September 2008
It appears that a global recession (some say depression) is well on the way as the credit crisis hits stock markets and banks all over the world and property prices are falling rapidly in well established markets such as the UK and USA as well as Europe. Many analysts are even predicting a drastic price correction in the Middle East where Dubai has led the way to a HUGE property boom since 2002 but this seems to be leveling out with an expected price correction as a HUGE surplus of properties hits the markets at the end of 2008 and 2009.

Investors, both large and small, have profited greatly from property price escalation in these last few years but as the recession closes in, many are wondering what to do next. Where is the next property hot-spot? Should investors hold on to their properties through the price crunch and try and see it through to the other end, several years away? Or should they take a hit on their profits and try and get out? Many investors have borrowed against their assets and are facing uncertainty as the value of the property falls below the borrowed amount (negative equity).


The smartest investors sold most of their property over a year ago and have been waiting for the right opportunity to make itself known. Many of them have now started buying property in Islamabad which is facing a crisis of a different sort. The political landscape here has changed drastically over the last year. Dictatorship is out and Democracy is in. The civilian government seems to have it's hands full with many challenges that are facing the nation including the inflation, energy shortages and the ongoing war on terror. Suicide bombings have become more and more common and the recent attacks in Islamabad have had a devastating effect on the local population.

The government, at the seat of power in Islamabad, is now planning to lock down the federal capital and security is tight. The nervous residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are holding their breaths and keeping their heads down, wondering what the future will bring. Many of the well-to-do families who lived in the capital have departed to their alternative destination of choice, be it Dubai or London or New York, hoping that the economic crisis in those countries are less of a burden than the uncertainty here. Those that don't have anywhere else to go or choose to stay in their home country are carrying on with life as usual. As the security situation in the sensitive areas continues to deteriorate, this pattern of migration is replicated but with a slight twist. Many of the well-to-do families are choosing to move to Islamabad.

Yes, Islamabad is continuing to grow as it has over the last few years. Along with the ongoing migration from Karachi, Balochistan, Peshawar and other areas, Pakistanis from all over the world are also buying property in Islamabad and prices here have continued to increase in fits and starts over the last 3 years. Although values haven't increased at the speed they did from 2001 to 2005, the increase in value has continued.

This year, the Pakistani Rupee has depreciated in value by around 30% against the US Dollar and the economy is facing uncertain times. To many overseas pakistanis, this has meant that their buying power has increased and they are now able to afford to buy property in Islamabad. Houses, flats and even commercial projects are selling within weeks and many buyers have been lucky enough to pick up bargains as some sellers choose to accept lower prices for a quick sale.

All in all, this is a buyers market right now and the sma rter investors have been picking up properties and land at an increasing pace and this trend seems set to continue. Pakistan is currently going through a period of instability, bot politically and economically but this will pass and Inshallah a new era of prosperity will dawn within the next few months in a democratic Pakistan.

Pristine Pakistan - after careful research and due diligence - have selected some of the latest and greatest investments you will ever make in Islamabad.

Safe, secure investment in real estate projects in Islamabad, Pakistan. Buy a future home for you and your family in Islamabad at locations that have been selected to offer the highest capital growth rates as well as being excellent locations in which to live at an affordable price.

Pristine Country Estates is progressing well after it's acquisition of 600 kanals of land in Zone 4 of Islamabad and has begun development work.

For those interested in Affordable Dream Homes, Pristine are offering large (5, 10 and 20 kanal) plots of land in beautiful, serene locations in it's upcoming mega project. A limited number of plots are to be offered to the market for upstream investors at unbeatable, pre-launch prices so contact us today if you are interested in being informed about this.

There are a few remaining plots available on the MAIN ENTRY ROAD in the Green Acres Scheme next door where you can start building your dream house TODAY !

The model house at Islamabad DECENT HOMES (previously known as Islamabad Hills) has been receiving a large number of visitors and construction work on an additional 6 houses has almost been completed. Construction work on the remaining units in Phase 1 is progressing rapidly.

An excellent investment in your future home in a fast appreciating sector of Islamabad for a VERY affordable price.

Irshad Arcade - the future Bara market of Islamabad - has been launched in Aabpara at sector G6 by Red Sun Associates. For the latest on their projects check out their website.