the uplift plans, work on links roads involving major highways, laying streetlamps, and constructing drainage and water systems will be carried out. The lowest bids received were worth Rs289.805 million by one of the five contractors, revealed CDA.
There had been a delay in releasing development funds for the development of Sector E-12/4. Although, the current management of the CDA is providing significant attention to each of these sectors, resulting in construction projects being initiated.
For news and blogs, visit Feeta.pk.
Bids to uplift E-12/4 open: CDA
- Published in Everyday News, Graana News, International
The Principles of Property Inheritance That You Need to Know
A legal heir is defined as an individual who is entitled to a share in the assets of a deceased person. These may include real estate properties, insurance amount, bank account holdings, stocks, bonds, shares etc. As per the inheritance laws of Pakistan, which are based on the Islamic Sharia law, the legal heirs of the deceased can only include the spouse, parents or children.
Feeta.pk has compiled the key highlights of the process, laws and rights of succession in Pakistan to help you navigate through what is otherwise a convoluted affair.
The purpose of a legal heir certificate
Once the death certificate of the deceased has been obtained, only the successors are eligible to apply for a legal heir certificate. The legal heir certificate is a document required for recognizing the legal heirs of a deceased person. It can be used for the following purposes:
- For claiming insurance
- For processing the family pension of the deceased employee
- To receive two such as provident fund, gratuity etc. from the government
- To receive salary arrears of the deceased
The purpose of a succession certificate and how to obtain it
On the other hand, a succession certificate is issued to transfer both movable and immovable properties of the deceased to his / her legal heirs. The letter of administration grants the right to administer the estate of a deceased person.
Any one of the legal heirs can apply for a succession certificate. The Succession Act 1925 governs all the procedures related to succession certificates in Pakistan. In case of multiple legal heirs, each party can apply for the succession certificate individually and the court can issue it to them according to their share in the property. Another alternative is that all legal heirs can file a joint application in favor of one legal heir who can distribute the property among other heirs afterward.
The Government of Pakistan also introduced a secure online portal in 2021 that provides letters of administration and succession certificates within 15 days, as opposed to the previous timeframe of 2-7 years. This was developed by the Succession Facilitation Units of the National Database Restoration Authority (NADRA) with the aim of removing any unnecessary delays and hassle during the process.
This is especially an advantage for overseas Pakistanis, who would not be required to make an appearance at courts anymore to receive the succession certificate.
The digital certificate has several security features, including a real-time verification facility. The process to obtain it can be completed in just a few, simple steps:
- Initiating the application:
The successor has to provide his / her national identity number and the death certificate of the deceased. - Recognizing the legal heirs and assets:
The applicant has to give relevant details of the legal heir (s) along with information related to the deceased’s moveable and immovable properties. - Verifying the legal heirs:
All the legal heirs mentioned in the application have to visit Nadra’s registration center for biometric verification. - Advertising:
NADRA will publish a notice in newspapers to ensure there is no one who has any objections against that particular application. - Printing & delivery:
If no opposition comes forward within 14 days of publication, the letter of administration/succession certificate will be issued to the applicant.
It is important to note, however, that each province has its own conditions for which documents are necessary for initiating the succession certificate procedure.
Laws of inheritance in Pakistan
There are two laws that protect the rights of inheritance in Pakistan:
- The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance (1961), gives effect to certain recommendations of the commission on marriage and family laws.
- The West Pakistan Muslim Personal Law (1962), consolidates and amends the provisions of the application of Muslim Personal Law (Shariat).
A few additional things to note are:
- There is no inheritance tax in Pakistan.
- The last domicile of the deceased also dictates the division of inherited property.
- If the deceased gifted a property to another party in their lifetime, it cannot be contested in court after their death.
- Legal heirs can only distribute properties if the outstanding debts of the deceased have been settled.
- If a legal heir passes away before the distribution of inheritance, their share will be divided among the other heirs.
