Real estate investing is a profitable endeavor, and the government has made great efforts to facilitate this process for Pakistanis living abroad. For individuals residing overseas, the Overseas Pakistani Foundation (OPF) is essential in enabling real estate investment. We will examine the advantages, prospects, and rules offered by the government and the OPF to Pakistanis living abroad who wish to purchase real estate in their country of origin in this extensive guide.
How to Buy, Transfer, and Maintain Property in Pakistan from Abroad. Buying property while living overseas can seem complex. Yet, with the right guidance, buying property from abroad in Pakistan becomes seamless. Here’s a full walkthrough, from purchase to management.
1. Buying Property as an Expat
If you’re living abroad and planning to invest in real estate in Pakistan, the process starts with understanding your eligibility. Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) and foreign nationals are legally allowed to buy residential and commercial properties. However, agricultural land usually has restrictions and may require special permissions.
Also Read: Why Overseas Pakistanis Trust Lakeshore City for Their Investment
Once you’re eligible, prepare the required documents:
- A valid CNIC or NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
- A National Tax Number (NTN), which can now be generated online
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant housing authority
- A Power of Attorney (PoA), which must be attested by the nearest Pakistani consulate or processed through NADRA
To handle payments easily, open a Roshan Digital Account (RDA). Through this, you can send money, make payments to developers, or even apply for housing finance under the Roshan Apna Ghar initiative. This facility makes it easier than ever to own property without physically coming to Pakistan.
Additionally, always verify the legitimacy of the housing project. Make sure it’s NOC-approved and registered with authorities like RDA, CDA, or LDA, depending on location. This reduces the risk of scams.
2. How to Transfer Property from Abroad
Once you’ve purchased the property, the next step is transferring the ownership. If you’re overseas, this can still be done legally and efficiently using a Power of Attorney (PoA). This allows a trusted individual, usually a family member or lawyer, to act on your behalf.
To transfer property legally:
- The PoA must be registered with the Pakistani consulate abroad
- After attestation, it must be sent to Pakistan and verified locally by the relevant authority
- The representative can then visit the sub-registrar’s office to execute the sale deed or mutation
Moreover, several provinces like Punjab and KPK now have online land transfer systems, which help complete ownership transfers in as little as 15 to 20 working days. This process removes the need for travel, reduces waiting time, and ensures transparency.
For added safety, always insist on a registered sale deed, updated Fard (ownership record), and verified map or demarcation from the developer.
3. Remote Land Management
Buying a plot is only the beginning. Managing it properly ensures your asset appreciates in value and remains secure. As an overseas investor, you should consider hiring a reliable property management service.
A land manager can:
- Regularly inspect your property and send you visual updates
- Protect the land from encroachments or illegal possession
- Ensure maintenance of boundary walls, gates, or fencing
- Pay utility bills and liaise with the housing society on your behalf
- Assist with renting the property or overseeing construction
With growing tech integration, many societies now offer online portals where you can monitor payments, project status, and plot location digitally.
Moreover, you can sign legal service agreements with real estate firms or lawyers in Pakistan to monitor and report on your investment. This saves you both time and risk.
4. Ongoing Expense & Compliance
Owning property in Pakistan also comes with financial responsibilities. These costs may be small individually, but must be monitored consistently.
Regular expenses include:
- Annual property tax (based on plot size and location)
- Utility charges like water, electricity, and sewerage (if services are connected)
- Development charges in new societies, often payable in phases
- Society maintenance fees, covering security, waste disposal, and parks
To avoid penalties or legal action, keep receipts of all payments. Additionally, register for an e-filing tax profile with the FBR, even as an overseas citizen. This keeps your tax history clean and helps in case of future sales or inheritance.
If you plan to hold your property long-term, renew your PoA every few years, and ensure title deed safekeeping in a secure location, preferably scanned and backed up online.
5. Selling or Leasing Abroad
If you decide to sell or rent your property while still overseas, the process is more streamlined than ever. With a legally valid Power of Attorney, your nominated person can:
- List the property for sale or rent through authorized agents
- Negotiate and finalize deals
- Sign tenancy or sales contracts
- Complete registration and transfer at the sub-registrar office
Thanks to simplified PoA rules and consulate support, this process now requires minimal paperwork and fewer legal hurdles. Furthermore, if you’re renting the property, you can receive rental income directly in your Roshan Digital Account or a local account managed by your representative.
However, always screen tenants carefully, prepare a written lease agreement, and register it with the local police station (as per legal norms in Pakistan). This adds legal protection and discourages misuse.
Why Lakeshore City Is Perfect for Overseas Buyers
Located beside a beautiful dam and surrounded by green hills, this project offers not just luxury, but long-term value.
Key features for overseas investors:
- Zero down payment, no confirmation charges
- Book your 5 Marla plot in just PKR 25,000 – this counts as your first installment
- Flexible 60-month payment plan for hassle-free ownership
- Options available in the Residencia, Commercial, and Farmhouse categories
For expats, this is an ideal blend of affordability, security, and appreciation potential, backed by legal transparency and an easy transfer process.
FAQs
Q1: Can I buy property in Pakistan while living abroad?
Yes, overseas Pakistanis can buy residential or commercial property through Roshan Digital Accounts and authorized Power of Attorney representatives.
Q2: Is a Power of Attorney necessary for remote transactions?
Absolutely. A notarized and consulate-attested PoA allows your trusted nominee to act on your behalf legally in Pakistan.
Q3: How can I fund the purchase from abroad?
Use your Roshan Digital Account to directly transfer funds or apply for property loans under Roshan Apna Ghar.
Q4: Who manages the plot if I live abroad?
You can hire local property managers or authorize relatives to handle maintenance, payments, and tenant agreements.
Q5: Can I sell or lease my property without coming to Pakistan?
Yes. With a valid PoA and proper documentation, you can sell or rent your property remotely through legal channels.
Q6: Are there any extra taxes for overseas Pakistanis?
Generally, overseas Pakistanis follow the same property tax rules as residents. However, using RDA gives you tax incentives and simpler remittance processes.
