{"id":78017,"date":"2020-01-09T10:43:55","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T10:43:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zameen.com\/blog\/?p=78017"},"modified":"2020-02-14T12:21:38","modified_gmt":"2020-02-14T12:21:38","slug":"islamabad-rawalpindi-property-market-report-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zameen.com\/blog\/islamabad-rawalpindi-property-market-report-2019.html","title":{"rendered":"Here\u2019s How Islamabad-Rawalpindi Real Estate Market Performed In 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In This Post
<\/strong>\u2013 Top areas to buy plots in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/a>
\u2013 Top areas to buy houses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/a>
\u2013 Top areas to rent houses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/a>
\u2013 Major developments in the twin cities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Pakistan, the term \u201creal estate\u201d has almost become synonymous with the word \u201cinvestment.\u201d With a slew of reforms being introduced by the incumbent government, the country\u2019s real estate sector witnessed considerable growth in 2019, according to industry experts. This especially holds true for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as a plethora of game-changing developments are in the pipeline for the twin cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For our annual report, we have compared prices recorded in 2019 with those seen in 2018, to help you get an idea of how Islamabad and Rawalpindi property market fared over the past 12 months. Sales and rental trends pertaining to residential plots and houses in the twin cities have also been provided to help you make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Popular Areas with Plots for Sale in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best
Most Popular Areas with Plots for Sale in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bahria Town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Known as one of the poshest neighbourhoods of the capital, Bahria Town Islamabad<\/a> claimed the top spot for the most searched-area when it came to buying plots in the twin cities. Spanning thousands of hectares along GT Road, Bahria Town, Islamabad is a mega real estate project with its boundaries extending all the way to Rawalpindi. The presence of a well-planned infrastructure, secure environment, and state-of-the-art facilities make it the near-default choice of almost every property investor in Islamabad.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 marla plots in Bahria Town Islamabad<\/a> saw their price increase by 4.4% on average in 2019 and were on the market for PKR 35 lakh. It is mainly because 5 marla plots are considered budget-friendly for the majority of buyers and investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the prices of 10 marla<\/a> and 1 kanal plots<\/a> dipped by around 1%, with prices hovering at PKR 61 lakh and PKR 1.1 crore respectively. One of the major reasons behind the negligible dip is the stability and investor trust associated with Bahria Town\u2019s name. The project offers a wide range of facilities including robust infrastructure, complete utilities, and every type neighbourhood amenity imaginable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gulberg <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bahria Town was followed by Gulberg Islamabad, which remained the second-most searched area by property investors in the twin cities. Launched in 2005, Gulberg Islamabad<\/a> is a comparatively new project in the capital city, approved by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Similar to other new developments in the city, Gulberg is also located on the outskirts of Islamabad. Its prime location puts it only a 15-minute drive away from the Islamabad Airport and a 5-minute drive away from GT Road. Gulberg Greens<\/a> and Gulberg Residencia<\/a> are two of the neighbourhood\u2019s latest sub-districts that are, however, still in their initial development stage but have garnered a lot of interest and attention from buyers and investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The majority of 5 marla plots in Gulberg are located in these newly developed sub-districts, where the possession of plots is still awaited. This could be one of the key reasons why the average price of 5 marla plots in Gulberg Islamabad<\/a> saw a dip of 16%, standing at around PKR 21 lakh. Keeping in view the general market practices, once the possession is handed over, the prices of such properties usually witness an immediate hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the demand for properties in developed parts of the locality caused the prices of 10 marla and 1 kanal plots in Gulberg Islamabad to go up by 8.3% and 16% respectively. A 10 marla plot in Gulberg<\/a> was sold for an average of PKR 65 lakh, while the price for a 1 kanal plot<\/a> hovered at PKR 1.3 crore in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Other popular areas to buy plots in Islamabad and Rawalpindi were DHA Islamabad, B-17<\/a>, I-12, D-12<\/a>, I-15, I-14, Top City 1<\/a>, and E-12. However, E-12, I-14 and I-15 are three such sectors of the capital where the development has been restarted after almost a decade, which is why these the average price trend of these areas recorded some unexpected changes. