Josh and Mak International is synonymous with excellence in property law in Pakistan. As leading experts in the field, we offer comprehensive legal services, expert advice, and strategic guidance for all your property-related matters. Whether you require assistance with property transactions, title verification, lease agreements, real estate development, or dispute resolution, our dedicated team is here to help. Trust us to provide the highest level of professionalism and expertise in navigating the intricate landscape of property law in Pakistan.
Contact us today to benefit from our unmatched knowledge and experience in the field.
Property Law in Pakistan encompasses the legal framework that governs ownership and rights related to real estate and land. It differentiates between personal possessions and immovable property within the common law system. At Josh and Mak International, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of real estate and property laws in Pakistan. With our deep expertise and extensive experience, we provide invaluable help and advice to numerous clients in navigating the complexities of property law.
In both common law and civil law systems, property law distinguishes between movable and immovable property. Movable property pertains to personal possessions, while immovable property encompasses real estate and land, along with the associated rights and obligations. Property law sets forth the legal principles and regulations that govern various forms of ownership and ensure the protection of property rights.
Josh and Mak International, we have a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable legal professionals who specialize in property law in Pakistan. Our expertise covers a wide range of matters, including:
- Property Transactions: Whether you are buying or selling property, our experts offer comprehensive guidance throughout the transaction process. We provide in-depth analysis, contract review, and negotiation support to protect your interests and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.
- Title Verification: Ensuring the authenticity and legality of property ownership is crucial. Our team conducts meticulous title verification, examining land records, encumbrances, and any potential legal issues. This process enables us to provide you with accurate information and mitigate risks associated with property ownership.
- Lease and Tenancy Agreements: We assist clients in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating lease and tenancy agreements. Our focus is on protecting your rights and interests as a landlord or tenant, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Real Estate Development: If you are involved in real estate development projects, our experts can guide you through the legal complexities. We assist in land acquisition, zoning and planning approvals, construction contracts, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Dispute Resolution: In case of property-related disputes, our team offers strategic advice and representation. We aim to resolve conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, advocating for your rights and achieving favorable outcomes.
Trusted Partners for Property Matters:
With a strong track record of success, we have earned the trust of our clients who rely on us for expert advice and guidance in property law matters. We understand the unique challenges of the real estate landscape in Pakistan and provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
Laws and Legislation regulating property and real estate in Pakistan
Real estate/property law is regulated under various statutes in Pakistan. Laws for individual businesses and taxation of different lands may vary, for example; capital gains tax is levied under Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 whilst capital value tax is levied under CVT ordinance, and so forth. However specific law for property/real estate acquisition and sale include the following :
• The Transfer of Property Act, 1882
• Land Revenue Act, 1967
• Stamp Act 1899
• Registration Act 1908
Establishment of real estate investment trusts in Pakistan
The concept of real estate investment trusts has recently been introduced in Pakistan as an incentive for real estate investment in the country. Any income from such trust is exempt from tax, subject to the condition that not less than 90 percent of its profit of the year is distributed among the unit holders.
Taxation of gains from real estate in Pakistan
The Constitution excludes legislation on the taxation of capital gains from the purview of the federal government. The income tax law has also been harmonized with these constitutional provisions by excluding the immovable property from the definition of capital asset, whose gain is liable to tax.
Despite this, profits on some transactions concerning immovable property is taxable under the income tax law e.g. disposal of property acquired as a stock in trade or with commercial intent to make profit. However, gains realized on the disposal of immovable property transferred as a consequence of family inheritance, gifts or without commercial motives, or if the property is held as a business capital asset, are exempt.
Taxation by the local authorities/provincial governments in Pakistan
In Pakistan, property tax/real estate tax is also imposed by the provincial governments as this was the practice prepartition.
Capital value tax on real estate related transactions in Pakistan
A Capital value tax is applicable in urban areas for residential property exceeding an area of one kanal and in case of commercial properties without any threshold of land area or size of the property. All transfers falling under the scope of purchase, gift, exchange, surrender, power of attorney and relinquishing the rights have been subjected to the capital value tax.
However, transactions between spouses, parents, grand parents, brothers and sisters through gift and inheritance have been excluded from its purview.
Real estate/property law and taxation implications for the landlord in Pakistan
All landlords must ensure that the lease of an immovable property is executed in writing under the specified ordinance. Lease of immovable property for a period of less than a year does not require compulsory registration. However, lease of immovable property for a period of more than a year must be registered. Land lord should ensure proper tax deductions are done by the lessee and in case the same is not done he (individual /or company) may be required to deposit the tax with the treasury in due time.
