Most property disputes in Pakistan start with paperwork nobody checked. Before you pay a token, go through this list — and for anything large, have a property lawyer check it too.
1. Who really owns it
- In a housing society or authority scheme (DHA, Bahria Town, LDA, CDA and others), ownership is recorded by the society or authority. Ask for the allotment letter and the latest transfer letter, and verify them at the society's office before you pay.
- Outside societies, ownership is in the land revenue record. In Punjab you can get the record (the fard) from a Punjab Land Records Authority centre; it shows the owner and the share of land they hold.
- Match the CNIC of the person selling with the name on the record. If someone sells on the owner's behalf, ask for a registered power of attorney and check it.
2. Is the scheme approved?
Development authorities — LDA, CDA, RDA and others — publish lists of approved and illegal housing schemes. Check the list before buying in any new society. A plot in an unapproved scheme can be very hard to sell later, or to get utilities for.
3. Dues and charges
Ask for proof that there are no unpaid property tax, society maintenance, development charges or utility bills. Societies usually won't transfer a property with dues outstanding — which protects you, as long as the transfer happens before you pay in full.
4. Building approvals
For a house, ask for the approved building plan and completion certificate. For a flat, ask for the building's approval and confirm your floor was part of it.
5. Pay the right way
Pay by bank transfer or pay order, never cash, and keep every receipt. Pay the token against a written agreement, and the balance only at the transfer or registry. The registry or society transfer — not a stamp paper agreement — is what makes you the owner.
On Matti, look for the verified badge on dealers and owners, and use the Report button on any listing that looks wrong.