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has expedited the development of infrastructure and other living facilities in the E-12 sector of Islamabad, due to which its real estate value has increased. Sector I-15 is now also being developed on a priority basis by the current CDA management to cater to home buyers who are looking for low-cost and mid-range housing options. This has resulted in the value of smaller property options like 5 marla plots, which are available in abundance in the locality, to significantly go up. However, development activities haven\u2019t picked up the pace in Sector I-14, which is why prices of mid-sized properties like 10 marla plots in the neighbourhood have reported a drop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Popular Phases with Plots for Sale in Bahria Town Islamabad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Top
Most Popular Phases with Plots for Sale in Bahria Town Islamabad<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

According to Zameen.com\u2019s search trends, people mulling real estate investments in Rawalpindi and Islamabad property market mostly showed their interest in Bahria Town Islamabad\u2019s Phase 8<\/a>. The development work of Phase 8 in Bahria Town is in full swing. The well-planned phase is further divided into blocks A to E, E 1-4, F 1-5, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, Overseas-1, Overseas-2, Overseas-3, Overseas-4, Overseas-5, Overseas-6, Overseas 7, and Block P. Full and partial possession is available for completed blocks, while other blocks are also nearing completion. A signal-free corridor, which is known as Bahria Expressway, has been constructed to facilitate residents of Phase 8. It links Bahria Town\u2019s Phase 8 to GT Road, reducing the distance to just 5 minutes, making the commute from Bahria Town to other parts of the city incredibly convenient. One of the key highlights of Phase 8 for investors is that only around 35% of the land has been allocated for housing purposes, while the remaining 65% of the land has been reserved for the construction of public spaces. The reserved area is scheduled to be converted into a rest and recreation zone, which will significantly enhance the quality of living in Phase 8 of Bahria Town. These features combined have positively impacted the value of real estate in the phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bahria Town\u2019s Phase 8 is now being extended, however, the development is in its initial stages. Also, most of the land in this newly developed area is awaiting possession. These two factors have marginally brought down the average rate of 5 marla, 10 marla, and 1 kanal plots up for sale in Bahria Town’s Phase 8. That’s why the majority of properties for sale in the area are currently available at relatively low rates. For instance, a 5 marla plot<\/a> in the upscale neighbourhood can be purchased for as low as PKR 22 lakh, while the starting price of a 10 marla plot<\/a> in the area is around PKR 50 lakh. The asking price of 1 kanal plots in Bahria Town Islamabad Phase 8<\/a> starts at PKR 75 lakh. Some parts of Phase 8 are still under development, which is why it is considered ideal for long term investment as prices are expected to go up as the development progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phase 7 followed Phase 8 as the second most sought-after phase for plots in Bahria Town Islamabad. The availability of many neighbourhood facilities like 24\/7 electricity, gas and water supply, well-carpeted roads and beautiful landmarks only adds to the charm of the area. The development of Phase 7 is progressing at a satisfactory pace, which can be another major reason behind the area\u2019s increasing popularity.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Bahria Town Phase 7 is developed a bit more than Phase 8, buying properties in this phase requires a comparatively higher amount. For instance, the asking price of 5 marla plots in Phase 7<\/a> starts at PKR 38 lakh, whereas 10 marla residential plots can cost around PKR 58 lakh at the very least. Similarly, you can invest in 1 kanal plots<\/a> in the area for as low as PKR 90 lakh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home to an awe-inspiring infrastructure, wide streets, green spaces, parks, and astonishing monuments, Bahria Town Phase 3 has also made it to the list of most popular investment avenues in the twin cities. Phase 4 and Phase 2 were the next best options to buy plots in Bahria Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Popular Areas with Houses for Sale in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Popular
