Property Papers in Pakistan – A Complete Guide to Legal Documents
Buying or selling property in Pakistan requires proper documentation to ensure a legal and hassle-free transaction. Whether you are purchasing a house, apartment, plot, or commercial property, having the correct property papers is essential to establish ownership and avoid legal disputes.
In this guide, we will explain the key property documents, their importance, and how to verify them.
Important Property Documents in Pakistan
When dealing with real estate transactions in Pakistan, the following property papers are required:
1️⃣ Title Deed (Registry) – مالکیت کا انتقال
📜 Purpose: Establishes legal ownership of the property.
✔ Issued by the Sub-Registrar Office after the sale is completed.
✔ Confirms the buyer is the legal owner.
2️⃣ Sales Deed – بیع نامہ
📜 Purpose: Serves as proof of the sale between buyer and seller.
✔ Must be signed by both parties.
✔ Registered with the local authorities.
3️⃣ Allotment Letter – الاٹمنٹ لیٹر
📜 Purpose: Issued by housing societies or authorities like DHA, Bahria Town, and LDA.
✔ Confirms the allotment of a plot or house.
✔ Required for further documentation.
4️⃣ Mutation Certificate (Inteqal) – انتقال
📜 Purpose: Updates ownership records in local revenue offices (Patwari Office or Land Record Authority).
✔ Essential for selling the property in the future.
5️⃣ Lease Agreement – کرایہ نامہ
📜 Purpose: Required if the property is leased rather than owned.
✔ Needed for properties in leased areas like Karachi.
6️⃣ Property Tax Record – جائیداد ٹیکس ریکارڈ
📜 Purpose: Confirms that all property taxes have been paid.
✔ Obtained from the Excise & Taxation Department.
✔ A tax clearance certificate is mandatory for property transactions.
7️⃣ Approved Map or Building Plan – نقشہ
📜 Purpose: Ensures the property is legally approved for construction.
✔ Issued by development authorities like LDA, KDA, CDA, or DHA.
8️⃣ No Objection Certificate (NOC) – این او سی
📜 Purpose: Confirms that the property is legally owned and can be transferred.
✔ Required when buying from a housing society or government authority.
9️⃣ Power of Attorney (If Applicable) – وکالت نامہ
📜 Purpose: Allows another person to sell or manage property on behalf of the owner.
✔ Must be registered to be legally valid.
How to Verify Property Documents in Pakistan?
Before purchasing property, always verify its legal status to avoid fraud. Follow these steps:
✅ Check Ownership Records – Verify the title deed and sales deed at the local registrar’s office.
✅ Confirm Allotment with the Housing Society – Contact the relevant authority (DHA, Bahria Town, LDA, CDA, KDA, etc.).
✅ Visit the Land Record Authority – Use Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA), Sindh Land Record, or local offices to check land records.
✅ Check for Property Taxes – Ensure that there are no unpaid taxes before buying.
✅ Get a Lawyer’s Opinion – Hire a real estate lawyer for professional legal verification.
Common Property Scams in Pakistan & How to Avoid Them
🚨 Fake or Duplicate Documents – Always verify documents with government offices.
🚨 Illegal Housing Societies – Check NOC status before buying in new projects.
🚨 Disputed Property – Confirm the mutation record to avoid legal issues.
🚨 Unpaid Dues or Taxes – Check tax records before finalizing the deal.
💡 Tip: Always deal with registered property agents and avoid cash transactions.
Conclusion
Understanding property papers in Pakistan is crucial for a safe and legal property transaction. Whether buying, selling, or renting, always ensure that you have verified legal documents to avoid disputes.
🏡 Planning to buy property? Make sure you check all documents before making a deal!
