Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad are three of the biggest and most popular cities of Pakistan, with each having a range of options when it comes to property investment in DHA. However, if you’ve been wondering where to invest in DHA within any of these major cities, you simply need to read on. Here, we’ll compare the residential communities built by the DHA in each city.
First off, let’s begin with an overview of what the DHA communities stand for. We will then move on to the city-based analysis of the available opportunities for property investment in DHA.
Overview of the DHA Projects in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad
As the name suggests, the corporation mostly caters to the housing needs for military personnel and their families. The phases within DHA’s housing schemes are generally well planned. They have smooth paved roads, designated residential and commercial areas and close access to leisure activities.
Rules and regulations for the societies are, therefore, also strictly imposed to maintain the standards at which the communities have been built. DHA also has separate landscaping crews at work, to maintain the upkeep of the parks that dot the area. While the real estate authority has built housing projects in several cities, we will discuss only the top three here to help you decide where to make a property investment in DHA.
DHA Lahore
DHA is one of the oldest societies in Lahore and is popular as a high-end residential area for families. The residential area is located in the southern part of Lahore. Having two shopping centres, as well as restaurants, hospitals, gyms and parks, there is very little that this community does not offer to its residents. In terms of real estate, the project mostly offers houses and residential plots. However, you can also find apartments here if you wish to buy a flat in DHA Lahore. Defence Lahore has seen several expansions over the years and now contains Phases 1 to 9.
DHA Karachi
Karachi’s Defence is a posh residential area with plenty of high-end eateries, salons, designer boutiques and shopping centres to facilitate the people living there. The roads are well maintained and the area is fairly secure overall. Located near Clifton in the south of the city, DHA Karachi contains 8 Phases, all of which are fairly developed. The area mostly caters to those who wish to live in bungalows or build their own homes on residential plots. However, you can also buy flats here in the partially commercial areas and in some of the newly built housing schemes.
DHA Islamabad
In the early 2000s, DHA expanded its reach to the country’s capital. We were then rewarded with DHA Islamabad, which is a modern housing scheme built with the best infrastructure and planning, keeping environmental concerns in mind. Located near Bahria Town at main GT Road, the project contains Phases 1 to 5, Phase 2 extension and DHA Valley. The society offers several recreational areas, eateries and educational institutes for the ease of the residents.
Price Range of DHA’s Real Estate for Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad
Before you make a decision, take a look at the possible options for property investment in DHA so that you know just what type of investment opportunity you can avail, based on your budget.
Prices of Properties in DHA Lahore
If you are interested in buying property in DHA Lahore, the price of a house here can cost between PKR 85 lakh and PKR 22 crore. Meanwhile, an apartment can cost anywhere from PKR 1 crore to PKR 3.56 crore. A residential plot, on the other hand, can be an investment of PKR 28 lakh to PKR 22 crore.
Prices of Properties in DHA Karachi
When it comes to buying a house in Karachi, the prices start from PKR 2.5 crore to PKR 60 crore. On the other hand, a flat can be on sale for PKR 40 lakh to PKR 8 crore. Around PKR 1.65 crore to PKR 35 crore is needed to buy a residential plot in Defence Karachi.
Prices of Properties in DHA Islamabad
Want to invest in DHA Islamabad? A house in the community can cost you PKR 21 lakh to PKR 6 crore. Meanwhile, an apartment in DHA here can be bought for PKR 21 lakh to PKR 1.9 crore. A residential plot in this area of Islamabad can be on sale for PKR 7 lakh to PKR 4.5 crore.
The Lifestyle of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad for DHA Residents
As a DHA resident, you get to live in an affluent and well-maintained society with close access to a range of facilities. DHA’s projects are also well-equipped to handle repairs, roadworks or other issues that may trouble their residents. However, you should not base your choice of investment solely on the residential community you will be residing in. Instead, it should also focus on the lifestyle you want to enjoy within the city. Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore all have their own flavours and you need to determine if living there suits your lifestyle before buying a house or flat in the city.
Lahore’s Lifestyle
Lahore is one of Pakistan’s culturally rich cities, having a lot of history attached to its name. The capital city of Punjab is also known for its warm and welcoming people and its cultural events. Along with being a pleasant and clean city to live in, it is also quite secure. The summers here are extreme though with mild and rainy winters.
Overall, Lahore is a hub of historical architecture, national monuments, food streets and a central transport system that lets you commute between it all. The city sleeps early though and it is not known for its nightlife. The construction of several shopping centres has brought a slight change in the lifestyle of the people with recreational areas and cinemas becoming a source of entertainment for the residents.
Karachi’s Lifestyle
Also known as the ‘City of Lights’, Karachi is a city that rarely sleeps with eateries being open well after midnight, even on weekdays. The city experiences hot summers and mild winters every year. However, it might not be as clean or secure as the other two we are discussing. Karachi also has a lot of noise and air pollution but being Pakistan’s major economic hub, it is the go-to destination for many job seekers and small families.
Karachi is also majorly congested in terms of traffic, especially during the peak hours, making driving on the roads a frustrating experience. Food is easily available in the city to all and is fairly affordable in price as compared to parts of Punjab where food is expensive. This reduces the overall cost of living in the city. Karachi does not have a central transport system. However, public buses and rickshaws are easily available to commute from one location to the next.
Islamabad’s Lifestyle
As the capital of the country, Islamabad is beautiful and well maintained. However, the city keeps early hours, so if you’re looking for nightlife, this might not the right place for you. With the passing years, several cafes and shops are being kept open late into the night but these entertainment options are few and far apart.
Along with being a lot more organised than both Karachi and Lahore, Islamabad is also fairly quiet in its lifestyle. As the city is smaller and less crowded, travelling here is easy. Residents of Islamabad also enjoy top-class security all year round, with mild summers and cold winters and lots of natural beauty surrounding them.
As the above suggests, the question is not just about where to invest in DHA. It is also about the kind of lifestyle you want to live and the kind of investment you want to make. Now that you know about the possible options for property investment in DHA, you’re all set to make your move with the right opportunity.
