How to buy property in Pakistan without a dalal (middleman)
2026-10-20 · 2 min read
A middleman usually takes 1–2% from the buyer and the same from the seller. On a Rs 1 crore house that can be Rs 2 lakh or more. Buying directly from the owner saves that money — but you must check things yourself. Here is how.
1. Find owners, not agents
Search on AdLagao by city and area, and talk to the owner directly by call or WhatsApp. Ask clearly: "Are you the owner?" Ask for the owner's name as it is written on the papers.
2. Check the papers before you pay anything
- Fard / ownership record: for land in Punjab, check the record at the Arazi Record Centre or online; in other provinces, at the relevant land record office. The name must match the seller's CNIC.
- Registry and intiqal (mutation): ask for copies and verify them at the sub-registrar or revenue office.
- Housing society plots: check that the society is approved by the development authority (LDA, CDA, RDA and others publish lists of approved and illegal societies), and get the allotment letter verified at the society office. Ask for a NOC for transfer.
- Dues: electricity, gas, water and property tax should be paid up to date.
3. Visit the property
Visit at least twice, once in the day and once in the evening. Talk to the neighbours: they often know about disputes, water problems or flooding.
4. Agree and write it down
- Agree the price, the date of transfer and who pays which costs.
- If you pay a token (bayana), write a simple agreement on stamp paper with both CNIC copies and two witnesses, and pay by bank transfer or cheque — never large cash.
5. Transfer
Complete the registry or society transfer in front of the officer, with the owner present, and pay the balance only when the transfer is done. Keep copies of everything.
When to get help
For expensive property or anything unclear, pay a property lawyer to check the papers. A lawyer's fee is much smaller than a dalal's commission — and the lawyer works for you.
Post your property on AdLagao for free and let buyers contact you directly — no commission.