Buying and Selling Real Estate at the same time

Selling an existing property and buying another one immediately afterwards involves a few inevitable risk factors, especially if funds are limited. A major concern for most homeowners who are doing this real estate investment, this is whether or not they will be able to find the right property ti buy immediately after selling the one they are residing in.
Here are few tips to making the process of real estate investment easier:
1. Sell first and then buy. Put all your energy and resources towards selling your existing property first; getting the right price can take months of negotiation. As soon as you have a couple of offers from potential buyers, start searching for a new property. Don't be procrastinate, because time is money when the property market is in flux.
2. Add the following points to the sales deed after your existing property has been sold:

• A grace period that allows you to stay in your current property for at least three to six months before you have to hand over the property.
• Agree on a payment schedule which allows you to receive 98% of the payment at least 10 days prior to the handover. This will give you the funds to purchase the new property and in this way you things will be easier for you in doing real estate investment.

3. Prepare to rent. If you can't find the right property to buy during the specified grace period, be prepared to live in a rental property. This is better then rushing into a deal. You can even ask your buyer if he/she will allow you to rent the current property for a few months.
4. Be Prepared. The new property that you buy may require renovations. In this case, ask the seller for permission to begin renovations before the full payment is made. In most cases this requires a 25% down payment.

Best Real Estate Investment opportunity in Lahore, Pakistan

Over the last decade, the trend of upscale, gated residential communities has emerged in Lahore, Pakistan. Some of which are comparable to international projects in terms of planning, infrastructure and real estate investment opportunities as well as the amenities they provide.
Khayaban-e-Amin is one such project attracting real estate investment from across Pakistan primarily due to the fact that it is envisioned to be an upscale, well planned and secure neighborhood.
It is located opposite Valencia Town, a posh and well-known residential area, on Defence Road, minutes from Shaukat Khanum Hospital and Thokar Niaz Baig. Spread over approximately, 1,400 acres, Khayaba-e-Amin comprises 16 blocks.
Although it was established in 2005, so far only two block (E and G) have been completed. Two blocks are under development: Block L and a block which will only cater to Pakistanis living overseas.
Development work on these two blocks is expected to be completed within two years. Pre-constructed houses (built on plots measuring 125, 250 and 500 square yards) as well as vacant plots are available.
Proposed amenities include a small commercial area, community center, hospital, mosque, several parks, school, internal shuttle service, round-the-clock security in the form of manned gates and surveillance cameras and an independent water filter plant.
The pricing structure (in rupees) of property in Khayaban-e-Amin is as follows:
Plot Size                                 Purchase price range
125 sq yds                                   1-1.2 million
250 sq yds                                   1.8-1.9 million
500 sq yds                                    2.8-3 million

Houses Size                           Purchase price range
125 sq yds                                   2.3-3.5 million
250 sq yds                                   5.6-6 million
500 sq yds                                    8-8.5 million
                           

How you can do real estate investment for less than Rs. 10 million in Peshawar, Pakistan

Peshawar is one of the oldest cities in Asia and has been the political and commercial hub of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for decades. Peshawar could be the best place for real estate investment as it is the most developed urban center in the province, Peshawar attracts a large population comprising migrants from the surrounding rural and semi-rural areas. This has resulted in increased demand for residential property.
Here is a look at residential areas in Peshawar where houses you can do real estate investment for less than Rs. 10 million
Askari and Falcon Societies: Developed by Army Welfare Trust, these small residential societies are located near the Peshawar Airport. Although they do not have a lot of commercial activity, they are popular because they are extremely secure.

Plot Size (sq yds)                                Purchase price range (Rs)
125                                                         5.7-6.8 million
175                                                         6.8-8.3 million
250                                                         8.4-10 million

Cantonment: Located in proximity to Peshawar Airport, Cantonment is an upmarket area and best for real estate investment. It is along with Saddar, Peshawar's busy commercial zone, three historical Mughal gardens are located there, as well as Deans Trade Center, Edward's College, the Governor's House and Peshawar Museum.

Plot Size (sq yds)                                Purchase price range (Rs)
125                                                         6.9-8 million
175                                                         8.5-9.5 million

Hayatabad: An upmarket residential neighborhood, Hayatabad was established in the 1970s by the Peshawar Development Authority, without any doubt an ideal place for real estate investment. Several prestigious educational institutions, parks, a community center and a sports complex are located there as well as numerous banks and government institutions such as FIA, NAB, NADRA and the Passport Office.



Plot Size (sq yds)                                Purchase price range (Rs)
125                                                         5.9-7 million
175                                                         7-9 million
250                                                         8.6-10 million

University Town: University town is another perfect site for real estate investment. It is located about five kilometers from the city center, this is a rapidly developing area. Several international aid agencies, foreign consulates and guesthouses are located there as well a some of Peshawar's best educational institutions.


