How To Check Property Ownership In Pakistan – A Complete Guide

Investing in real estate is a great way to grow wealth and secure savings. Therefore, it’s paramount that property documents are in order.

But checking property ownership in Pakistan used to be a challenge. The system was slow and riddled with corruption issues, such as fraudulent agents, land mafias, and real estate malpractices.

But that’s all in the past.

The Government of Pakistan has now established an online property ownership verification process for Punjab and Sindh. That makes land verification in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other cities more efficient and accessible.

If you want to learn how to check property ownership documents, keep reading this guide.

Overview of Property Ownership Regulations

Before we discuss the process of checking property ownership in Pakistan, let’s take a moment to understand the basics.

There are two primary ownership categories:

• Freehold Ownership: The person owns a property and is therefore responsible to maintain the land and any structures on it.
• Leasehold Ownership: A property is owned for a length of time specified in the lease. When the terms of the lease agreement expire, the ownership returns to the freeholder.

Why Is It Important to Check If a Property Is Legally Verified

Before you buy a property, it’s crucial to know its history and ownership details. The information ensures your investment remains safe from fraudulent transactions, helping to safeguard against financial loss. Verifying property details allows a person to check who the actual owner is, and if there are any liens, encumbrances, or legal disputes over the property.

Moreover, when official authorities verify property documents, it’s easier to own and sell the property because ownership of the property has been clarified. Once legal documents are verified, it’s easier to acquire a bank loan.

So no matter what type of property you plan on buying, it’s necessary to check property details before the transaction and make sure everything is legally valid.

Recently, land records are being digitized. Citizens can now access property information online. At the moment, it is successfully up and running in Sindh and Punjab. The government plans to make the service available in all four provinces soon.

How to Check Property Ownership in Pakistan Online

The process of checking property ownership may vary slightly depending on the province you’re in and the type of information you’re seeking. However, the following steps generally apply when using an online Land Records Management Information System (LRMIS) in Pakistan:

Step #1: Acquire Accurate Property Information

Obtain accurate details about the property, such as the address, location, plot number, owner’s name, etc. This information makes it easier to search online.

Step #2: Visit Online Portals

Sindh and Punjab have introduced online portals to help citizens acquire up-to-date property ownership information. However, to access the details, you may need to create an account.

For instance, if you want to check property ownership in Lahore, visit the official website of Punjab Land Record Authority – Punjab Zameen Official.

Or, if you want to search certificate for property in Karachi, you need to check the official website for property verification in Sindh launched by the Sindh Board of Revenue.

Continue searching for the property details by entering the following:

• The district where property or land is located
• The Tehsil and area of the property
• Provide further details to verify ownership, either by entering the CNIC number, name, or property number (also known as the Khewat number).

You can use a similar process to check property lease details. Knowing how to check property lease in Karachi and Lahore ensures the lease details align with your requirements and you make a safe investment.

Additional Methods to Verify Property Ownership in Pakistan

When it comes to property verification online in Karachi or any other city – it’s always best to do your due diligence. So make sure to cross-check your online information with other sources, such as:

Property Registration Authorities

Each province has a property registration department that authorizes and maintains property records. So the Sindh Authority Land Records is in charge in Sindh, while the Punjab Land Records Authority manages these responsibilities in Punjab.

Land Revenue Offices

The Board of Revenue has a section known as Property Registers that registers property ownership, transfers, and mutation records. It contains information about plots, houses, shops, etc.

NADRA’s Property Verification System

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has also introduced a system known as the Property Verification System (PVS). It aids in verifying property ownership by entering the property holder’s CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) number.

Important Property Documents to Verify

Title Deed

A title deed is a document that offers ownership of a property. It gives a person the right to legally sell the property. It shows the authority of the ownership and the right to sell the real estate.

Sale Deed

The buyer and seller must sign this document to transfer ownership of the property to the buyer.

Mother Deed

The mother deed has the entire history of ownership of a particular property. It mentions the origin of the property, how many times it was sold, how it came into a person’s possession (purchase or inheritance), and the names of all its owners.

Intimation of Disapproval

This document offers information about the civil approval plans, NOC (no objection certificate) from local authorities, building permits, and details about the stages of development of the property.

Approved Building Plan

This is an approved document that has technical details about the developmental framework of a building, housing society, or any other property.

Purchase Agreement

As the name suggests, this document details information about the purchase, such as the payment terms, amount, deadlines, etc.

Power of Attorney

Power of attorney is a document that offers an individual the authority to make decisions about a property, including the right to buy, rent, or sell the property.

Completion Certificate

A completion certificate is issued when the construction of a housing project or property is complete. It ensures the property has been developed according to the standards of all the legal authorities.

Property Tax Receipts

Ensure you have a copy of all property tax recipients.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to check property ownership documents before investing in real estate. While it’s become incredibly easier to check the details, nothing beats partnering with a reliable property developer like Chapal Builders.

Chapal is a renowned name in the world of real estate. We have over 50 years of experience in buildings and construction in Karachi. Moreover, all our projects have legally verified property documents. Feel free to contact our sales representatives for more details about Chapal’s various projects.