Legal Procedures for Buying/Selling Property from Abroad

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Legal Procedures for Buying/Selling Property from
Abroad Introduction With a significant number of
Overseas Pakistanis investing in real estate back
home, buying and selling property from abroad has
become a common practice. Many non-resident
Pakistanis (NRPs) purchase properties for
investment, family use, or business expansion,
while others sell their existing assets to
relocate, reinvest, or liquidate assets. However,
due to fraud, legal complications, and
documentation issues, NRPs often struggle with
property transactions in Pakistan. The risk of
illegal possession, fake documents, and power of
attorney misuse makes it crucial for NRPs to
follow the correct legal procedures. This blog
will guide you through the step-by-step process
of buying and selling property in Pakistan from
abroad, covering

• Legal requirements for property transactions
• Documents needed for buying/selling property
  remotely
• Role of Power of Attorney in property
  transactions
• How to verify property ownership and avoid fraud
• How Wooqlaw helps Overseas Pakistanis

with
property
transactions
Legal Requirements for Buying Property from
Abroad For Overseas Pakistanis, purchasing
property in Pakistan requires careful attention
to legal documentation, verification, and
registration. Below are the key steps
involved. Step 1 Hire a Real Estate Lawyer in
Pakistan
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• Since NRPs cannot be physically present, hiring a
  real estate lawyer ensures that all legal
  documentation and verification are done properly.
  Wooqlaw Legal Marketplace allows NRPs to
• Consult experienced property lawyers online
• Verify property documents before purchase
• Handle registration and tax compliance remotely
• Step 2 Verify Property Documents and Ownership
• Before purchasing a property, it is crucial to
  verify ownership and legal status. This can be
  done through
• Checking land records with the local registrar
• Obtaining a Fard (Ownership Certificate) from the
  Revenue Department
• Ensuring no disputes or encumbrances on the
  property
• Your lawyer can verify title deeds, property tax
  records, and previous ownership details to ensure
  a safe and legal purchase.
• Step 3 Drafting the Sale Agreement
• Once the property is verified, a Sale Agreement
  (Bayana) is drafted, mentioning
• Total property price
• Advance payment (token money)
• Payment schedule
• Possession terms
• This document legally binds the buyer and seller
  and must be signed in the presence of witnesses.
• Step 4 Payment and Transfer of Ownership
• NRPs can make payments via official bank channels
  to ensure transparency.

Drafting and signing the Sale Agreement

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• Ensuring legal compliance for ownership transfer
• Step 2 Granting Power of Attorney (POA)
• Since NRPs cannot be physically present in
  Pakistan, they need to appoint a trusted
  representative through a Power of Attorney (PoA).
• Types of Power of Attorney
• General Power of Attorney (GPA) Gives broad
  legal rights to manage and sell property.
• Special Power of Attorney (SPA) Limited to a
  specific property transaction.
• The PoA must be attested by the Pakistani Embassy
  in the country where the NRP resides, then
  verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  (MOFA) in Pakistan.
• Step 3 Property Valuation and Tax Compliance
• Before selling, property valuation is required to
  determine
• Fair Market Value (FMV)
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Withholding Tax (WHT)
  obligations
• NRPs should consult a real estate lawyer or tax
  advisor to ensure compliance with FBR tax
  regulations.
• Step 4 Drafting and Executing the Sale Deed
• A Sale Agreement is prepared, mentioning the
  selling price, payment terms, and transfer
  conditions.
• The buyer makes payments through official bank
  channels.
• The final Sale Deed is signed, registered, and
  ownership is transferred at the land registry
  office.

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• Documents Required for Buying/Selling Property
  from Abroad
• NRPs must provide the following documents for
  property transactions in Pakistan.
• For Buying Property
• Copy of CNIC/NICOP (National Identity Card for
  Overseas Pakistanis)
• Valid passport (if applicable)
• Source of income details (for tax compliance)
• Sale Agreement and Payment Receipts
• For Selling Property
• Original Title Deed and Property Documents
• Attested Power of Attorney (if applicable)
• Tax clearance certificates
• Sale Agreement and Bank Payment Records
• Avoiding Fraud in Property Transactions
• Many NRPs face real estate fraud, illegal
  possession, and fake documentation. To avoid
  scams
• Always verify property records before purchase
• Make payments through legal banking channels
• Use Power of Attorney carefully
• Avoid giving full control without proper legal
  oversight
• Hire a real estate lawyer from Wooqlaw for secure
  transactions

guidance.
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• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Can I buy property in Pakistan without visiting
  the country?
• Yes, NRPs can buy property remotely through Power
  of Attorney and online verification services.
• How do I verify property ownership before buying?
• You can check ownership records at the local land
  registry office or consult a real estate lawyer
  through Wooqlaw.
• Is Power of Attorney necessary for selling
  property from abroad?
• Yes, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) attested
  by the Pakistani Embassy is required to authorize
  a representative.
• What are the main taxes on property transactions
  in Pakistan?
• NRPs must pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT),
  Withholding Tax (WHT), and Stamp Duty when
  selling property.
• How can I avoid property fraud as an NRP?
• Verify documents through a lawyer
• Use official bank transactions
• Ensure Power of Attorney is attested and
  registered
• Conclusion
• Buying or selling property from abroad can be
  secure and hassle-free if NRPs follow the legal
  procedures and use verified legal services.
  Online property transactions, Power of Attorney,
  and legal marketplaces like Wooqlaw ensure that
  Overseas Pakistanis can invest, sell, or manage
  property in Pakistan without legal risks.
• If you are an Overseas Pakistani looking to buy
  or sell property in Pakistan, consult a trusted
  lawyer through Wooqlaw today and handle your
  property transactions with confidence and
  security.