Plot Size (sq yds)                                Purchase price range (Rs)
125                                                         6.5-7.8 million
175                                                         8.2-9.3 million
250                                                         9-13 million

The Townhouse Trend in Real Estate Investing

Historically, townhouse trend in real estate investment were the urban residences of the European aristocracy; they were 'simpler' houses, which were not as lavish as their country real estates and were usually located in the urban centers.
In Pakistan, modern townhouses are usually double storey, semi-detached houses within a shared compound. They have become a popular real estate investment, because while they are independent homes, comprising three to five bedrooms, they offer security and ease of maintenance.
Like apartment complexes, townhouse compounds are also managed by the homeowners' associations that take care of water, sewerage and security issues.
Townhouses are gaining traction in Pakistan, especially among the buyers who have smaller budgets but prefer to live on a house within a gated community.
Here is a look at the availability of townhouses in Pakistan and their prices:

Karachi
Townhouses are primarily located in Civil Lines, Clifton, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and PECHS.
Plot Size (Sq Yds)                           Purchase price range
120                                                    100-150 million
140                                                    135-170 million
180                                                    150-200 million
240                                                    180-280 million
300                                                     220-320 million

Lahore
Townhouses living is catching on in Lahore due to the establishment of several new housing developments, most of which are in Gulberg..
Plot Size (Sq Yds)                           Purchase price range
125                                                    60-120 million
270                                                    105-140 million
500                                                    150-200 million

Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Bahria Town is one of the other townhouse schemes. It has projects in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which are set against a suburban landscape with greenery and good infrastructure.
Plot Size (Sq Yds)                           Purchase price range
125                                                    55-90 million
250                                                    70-100 million
300                                                    120-150 million

Tips To Do Economical Real Estate Investment

whenever you go for real estate investment, one way of reducing costs while building a house is by sticking to simple structural elements using good quality materials. It will not only reduce construction costs, your house will be easier to maintain.
In Real Estate Investment to keep structural design sound, simple and economical, consider the following:

• No Split levels. Ensure that all the rooms in the house are built  on the same level; avoid sunken lounge spaces and split levels.
• Staircases. Spiral staircases cost more than standard ones and take longer to build.
• Windows. Standard windows sizes (measuring three by four feet) are functional and affordable. Larger windows require more material, (e.g. additional cost of grills and frames)/ Similarly, odd shaped windows (e.g. arched or round) are more expensive.
• Ceilings. Double-height and false ceilings, as well as pitched and sloping roofs are more expensive in terms of designing, material and specialized labor.
• Bathrooms and Kitchens. Position bathrooms and kitchens against exterior walls; they will require exhaust ducts and pipes. In double-story houses, make sure that bathrooms and/or kitchens on both floors are above each other; this will reduce plumbing costs in real estate investment.
• Flooring. Keep flooring material consistent throughout the house; this will allow you to buy material in bulk at reduced rates. Porcelain tiles are a good option and easy to maintain.
• Paint. Using the same color will allow you to buy paint in bulk at a discount. Choose standard colors; they are cheaper than custom-made colors, and make repainting the house less tedious, as they are readily available. Invest in a good brand that is long lasting. Do consider textured wall paint as an option; although it is more expensive for real estate investment but it lasts longer.
• Exteriors. Cladding exterior walls with bricks and using weather resistant or textured paint are highly recommended, because although they are more expensive than regular paint, they are virtually maintenance free and long lasting.

Real Estate Investment in Malaysia

A progressive and secure country with modern infrastructure and an attractive business environment, Malaysia is a popular destination for real estate investment and has gained traction over the years among Pakistanis.
Property investment in Malaysia as a foreigner is fairly simple. You must be above the age of 21 and the property you purchase must be valued at RM 500,000 ($ 160,000) or above. However, sale of bumiputra or native properties in certain areas is restricted for foreigners.
Real estate investment can be made either by going to Malaysia, or through real estate agents specializing in overseas property. There is no restriction regarding the number of properties one can buy.
The capital city Kuala Lumpur and the scenic island of penang are popular locations for foreign investors. Freehold condominiums in both these cities have a potential return on investment of eight percent per annum; foreign investors can also purchase vacant plots there.
Foreign investors can secure a property loan from banks in Malaysia. Local banks can extend loans of up to 90% of the property price. The transaction takes between six months and a year to be processed and usually requires a two percent payment on booking followed by another eight percent when the sale agreement is signed. Properties bought by foreigners also require the land office's consent; this process usually takes about three months.
If a property is sold within two years of purchase, a 10% tax is levied on the profits gained; a five percent tax on profits gained is imposed on properties sold two to five years after their purchase. Residential property sold after five years is not taxed for profits gained. Without any doubt Malaysia is one of the best places for the real estate investment in the World.

Taj Mahal: An Example of Real Estate Investment

The Taj Mahal in Agra, also known as "The Jewel of Muslim Art in India", is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was built by Shah Jehan, the Mughal Emperor, in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was no doubt a best real estate investment ever.
Construction began in 1631; masons, stone cutters, in layers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome builders and other craftsmen from the Indian Empire, Central Asia and Iran worked together under the supervision of architects Abd-ul-Karim Ma'amur Khan, Makramat Khan and Ustad Ahmed Lahquvi (the principal designer). The entire complex, which comprises the Taj Mahal and several gardens, took 22 years to build at a cost of approximately Rs 32 million at that time.
Shortly after its completion, Shah Jehan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb and was eventually buried in the Taj Mahal next to his beloved wife.
Although the Taj Mahal was built in the style of Mughal and Persian architecture, the use of the breathtaking pure white marble, embellished in certain places with nearly 28 precious and semi-precious stones (including carnelians, lapis lazuli, sapphires and turquoises), was extraordinary and a novel idea at the time.
What also made the Taj Mahal unique was the fact that prior to its construction, most Mughal and Persian buildings, such as Jahangir's tomb, were surrounded by four lawns In a way, the gardens become a procession which culminated in the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal's architectural style was then used in other Mughal structures and remains a very strong architecture, the cost and sheer size make it very difficult to do so. However, we do see gesture in our mosques, particularly those in the Middle East, where the Taj Mahal's architectural style is clearly visible.
Ultimately, the Taj Mahal is an edifice of one man's love for the woman he loved. Never again in history have we seen such a monument built for love.