- It is highly advised to hire a lawyer for the distribution of inherited property.
Women’s rights of inheritance in Pakistan
There are many cases where female heirs, especially in Pakistan’s rural areas, lose out on their share of inheritance in favor of male family members. This is mostly due to their lack of awareness of women’s legal property rights. The Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Bill was passed in 2020 to ensure their rightful inheritance.
According to Section 498A of the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act (2011), it has also been termed illegal to deprive women of their inheritance in any manner. Any violation of this act will be punished with imprisonment of 5-10 years or with a fine of Rs. 1 million or both.
The inheritance rights of women have been outlined below:
- The wife of the deceased will receive 1 / 8th of the inherited property if she has children. If she does not have any children, she will own 1 / 4th.
- The mother of the deceased will 1 / 6th of her son’s property. If the deceased had no parents or children though, the mother will receive 2 / 3rd.
- If a female has one or more brothers, she will receive half of their share after their father’s death.
These can still vary in cases of special circumstances.
For more details on property inheritance, visit Feeta blogs.
The Principles of Property Inheritance That You Need to Know
- Published in International, Property Laws
Real Estate Terms You Need To Know About
Working in real estate involves having excellent communication skills. A big part of learning about real estate comes from having a deep understanding of real estate basics and terms.
As a real estate investor, you will likely spend most of your time addressing real estate-related questions from home buyers and sellers. After all, the job is to guide customers through a complex process that revolves around what is probably the biggest purchase of their lives.
Even if he is already familiar with most of the real estate terminology, brushing up on some of the basics is helpful from time to time and is a great way to improve his skills and knowledge. To help you, we’ve put together this glossary of real estate terms you need to know about.
Seller’s Agent
A seller’s real estate agent is a professional who exclusively represents the seller of a property during a real estate transaction.
They assist the seller by performing specific tasks, such as collecting data and comparable home sales prices, marketing the property, and advising clients on choosing the best offer received for the property.
Buyer’s Agent
As the name implies, a buyer’s agent is a real estate agent who is legally licensed to assist buyers during the home buying process. They represent the interests of the buyer exclusively during a real estate transaction.
Some of your responsibilities include negotiating the best possible price for a home, providing information about the neighborhood and its surroundings, ensuring the home is inspected and conducting due diligence.
Appraisal agent
A real estate appraisal is a process designed to develop an accurate opinion of the real estate value. In a real estate transaction, a lender often requires an appraisal by a third party to ensure that the amount requested for the loan reflects the property’s fair market value.
When the appraised value of a home is less than that offered by the buyer, the lender may ask the buyer to cover the difference in cost.
Lessee and Lessor
Commonly known as a lessor, the lessor is the owner and operator of an investment property. They rent their unit (s) to tenants or tenants. If you want to start your career as a real estate agent, you can work with tenants looking for a lease.
Landlords who operate large-scale properties, such as apartment buildings with a dozen or more units often work with leasing agents to fill their units throughout the year. Some represent their listings themselves, but these owners usually hire agents (or teams of agents) to fill available vacancies.
Appendix and amendment
⁇During a transaction, a home buyer or seller may want to make a request to each other in the form of a supplement or amendment. Sometimes this is a change to an existing contract (an amendment).
An amendment to a living agreement is often made when there is a mistake. An addendum could occur, for example, if a buyer wanted to keep a seller’s washer and dryer, thus requiring new contract language. Other times, they want to add to the contract (an appendix).
Depreciation
Amortisation is the term used for the schedule of mortgage installment payments over some time. A typical buyer’s repayment schedule is one payment per month for 15 or 30 years in real estate.
Homeowners association
A homeowners association or HOA is a private organization within a planned community, subdivision, or condominium tasked with creating and enforcing rules for the houses in the community and its residents. Those who purchase property within the jurisdiction of an HOA are automatically included as members and must pay HOA fees or dues.
