For anyone trying to grasp property measurement intricacies in Pakistan, knowing one needs to negotiate its legal, social, and practical dimensions is necessary. Real estate is very popular in the metropolis and especially in the downtown areas but family land is still a major issue in the rural settings.
This means that any discussion regarding property measurement should take into account existing statutes, customs, as well as current trends in such matters. What follows is our blog post on this issue which will give you as much information as possible on what constitutes property in Pakistan.
Legal Framework and Land Types:
The legal frame of reference that controls land evaluation in Pakistan can be said to consist mainly of the Land Revenue Act of 1967 and the Registration Act of 1908. Under the provisions of these laws, one will find processes that make it possible for one to follow landownerships recording ownership transfers as well as acreage. To comprehend the various types of land classification is indispensable:
1. Agricultural Land:
Predominant in rural areas, agricultural land is often measured in acres or Kanals (1 acre equals approximately 8 kanals). The measurement depends on the region and local practices.
2. Urban Property:
In cities and towns, property is often measured in square feet, square yards, or marlas (1 marla is equal to 272.25 square feet).
3. Commercial and Industrial:
These properties follow similar measurement standards as urban properties but may have additional zoning regulations and specific measurement requirements based on their intended use.
Units of Measurement:
There are various units of measurement when property in Pakistan and here we thoroughly discuss these units.
1. Kanal and Marla System:
In Pakistan especially in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, you will see the use of kanal and marla system being used, and They are used extensively throughout the country. The following is a comparison between the two:
Kanal:
Originally a unit of area used in Northern India and Pakistan, 1 Kanal is equivalent to 20 marlas or approximately 5445 square feet (503.93 square meters).
Marla:
A marla is smaller than a kanal and is often used to measure smaller plots of land or portions of larger properties. It is approximately 272.25 square feet (25.29 square meters).
2. Square Feet and Square Yards:
In urban areas, especially in Sindh and parts of Balochistan, properties are commonly measured in square feet or square yards:
- Square Feet:
Approximately 0.0929 square meters make up one square foot, which is widely used for both residential and commercial establishments.
- Square Yards:
Often used interchangeably with square feet, 1 square yard equals 9 square feet (approximately 0.8361 square meters).
Conversion Chart Cheat Sheet:
Here’s a handy conversion chart to keep these traditional units in perspective:
Remember:
It’s always best to double-check the measurement unit used in a property listing. Feel free to ask the seller or agent for clarification if needed.
Survey and Demarcation:
Accurate measurement of property requires survey and demarcation by licensed surveyors. The process involves:
- Boundary Demarcation:
They are identifying and marking the boundaries of the property.
- Measurement Verification:
It is ensuring the accuracy of the land area according to legal standards.
Registration and Documentation:
Sale Deed:
A legal paper that officially changes the possession of an item from a seller to a buyer.
Mutation of Land Records:
Updating records to reflect the change in ownership.
Property Tax Assessment:
Valuation for tax purposes based on the measured area
Challenges and Considerations:
There are some considerations while doing transactions in Pakistan:
1. Informal Sector
A significant portion of property transactions in Pakistan occurs through informal channels, leading to undocumented ownership and disputes.
2. Land Disputes:
Disputes over property boundaries and ownership are common, often requiring legal intervention and resolution.
3. Urban Expansion
Rapid urbanization poses challenges in accurately measuring and documenting property amidst evolving city landscapes.
Cultural Significance:
Beyond legal and practical dimensions, the property holds cultural and social significance in Pakistan:
- Ancestral Land: In rural areas, land ownership is often tied to ancestral heritage, passed down through generations.
- Urban Growth: In terms of real estate activity, urbanization applies to cities such as Karachi and Lahore, Islamabad thereby resulting in national economic dynamics.
Future Trends:
As Pakistan continues to develop economically and technologically, advancements in digital mapping and surveying technologies are expected to streamline property measurement processes.
Additionally, reforms in land registration and governance aim to enhance transparency and efficiency in the real estate sector.
Conclusion:
Understanding how property is measured in Pakistan involves navigating through legal frameworks, cultural traditions, and practical considerations. From the Kanal and marla system prevalent in rural Punjab to square feet measurements in urban centers, each method serves to define ownership and facilitate transactions.
Technology and regulatory reforms are key for shaping the future of property measurement and management in Pakistan as it moves forward. Property measurement in Pakistan is not just numbers and boundaries, but heritage preservation, development facilitation, and equitable access to land resources for future generations.
