1. Decide the goal, the budget and who will be your person on the ground
Write down what you are buying (a plot to build on, a ready house, a shop or a long-term investment), your total budget in Pakistani rupees including transfer and any construction costs, and the person who will act for you in Pakistan: a close relative, a lawyer or a representative you trust.
2. Shortlist projects remotely
Ask for the project's location pin, plot sizes, written price list and payment plan, and recent photos. A consultant can arrange a live video call from the site. Compare at least two or three options before you commit.
3. Verify before you pay
- Have an independent lawyer check the seller's identity, ownership records and any encumbrances.
- Confirm the housing scheme's approval with the relevant authority, not only with the seller.
- Have your representative inspect the plot and compare it with the file.
Our guide to verifying ownership from abroad goes through each check.
4. Sign safely: power of attorney or in person
If you cannot travel, a properly drafted power of attorney, attested as the Pakistani embassy, high commission or consulate and the rules of your country require, lets a trusted person sign for you. Keep its scope limited to the specific property and keep a certified copy.
5. Pay through banking channels
Pay by bank transfer to an account whose title you have checked, keep the transfer confirmation and obtain an official receipt for every payment. Avoid cash and personal accounts. Non-resident Pakistanis who want housing finance can ask banks about the State Bank of Pakistan's Roshan Apna Ghar scheme.
6. Registration, mutation and possession
After the agreement, the sale must be registered and the change of ownership recorded in the land records. Do not treat the purchase as complete until your lawyer confirms this has happened, and keep all originals safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy property in Pakistan without visiting?
Many overseas buyers do, using video-call viewings, a trusted representative, an independent lawyer and a power of attorney. A visit is still the best way to see a site for yourself if you can manage one.
Is a power of attorney necessary?
Only if you cannot sign in person. If you use one, have it drafted by a lawyer and check that the society and the registration office will accept it.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm current figures with the developer and have a lawyer review your documents before you pay.