Step-by-Step Guide to Property Transfer in Pakistan

Transferring property ownership in Pakistan requires careful attention to legal procedures to ensure a valid and dispute-free transaction. This guide outlines the essential steps every buyer and seller should follow.

Step 1: Title Verification Before any transaction, verify the seller's title through the relevant land record authority. In Punjab, this involves checking the Fard (ownership record) through the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA). Similar authorities exist in other provinces.

Step 2: Due Diligence Conduct thorough due diligence including verification of CNIC details, checking for any litigation on the property, confirming no encumbrances or liens exist, and ensuring all property taxes are paid.

Step 3: Sale Agreement Draft a comprehensive sale agreement (Bayana) that includes full property description with khasra/khata numbers, agreed sale price and payment schedule, timeline for completion, penalties for default, and conditions precedent.

Step 4: No Objection Certificates Obtain necessary NOCs from relevant authorities. For agricultural land, this includes DC office approval. For urban properties, this may include housing authority clearances.

Step 5: Registration Execute the sale deed (Bay Nama) at the Sub-Registrar's office. Both parties must appear with CNICs, two witnesses, and stamp papers of appropriate value (based on DC rates).

Step 6: Mutation (Intiqal) After registration, apply for mutation in the land revenue records. This officially transfers ownership in government records and is essential for future transactions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Never pay full amount before registration, always verify through original documents, ensure the seller has clear authority to sell, and be wary of power of attorney sales without proper verification.

Engaging a qualified property lawyer can help you navigate these procedures and protect your investment.