Daily Times

Pakistan’s real estate sector, a once-vibrant pillar of the economy, now finds itself cornered by challenges that threaten its essence. High taxes, soaring interest rates, and economic instability have dimmed the allure of property investments, sending ripples across employment, government revenues, and economic momentum. Yet, as the dust settles, opportunities to rebuild and rejuvenate this sector stand tall – offering hope, innovation, and growth.

The tax landscape for real estate feels more like a labyrinth than a framework. Overlapping levies, like the deemed income tax (7E), weigh heavily on property owners and prospective investors, while an 18.5 percent tax on non-filers slams the door shut on many potential players. These policies, far from streamlining, discourage documented transactions and leave the sector stifled. For a domain contributing over 9 percent to GDP, such fiscal hurdles are not just counterproductive but perilous. The path forward demands clarity – simpler, rationalized taxes that incentivize compliance and draw in investors, not push them away.

Then comes the interest rate storm. At over 20 percent, it’s a gale that drives investments toward safer banking instruments, leaving real estate stranded. Across the border, India offers a rate of 6.5 percent, and Bangladesh, 5.5 percent. These figures aren’t just numbers; they’re sirens luring investors to friendlier shores. For Pakistan to compete, the cost of borrowing must come down. A lower rate doesn’t just breathe life into stalled projects; it lights the way for developers, buyers, and visionaries to build, buy, and innovate.

The tax landscape for real estate feels more like a labyrinth than a framework.

Economic instability is the thundercloud overhead, its effects felt in every corner of the market. Inflation, peaking at 29.18 percent in 2023, has sapped purchasing power, while a volatile rupee keeps international investors at bay. Add to that declining growth and fiscal deficits, and the picture darkens. Yet, beneath the storm lies fertile ground. Stabilizing the macroeconomic climate – taming inflation, steadying the currency – can restore confidence and reinvigorate the sector.

Jobs, once plentiful, have vanished with the sector’s slowdown. Real estate has always been a labor-intensive industry, its ripple effects creating employment far beyond construction sites. This contraction not only impacts workers but also chips away at government revenues, stalling the nation’s progress. The task ahead is as urgent as it is clear: restore momentum to real estate, and watch the benefits cascade across industries.

Amidst these challenges lies immense untapped potential. Streamlining taxation could be the sector’s first breath of fresh air. Eliminating the deemed income tax, expediting refunds for documented transactions, and reducing capital gains tax for long-held properties would create a friendlier investment climate. Simplicity isn’t just attractive; it’s transformative.

Transparency, too, is a cornerstone of revitalization. Digitizing land records, creating one-window operations for property registration, and cutting through bureaucratic red tape can make corruption a relic of the past. Look at Turkey – a 30 percent surge in foreign investment followed its digitization of land registries. If Pakistan embraces such reforms, its real estate sector could similarly become a magnet for international investors.

Interest rates need a softer tune, harmonized to stimulate demand and encourage long-term projects. Affordable financing opens doors – not just for luxury developments but for affordable housing, public-private partnerships, and green, sustainable construction. Each of these ventures sparks growth, creating demand for materials, labor, and services that ripple through the economy.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) could democratize the sector. By offering tax incentives and strong regulatory backing, Pakistan could open real estate to smaller investors, creating a market dynamic that benefits everyone. The UAE has already demonstrated how REITs can attract substantial foreign capital while broadening local participation. For Pakistan, REITs aren’t just a tool – they’re a transformation waiting to happen.

International investors, particularly Overseas Pakistanis, are a vital piece of the puzzle. Exclusive packages tailored to their needs could inject significant capital into the market. Integrating real estate projects into the Special Economic Zones under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor adds another layer of opportunity. With streamlined regulations and tax incentives, these zones could become hotspots for global interest.

Green building practices and renewable energy solutions offer a dual benefit: meeting sustainability goals while enhancing property value. In a world increasingly driven by environmental consciousness, Pakistan’s real estate can lead by example, turning eco-friendliness into profitability.

To cap it all, high-level strategic inclusion is essential. The Special Investment Facilitation Council could place real estate at the heart of economic planning, ensuring consistent policies and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. This inclusion isn’t just about visibility – it’s about giving real estate the tools and attention it needs to thrive.

Pakistan’s real estate sector isn’t merely bricks and mortar; it’s dreams, livelihoods, and a linchpin of the economy. Its current challenges, though daunting, are not insurmountable. With clarity, consistency, and a focus on transparency, the sector can reclaim its position as a driver of growth. The opportunities are vast, the potential boundless. All that’s needed is the will to act and the vision to see beyond the challenges.

The storm is fierce, but the sky beyond it is clear. With bold steps, strategic reforms, and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Pakistan can turn its real estate sector into a beacon of resilience and prosperity, not just for today but for generations to come.

The writer, a chartered accountant and certified business analyst, is serving as a CEO for Model Bazaars.