PROPERTY INVESTMENT FOR OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS

INTRODUCTION

For any overseas Pakistanis out there wanting to tap into Pakistan’s real estate market, now is the right time! With the government providing ease in property investment for overseas Pakistanis, the graph is going up for the property market. Also, thanks to the advancement in technology, including the ever-increasing penetration of social media in our lives, nothing is hidden from the public eye.

 This means, potential overseas buyers can find out every bit of detail about property investment in Pakistan,while not leaving the comfort of their homes. Through YouTube videos, reviews on Facebook and a series of pictures on the net. Hence, you can virtually visit the land you have set your eyes on. However, do your homework before choosing the property you want to invest in. It is a task that requires through research, a sharp mind, good analytical skills and a third eye that can sense any sort of fraudulent practice. 

You can also read: https://landster.pk/2021/01/09/types-of-real-estate/

Foreigners living in Pakistan are generally discouraged to rent or buy property here. In the sense that they have to follow a lengthy and lethargic process. Which can take several months to complete. The following post discusses the process in detail. In addition, why the government needs to relax the process in order to attract foreign investment in Pakistan real estate sector.

BASIC INVESTMENT TIPS FOR OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS

Let us first discuss a few basic investment tips for overseas Pakistanis;

Is this a safe project to invest in?

The first question that comes up when planning to buy property is if a housing project is safe to invest in. If it falls within the administration of municipal authorities like Capital Development Authority (CDA), Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) or under a regulated administration body like Defence Housing Authority (DHA) or the Pakistan Armed Forces (PAF), then it’s bound to be a safe investment opportunity. 

Also, check if the Government Authorities have approved the residential scheme. If a project is still awaiting the government’s approval, it should be enough to set off alarm bells for potential buyers. Lack of approval, more often than not, means there is a high possibility that the authorities have cancelled the housing scheme. Your safest bet is, therefore, investment in well-known, approved projects only.

Check track record of the builder

You can trust with closed eyes if the developer or builder is a known figure in the realty market. Hence, with a track record of successful housing projects. Saif Group, Kohistan Builders, al-Aziz Developers, Mivida Development, Khanial Builders, Landster Pvt Ltd have a number of large-scale residential schemes under their belt. You can invest in the various housing opportunities they offer. 

Mostly, a trusted developer will give a timeline about when the project completes. You can make a decision based on how well, and quickly, they are working on an ongoing scheme. Therefore, this will help you decide whether they will deliver in time or not. When choosing a property, be it for buying or even to rent, the rule of thumb is to make your decision. Hence, based on what you see and not on ‘what they promise to deliver.’

Ask these questions: Is there electricity, gas, water available? How robust is the basic infrastructure, e.g., roads and drainage? How do people commute? Is the security system up-to-date? Is it a load-shedding free zone?  

READ: CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD HOUSING SOCIETY

Beware of fraudulent practices and scams

Hire a legal service that can do the background checks for you. Explore every bit of detail that you can find related to a property developer. 

READ: BY LAWS OF REAL ESTATE IN PAKISTAN

LEGAL GUIDELINES FOR OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS INVESTING IN PAKISTAN

Property investment for overseas Pakistanis has now become quite easy. OPF has provided detailed financial and legal guidelines for overseas Pakistanis wanting to invest in Pakistan.

• Whenever doing any financial transactions with business partners always pursue legal channels

• Verify all necessary documents before investing in new business. It is best to visit the actual site before you decide to invest

• Prepare a written agreement discussing rights and duties of all shareholders/ investment and business partners. All concerned parties must sign this partnership agreement.
  

• Next step is to get it registered with government’s business regulatory services. For instance, Federal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) or Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)

• Never give General Power of Attorney to anyone. If really necessary, only assign Special Power of Attorney mentioning specific purpose. Be cautious that the holder of General Power of Attorney enjoys all legal powers including the right to sell property without notifying the owner

• Never sign any blank paper

• Do not give a copy of your national identity card (CNIC or NICOP) or any other important identification document to anyone for any purpose. Whenever it is necessary, put a cross on it and write the purpose on it.

LEGAL FORMALITIES

Foreigners who work and live in Pakistan can buy or rent properties or invest in Pakistan property. However, the government needs them to complete certain legal formalities with the investment board and the Pakistan Trade Development Authority.

In Pakistan, land acquisition rules and regulations are a provincial issue.  Therefore the relevant procedures differ from province to province. In general, with the permission of the Federal Government and provincial governments, foreigners can own property. Unless expressly limited for purposes of national security and public safety, all industries and activities are open to foreign investment.

Considering that, this article focuses on the importance and features related to real estate.  Foreigners can surely invest in Pakistan’s property. It is a safe and seamless process.

CAN FOREIGNERS INVEST IN PROPERTY IN PAKISTAN?

Yes of course. We have addressed the detailed procedure to invest in Pakistan property in which every foreigner needs to go through to buy or rent property in Pakistan in this article.

To say the least, the process is overwhelming. Hence, prohibits foreigners from investing in real estate in Pakistan. The government’s refusal to allow foreigners to freely purchase and sell property in Pakistan under the pretext of security issues is quite hollow. As our own security system has many deficiencies.

REQUIREMENTS FOR INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE IN PAKISTAN

Foreigners who wish to rent or purchase property must also send the following documents to the Department of Home Affairs. You must have to follow these points to invest in Pakistan property:

• An employment letter from the organization with which they currently work. Must discuss things afterward;

• The essence of their jobs

• Copy of passport

• Their period of employment

• Business contact info.

• A copy of the passport. Copy of a valid visa with six recent photos, passport size

• They are also expected to show a copy of the CNIC of the landlord/realtor

• Additionally, the owner of the property in question must also show authorized copies of the proof of ownership

• Last but not least, the statute demands that a contract be drawn up in the name of the property’s owner. In case a new occupant occupies the house, he is legally required to obtain a new contract or there will be strict legal proceedings against the landowner

Violation of the above protocol to invest in Pakistan property may result in prosecution of the landlord, the tenant, or both.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS

Beware if not compliant with the procedures to invest in Pakistan property:

• Visa cancellation and punishment until the foreigner’s deportation;

• The proprietor of the building shall not be authorized to rent or sell the land for five years.

• Investigation and indictment of both the owner of the real estate business and the agent for the house.

INVESTMENT IN PROPERTY IN PAKISTAN IS ABSOLUTELY FREE

As you know, Pakistan enjoys a great strategic location. Therefore, this makes it one of the countries with enormous economic growth potential. This draws many foreign investors and lenders interested in developing and sustaining business ties with Pakistan. Pakistan receives significant FDI from all over the world including Asia, Europe, America, Africa, and Australia. World Bank Annual Report 2017-18 reported that there are 11,370 total registered companies in Pakistan. These firms show a 37 percent rise over the previous year.

Traditionally, foreigners staying in Pakistan have always been discouraged from buying a property in Pakistan. And tend to rent it out regardless of the length of their stay. This is partly due to the tedious processes that can take several months to complete.

CONCLUSION

A welcome shift in this regard is the study by the World Bank on Pakistan improving its role in the ease of doing business. But a lot still needs to be done to draw investment in the real estate market, which is one of Pakistan’s highest potential industries. Therefore, Pakistan’s government must consider making the procedures for attracting foreign investment in property in Pakistan.

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