In 1947, Pakistan was freed from the clutches of the British Empire and Kolachi, now known as Karachi, became the first capital. But in the 1960s, Islamabad was made the capital of Pakistan.
The city was planned by a Greek architect, named Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis, and it is demarcated into eight areas, including industrial sectors, diplomatic enclave, educational sectors, residential areas, and commercial zones. Owing to its picturesque views and breathtaking natural beauty, it is a popular city to live in.
The real estate sector of Islamabad has grown considerably in the recent past. Housing projects that were built over the last decade include Bahria Enclave, Park View City, Star Enclave, which is near Bani Gala, Eighteen Islamabad and Taj Residencia. Islamabad Express Highway is now a signal free corridor, a development that has led to a significant increase in property prices which is situated nearby, such as Soan Gardens and Gulberg Greens.
Some of the localities in demand for buying land in Islamabad are Bahria Town, Gulberg Greens, Bahria Enclave, Islamabad Cooperative Housing Society (ICHS), DHA and MPCHS. You will find a range of area sizes. For people looking for smaller investments across Islamabad, 5 Marla plots are ideal while 10 marla plots for sale are also available in plenty.
However, the realty sector of Islamabad is quite good and investing in 1 kanal plot can also be a profitable venture. 5 marla plots are mostly available in Khayaban e Kashmir, G-15, CBR Town and Paradise Enclave. If you are willing to make an investment in Islamabad, then you can browse plots, especially in Gulberg Residencia, as it is a gated community. The plots are mostly located in front of 80 feet wide road, with underground electricity lines in place. It is also approved by CDA, making it more appealing for buyers. Bahria Enclave also offers an ideal location in Islamabad with a wide range of plots for sale having sizes starting from 5 marla to 1 kanal. World class amenities are offered here. It has a cinema, a grand mosque, golf course, lake, tennis club, a cricket stadium, a hospital and many restaurants. Bahria Town also offers uninterrupted electricity and gas supply, alluring buyers to invest in property here.
Khayaban e Kashmir is one of the popular new housing schemes, offering plots with roads linking to markets, schools and parks. High security is provided to the residents along with the provision of health care clinics and children’s play area. In gated communities, DHA Islamabad is the most popular location, offering residential plots for sale. A wide range of amenities are offered here. Underground electricity cables have been laid, providing uninterrupted power supply. Defence Mall provides a great shopping experience. Within DHA, is DHA Valley, which offers corner plots for sale in 5 and 8 marla. Due to the growing interest of the expats in this area, there is a reserved Overseas Block. It offers world-class amenities such as a golf course, theme park, a mall, reputable schools and a well-equipped hospital.
Getting a plot for sale in Islamabad is a task that requires a lot of research since there are many options available to choose from. The prices tend to increase, depending on the area size and location. The cost of 5 marla plots on sale in the city start from as low as PKR 1 lakh, going as high as PKR 40.5 lakh. The sale price trend for 10 marla plots fluctuates between PKR 3.5 lakh and PKR 85 lakh. The asking price tends to increase for 1 kanal plots, ranging between PKR 2.6 lakh and PKR 1.1 crore.
Naval Anchorage housing scheme is in great demand as it is under Navy’s belt ensuring a safe environment. There are all kinds of facilities available here such as gymnasium, medical centres, community centre, parks, schools & colleges. The prices start from PKR 35.5 lakh for 5 marla plots going as high as PKR 8 crore for 1 kanal.
There are a majority of English-medium schools present in the capital city, imparting quality education to students. Some notable examples in this regard include Head Start School, Fazaia Education System, Preparatory School System, Pak-Turk International Schools, Quaid’s Public School, International School of Islamabad and Beaconhouse School System. Islamabad also has a number of internationally recognized universities such as Bahria University, Air University, National Defence University, NUST, Shifa College of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology and NUST School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The city is also home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the country. PIMS and Shifa International Hospital are the top two medical institutes here. Quaid e Azam International Hospital, Kulsoom Hospital & Saudi German Hospital in Bahria Town are some other facilities with well-qualified medical staff and doctors.
One of the reasons why Islamabad is an ideal choice for buying a plot or any other property is that it’s probably the safest city in the country. Around 1900 surveillance cameras have been installed across the capital. As many foreign bureaucrats and diplomats reside here, Islamabad remains under tight security. There are also a number of top security companies here such as Zims Security Pvt. Ltd and Jaguar Security Guards Pvt. Ltd. These agencies are usually hired by corporate offices and foreign embassies. In addition, the Islamabad Rangers and police take strict measures to ensure people’s safety.
The city’s infrastructure is also among the best in Pakistan. There are vast, clean roads, buildings are well-built and situated in neatly divided sectors and there’s ample supply of electricity, gas, water and provision of the internet. The transport system, in particular, is what sets Islamabad apart from all other cities. Projects like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Islamabad Highway, Jinnah-Faisal Avenue Interchange and Zero Point Interchange are some of the many examples of the government’s efforts to make life easier and more convenient for the residents of Islamabad.
Islamabad has one of the largest mosques in South Asia - the Faisal Mosque. It was developed in the year 1986. For adventure lovers, Trail 3 is one of the oldest hiking tracks in the city. It starts at F-6 Margalla Road and ends at the ViewPoint. There are also many lush green parks here, such as Rose and Jasmine Garden, Japanese Park and Fatima Jinnah Park.
Savour Foods Restaurant and The Monal Restaurant at Pir Sohawa are the top food joints of the city, presenting scrumptious kebabs and desi food items. A famous restaurant, The Float, is a major attraction present in the centre of the Rawal Lake. Gelato Affairs, Lebanese Cafe, Chaye Khana and Sattar Bukhsh are popular coffee houses of Islamabad. For shopaholics, The Centaurus Mall is the place to be. You can find almost all the major national brands of clothes, make-up, etc., as well as some international ones. There is another huge shopping centre in F-10, which is popularly known as F-10 Markaz.
Islamabad is more than just well-paved roads and scenic beauty. Investment in the city’s real estate, or any other industry, is bound to pay off because of its economy, which has been, over the years, growing at a steady pace. The city also offers good employment opportunities, so it’s a good place to consider in case you’re exploring career options.
Unlike other metropolises of Pakistan, Islamabad is a lot less crowded, thanks to the fact that it was a planned city. Traffic is not as much of a menace here, compared to, let’s say, Karachi. While public transport is available, it’s well-managed and regulated. The list of advantages of living in this city is quite long. So, if you’re thinking of buying property in the city, you are definitely making the right call.