Most Popular Areas for Buying Houses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the top areas for buying a home in the twin cities that have performed outstandingly over the past twelve months.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bahria Town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bahria Town again tops the list of most searched areas by home buyers in Islamabad according to Zameen\u2019s data. Reflecting the serene lifestyle of the capital and taking it up a notch, Bahria Town boasts neatly aligned and contemporarily designed houses, which uplifts the value of the neighbourhood and gives it a modern look. With 24\/7 power backup and supply of other necessary utilities, this posh locality offers a quality lifestyle unlike any other. Due to proper planning, residential properties are complemented by 50 to 80-metre wide road links present throughout the neighbourhood, adding to the convenience of commuters.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In light of the increase in demand for smaller and mid-sized residential units in the neighbourhood, a 5 marla house for sale in Bahria Town Islamabad<\/a> was sold for an average price of PKR 1.1 crore in 2019, witnessing a jump of 14.8%. The average price of a 10 marla residential unit<\/a> increased by 7.3%, hovering around PKR 2.3 crore. On the other hand, the value of a 1 kanal house for sale in Bahria Town Islamabad<\/a> was recorded at PKR 4.3 crore, going up by 2.6%. The increase in asking prices of the three most popular types of houses, according to area, indicates stability and investor confidence in the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DHA <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

DHA Islamabad<\/a> emerged as the second most-searched neighbourhood. Even though the area is located away from the city centre, commuting from DHA Islamabad isn\u2019t a big hassle, thanks to the availability of mini vans, taxis, rickshaws and app-based cab services. Facilities in DHA Islamabad<\/a> include top-notch educational institutions, shopping centres, and medical facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DHA Islamabad has, over the past couple of years, witnessed the construction and extension of many new subdistricts, most of which are still in their initial stages of development. DHA Valley<\/a> is an important example in this regard. The housing society mostly features single and double-storey residential units measuring around 5 and 10 marla, where the selling price of 10 marla houses in DHA Islamabad<\/a> has gone up by 12%, with the average price touching PKR 2.8 crore. Meanwhile, 5 marla houses for sale in DHA Valley Islamabad<\/a> remained unchanged at PKR 35 lakh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similar is the case with a 1 kanal house for sale in DHA Islamabad<\/a>, the value of which has risen by 7.8%, touching PKR 4.8 crore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Situated in the CDA Zone-1, Sector G-13 is another popular sector for buying plots in Islamabad. The sector lies between Kashmir Highway and Nazim-ud-din Road. As compared to 2018, the sector is now more developed, and the value of properties has reported an increase. Likewise, Airport Housing Society<\/a> also made it to the list of top areas with residential plots for sale in Islamabad. A number of well-developed societies have popped up around AECHS in recent years, adding to the significance of the neighbourhood. The society is divided into four sectors. In sectors 1, 2 and 3 of the area, you\u2019ll mostly come across spacious residential units. On the other hand, sector 4 features smaller houses that are both furnished and unfurnished along with residential and commercial plots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

E-11 also stands among the popular residential neighbourhood in the capital city among investors. This posh locality is further divided into various sub-districts, some of the most important ones include Golra, FECHS, MPCHS and Al Meher Colony. Property investors in E-11 usually come across three popular property sizes including 5 marla, 10 marla and 1 kanal plots. Some other areas that have successfully appeared in the list of the top-searched localities to buy homes in Rawalpindi and Islamabad property market include Adiala Road<\/a>, I-10, F-10, Gulshan Abad<\/a>, Ghauri Town. The overall price trends for houses in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi property market have not undergone any major changes during 2019, but a notable increase was observed in the value of 10 marla houses due to a constant increase in their demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Popular Phases with Houses for Sale in Bahria Town Islamabad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Famous