If the tenant refuses to pay rent, or for any other reason as stated in the lease agreement and allowed under the law, the landlord may terminate the lease. If the tenant refuses to vacate the premises the landlord may file an eviction petition before the relevant rent controller.
Real estate/property law and taxation implications for the tenant in Pakistan
All Tenants must ensure that he makes payment of the rent either through a crossed cheque or, where payment is made through some other mode, a receipt must be obtained from the landlord. In case the landlord unlawfully or unjustifiably attempts to evict the tenant, the tenant may file a petition before the rent controller in addition to availing other legal remedies as advised by his counsel.
If the Lessee is a prescribed person under tax law he should ensure proper tax deductions on payment of rent.
Acquisition or purchase of real estate/property in Pakistan
Purchasing a real estate in Pakistan can be a tricky process due to the lack of a standardized system in the country. Therefore, a complete and thorough search in respect of title of the seller of the real estate must be carried out. A general practice is to investigate the title of the current vendor and any previous owner(s) for the last 20 years. The original title document in favour of the vendor must be obtained along with other relevant documents including mutation in favour of the vendor, a fresh copy of fard, aks shajra and NOC/NEC as the case may be.
If the transferee is selling the property in the capacity of an attorney of the owner then it must be ensured that the power of attorney is affixed with appropriate stamp duty and it has been duly registered with the relevant sub-registrar. If possible, contact should be made with the owner(s) of the property and authenticity of the power of attorney must be confirmed. A holder of a forged and fabricated power of attorney may not be able to transfer a valid title in an immovable property to a third party.
Can Overseas Pakistanis and/or Foreigners invest in Pakistan Real Estate Industry ?
Non-resident Pakistanis, overseas Pakistanis and foreigners may also purchase immovable property in Pakistan. Their presence in Pakistan at the time of execution of the title document is not necessary.
The sale of real estate/property in Pakistan
The sale of real estate in Pakistan normally takes place through a title document known as a Sale Deed, except in certain cases; e.g. purchase of real estate in a Defense Housing Authority (DHA) or in a housing society where a sales deed is not executed for transfer of title in real estate and an allotment letter/transfer letter from the authority or the society, as the case may be, is deemed to be the title document. Some people, before execution of the sale deed, may opt to execute an agreement to sell. However, such an agreement to sell does not transfer title to a property in favor of the vendor. It does, nevertheless, create a right in favor of the vendor in case the vendor refuses to honor the terms and conditions of the agreement, to seek specific enforcement of the agreement to sell. Title on an immovable property is only deemed to transfer once such Sale Deed or title document has been executed. A Sale Deed must be affixed with requisite stamp duty and it must be registered with the relevant sub-registrar. After registration of the Sale Deed with the sub-registrar it must be ensured that a mutation of such sale is entered in the register of mutations kept and maintained by the patwari.
How Josh and Mak International help you
Our company is involved in providing services and assistance to all our valued clients in the buying and selling of both movable and immovable properties & real estate in Pakistan. We also provide the services needed to facilitate the required permissions, etc. for setting up various industries, factories, commercial complexes, industrial and residential estates et al right across Pakistan. We also provide specialist advice on Capital Value Tax, Excise Duties and Registration Fees. To be specific our expert lawyers/attorneys offer the following:
• Obtain a fresh copy of Fardnama from relevant sub-registrar
• Obtain a certified copy of Aks-Shajra (map)
• Obtain a certified copy of Tatima/Supplementary Map of the property
• Investigate & verify title documents of the property
• Investigate & verify mutation in favor of the vendor
• Demarcation details
• Drafting of the sale and purchase documents
• Registration of conveyance deed
• Transfer of title
• Entries in relevant government record
• Obtain a NOC, if necessary
• Verification of the Power of Attorney of the vendor, if any
• Verification of other documents e.g lease deeds, mortgage deeds, gift deeds etc., if any
Please get in touch now for complete advisory package on the procedure for sale/purchase of real estate in Pakistan, gift of real estate in Pakistan, lease of real estate in Pakistan, mortgage of real estate in Pakistan and taxation of gains from real estate in Pakistan, taxation of real estate in Pakistan and the setting up of real estate investment trusts in Pakistan.
