The paperwork most Pakistani buyers skip — and regret two years later

Twelve years of real estate gives you a strong sense of what goes wrong after a deal closes. The single biggest source of regret is **paperwork the buyer didn't verify before transfer**. Here is the checklist we run on every purchase deal — buyer-side or seller-side. Print this and bring it to your next viewing.

1. The allotment letter (or CC — Conveyance Certificate)

Every plot or built property in a planned community (Bahria, DHA, Cantonment) has an **original allotment letter** issued by the development authority in the name of the current owner. **Hold the physical original in your hand and verify**:

• The CNIC on the letter matches the seller's current CNIC.
• The name spelling is identical (Pakistani buyer surnames vary in spelling — "Ahmad" vs "Ahmed" vs "Ahamad" causes registry rejections).
• The plot number and block on the letter match the physical property.
• The allotment date is at least 6 months ago (recently allotted plots often have pending transfer paperwork from the original developer).

**What goes wrong:** photocopy fraud. We have seen photocopied allotment letters where the photocopy looked clean but the original was held against bank finance the seller hadn't disclosed.

2. The society NOC (No Objection Certificate)

Required for transfer in DHA, Bahria, and most cantonment areas. The NOC is issued by the society's transfer office after they confirm:

• All society dues (maintenance fees, gas connection fees) are paid.
• No outstanding court cases or partition disputes on the property.
• No bank lien or charge.

Get the NOC issued **in your name as buyer**, not the seller's. NOCs in the seller's name can be issued for refinancing or other purposes and don't confirm transfer-readiness.

3. Utility clearance (water, gas, electricity)

The seller must produce **last 3 months of paid utility bills** for water, gas, and electricity. Outstanding utility dues become the new owner's liability after transfer — even though legally they should remain with the seller. K-Electric, WAPDA, and SSGC do not pursue old owners; they cut off your supply.

Ask the seller to sign a one-page indemnity confirming all utility dues are clear as of the transfer date. We provide a standard template.

4. The map (approved building plan)

For built properties, there must be an **approved building plan** on file with the development authority — DHA, Bahria, Cantonment, or LDA/CDA depending on city. If the constructed property doesn't match the approved plan (extensions, extra floors, encroachment beyond setback), you inherit the violation.

We have seen buyers discover post-transfer that a third floor was illegally built and the development authority issued a demolition notice. Cost: PKR 8 lakh in legal fees + reconstruction obligation.

5. Property tax + capital value tax (CVT) clearance

The seller must produce **paid property tax challans** for the last 3 years and the **CVT** (Capital Value Tax) clearance. Outstanding property tax dues transfer to the new owner.

Property tax in Pakistan is administered by the provincial excise & taxation department. Verify by visiting the official **eTaxation portal for your province** and entering the property's tax number.

6. The transfer letter (or registry)

The actual transfer document. In society properties it's typically a **transfer letter** issued by the society; in non-society properties it's a **registry** at the sub-registrar's office. Both require:

• Buyer + seller present (or POA holders with attested POA).
• Two witnesses (typically the agents on both sides).
• FBR + provincial stamps.
• Recent property photograph signed by both parties.

The transfer letter / registry **must be physically in your possession** before you hand over the final payment. Never pay the balance based on a verbal commitment to "give the transfer letter tomorrow."

What we do for every buyer

A standard Bahria Realty purchase deal involves us:

• Pulling the allotment letter, NOC, building plan, utility bills, and tax clearance from the seller.
• Verifying each one with the issuing authority directly (we have contacts in DHA + Bahria transfer offices).
• Writing a 1-page deal summary with any discrepancies flagged.
• Holding the buyer's payment in escrow (via our office account) until transfer is complete.

The PKR 50,000 documentation fee on top of our commission pays for this work. It's the difference between a clean deal and a 2-year court case.

Even if you're not buying through us — run this checklist. Print it, bring it, refuse to sign without it.