In June 2026 the Lahore Development Authority announced that file-based plot trading in housing schemes under its jurisdiction would end on 1 July, with sales to go through a Property Certificate from the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA). Reports since then disagree on what applies today, so confirm the rule for your society in writing before you pay.
What Was Announced
After a meeting chaired by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, reports said housing schemes had to move their records to PLRA’s Housing Societies Management System by 30 June. Each Property Certificate would carry a QR code showing the plot’s details. Private schemes were to get sub-registrar-like authority to issue registrations and green certificates through a digital portal. Pakistan Observer, TechJuice and Pakistan Today carried these reports.
What Reports Say Since
On 11 July 2026 Pakistan Observer reported that a PLRA notification ended the mandatory Green Property Certificate for Punjab. It said the Fard (Record of Rights) or a certified land record could again be used for sale, purchase, mortgage, gift and transfer. Other guides published later say the certificate is still the only recognised proof in LDA schemes. We could not confirm from an official source which position applies to a given society today.
Fees Reported for 2026-27
Daily Times reported on 9 July 2026 that PLRA revised its service charges. They include Rs3,000 for Property Transfer System transactions involving housing societies and development authorities, a fixed Rs3,600 for other e-registration transactions, and Rs1,000 for a successful bank verification of land records. Charges change, so check PLRA’s current schedule.
Documents Buyers Are Usually Asked For
Reports mention the original CNIC, a Fard or certified record of ownership, the property’s Khasra or Khewat details, and receipts for stamp duty, tax and fees. A society may ask for its own transfer papers as well. A copy of a property registry can be requested at e-Khidmat Markaz centres with a CNIC, an application and a fee challan, according to the Punjab Information Technology Board in January 2026.
Checks Before You Pay
Ask the society’s office, in writing, which document it will accept for your plot and whether its records are on the PLRA system. Ask for the ownership chain and check it against the record yourself. Do not pay on a file alone. Our guide to property tax in Lahore covers the tax side of a purchase.
Related Guides
For the buying process, read Plot for Sale in Lahore: A Complete Buyer’s Guide and Best Housing Societies in Lahore. For specific societies, see DHA Lahore phases, Lake City and Where to Buy in Lahore.
You can see this 10 Marla plot in Lake City, browse DHA listings, or find more guides on our Lahore Property Buying Guides page.
Sources: Pakistan Observer (June and July 2026), TechJuice, Pakistan Today, Daily Times (9 July 2026) and Punjab Information Technology Board (January 2026). Rules in this area changed within weeks, so confirm the current position with PLRA and your society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is file trading banned in Lahore housing schemes?
LDA announced that file-based trading in schemes under its jurisdiction would end on 1 July 2026. Later reports disagree on what applies now, so confirm with your society and PLRA in writing.
Do I need a Green Property Certificate to buy a plot in Lahore?
Pakistan Observer reported on 11 July 2026 that a PLRA notification withdrew the mandatory requirement for Punjab. Other guides say certificates remain the only recognised proof in LDA schemes. Check the rule for your scheme.
What is a Fard?
A Fard is a Record of Rights, a land ownership record. Reports say it can again be used for property transactions, together with a certified land record.
How much does a property transfer cost through PLRA?
Daily Times reported Rs3,000 for Property Transfer System transactions involving housing societies and development authorities for 2026-27, plus a fixed Rs3,600 for other e-registration transactions. Taxes and duties are separate, and charges change.
5B Marketing has an office in Lahore and can review a specific file with you before you pay anything.