Most Popular Phases with Houses for Sale in Bahria Town Islamabad<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the key reasons that Bahria Town Phase 8 appeared as the top phase in the neighbourhood to buy homes is affordable property prices.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As discussed above, Phase 8 is comparatively a newer sub-district of Bahria Town, which is being developed rapidly. This phase has many 5 marla, 10 marla and 1 kanal houses. You\u2019ll mostly come across single-storey houses in Awami Villas, Bahria Town, which is a newly-developed locality that aims to provide low-cost units using prefabricated housing technology.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of 5 marla houses<\/a> in the area starts at PKR 45 lakh, for 10 marla residential units<\/a>, prices start at PKR 98 lakh. If you\u2019re looking for 1 kanal units in Bahria Town Islamabad Phase 8, you need, at least, PKR 2 crore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phase 3<\/a> was the second most searched phase with houses for sale in Bahria Town Islamabad for 2019. It is perhaps one of the most developed phases, which makes it relatively expensive. Other factors contributing to the phase\u2019s immense popularity are robust infrastructure, contemporary housing units and plenty of recreational spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The buying trend for a 5 marla house starts at PKR 1 crore. You can buy a 10 marla house<\/a> in the area for as low as PKR 1.9 crore. If you desire a more spacious dwelling, then you can explore 1 kanal houses in Bahria Town Phase 3<\/a>; prices for these units begin at PKR 3.5 crore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bahria Town Phase 4 also turned out to be among the top choices of home buyers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Ideally located alongside the banks of Sawan River, Bahria Town Phase 4 lies in proximity to two of the most important road links in the city: Islamabad Expressway and Grand Trunk (GT) Road, which makes commuting to other parts of the city very convenient. Well-developed and equipped with good facilities, Phases 2 and 7 also made it to the top spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Popular Areas with Houses for Rent in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Popular
Most Popular Areas with Houses for Rent in Islamabad and Rawalpindi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at how well has the rental real estate market of some of the most searched localities in the twin cities performed over the year. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the above-given data, the posh locality of Bahria Town has once again taken the lead and appeared as the first choice of people looking for rental houses in Islamabad<\/a> and Rawalpindi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rents of houses in Bahria Town didn\u2019t experience any major changes, as compared to 2018. For instance, 5 marla rental houses in Bahria Town, which are smaller property options with affordable monthly rents always remain in high demand. After experiencing a small hike, the monthly rent of a 5 marla residential unit in Bahria Town<\/a> averaged at PKR 32,500 in 2019. With a nominal increase, 10 marla rental homes<\/a> in the neighbourhood were offered for PKR 65,000 per month on average. Meanwhile, a 1 kanal house in Bahria Town<\/a> can be rented out for around PKR 1.2 lakh. It has also been observed that rental homes in some of the most rapidly developing sub-districts of Bahria Town including Phase 8 and Safari Villas are gaining popularity and value with time, which means average rental prices in the neighbourhood may go further up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F-10 Islamabad was the second most popular area among people seeking rental properties in the twin cities. The neighbourhood is found at a peaceful location, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some of the most popular rental options in F-10 Islamabad are 5 marla, 10 marla and 1 kanal houses. The rental units available in the area are both furnished and unfurnished. Moreover, F-10 Islamabad is surrounded by key road links in the city including Kashmir Highway, Margalla Road and Nizam-ud-din Road, to name a few, making it an ideal choice for renters, which is why renting a property in the locality can be a bit costly. For example, a 5 marla rental house in F-10<\/a> is priced around PKR 50,000 per month. On the other hand, the average rent for bigger homes, including 10 marla and 1 kanal units in F-10 Islamabad<\/a>, is around PKR 83,000 and PKR 1.9 lakh respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with the above-listed areas, G-13, DHA Islamabad, F-8, F-7, E-11, I-8, F-11 and G-11 also came out as popular localities to rent houses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major Developments In the Twin Cities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some major developments in Islamabad and Rawalpindi that may directly or indirectly influence the performance of the property market in the twin cities:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n