Prior approval
A pre-approved home buyer means that a lender has verified their information, verified their credit, and approved for a specific loan amount for up to 90 days. The process requires buyers to fill out an application to allow a lender to examine their current financial situation, including creditworthiness, debt-to-income ratio, and ability to pay.
Capital
The part of the property officially owned by an individual is known as real estate. Although a person owns a property that he has purchased, the mortgage lender has an interest in it until it is paid in full.
Closure
Closing is the final step in the home buying and selling process, and it’s one of the most important real estate terms you should know. The buyer and seller agree on the closing date during the negotiation phase and is generally set weeks after the offer is accepted.
At closing, ownership of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer, and all necessary payments are made, after which the buyer can move in or begin renovating the property.
Closing costs
Homebuyers and sellers incur expenses to finalize a real estate transaction are known as closing costs. These can include appraisal fees, taxes, loan origination fees, credit reporting fees, title insurance, etc. In most situations, the buyer generally pays 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price, although closing costs can be paid by either the buyer or the seller.
Seller disclosure
A seller’s disclosure is a document issued by the seller of a home to a buyer. It describes any existing problems with the property and other important details that buyers should know regarding the house. It typically includes home repairs, details about faulty systems or appliances, and history of leaks and other environmental issues.
Title deed and property title
Deed and title are two terms that are often used interchangeably. But although they are closely related, there is a difference between them. The title is a concept and not a physical document. It represents legal ownership of the home and all rights transferred from the seller to the buyer. On the other hand, the deed is a physical and legal document that conveys the title to the new owner after a home is sold. It includes a property description and identifies the dealer (buyer) and grantor (seller) of a specific transaction.
Escrow
Trust is a step in the home buying or selling process when a neutral third party has something of value (often the buyer’s surety check) during a real estate transaction. Once the transaction is completed during the closing period, the third party will release the funds held during the escrow.
Fixed-rate mortgage
A fixed-rate mortgage comes with an interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan, giving the borrower more predictability and stability for the life of their loan. It is one of the most common types of loans available and is preferred by many consumers due to its long-term reliability.
Adjustable-rate mortgage
Adjustable-rate mortgages have interest rates that change periodically. A home buyer with an adjustable-rate mortgage may start with lower monthly payments than a fixed-rate mortgage, but varying interest rates mean that monthly payments can increase later.
Home inspection
A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the condition of a home and is often performed in connection with the sale of that home. These are typically performed by a professional home inspector who has the proper training and certifications to handle the inspection.
After the inspection, the inspector provides the client with a written report of the findings, which the client can use to make informed decisions regarding the pending purchase of the property.
List
A listing is a written agreement, contract, or arrangement for the marketing and sale of real estate through a real estate broker or agent for a specified period. It gives an agent the exclusive authority to handle the sale of the property in exchange for a fee or commission for the services of the property.
Offer
In the real estate business, home buyers must offer Houses For Rent In Karachi
Houses For Rent in Bath Island is the property they want to buy. An offer can be for the total list price of the home or what the buyer and agent consider fair market value for the home. Buyer’s agents are responsible for submitting the formal offer in writing before sending it to the seller’s agent. If the seller chooses not to make a counteroffer, he can immediately approve the request, making it a purchase contract.
Homeowner’s title insurance
Due to various possible “defects” in the title, title insurance is insured by both home buyers and their lenders. This insurance covers them if another party claims a residence, there are problems related to counterfeiting or fraud against a landlord or difficulties related to deeds arise. As described in an Inman News article, it is pretty rare for a title insurance claim to be made, but it can happen. That makes this insurance protection essential, as it can provide new homeowners with peace of mind. You can read the following article with detailed information about Homeowner’s Title Insurance.
So, these are some of the terms you need to know. These terms will not only help you with your dealings but also broaden the horizons of your knowledge. Give these terms a read and give your feedback in the comments section below.
Meanwhile, if you want to read more such exciting lifestyle guides and informative property updates, stay tuned to Feeta Blog — Pakistan’s best real estate blog.