Are you sure your property is safe in 2026? Many investors are not. The latest CDA illegal societies list has raised serious concerns in Pakistan’s real estate market. I am Mr. Nasir Gondal, and in this article I share my honest view based on years of on-ground experience in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Real Estate Profit is Long-Term, Not Quick Money
If a housing society is properly planned, developed, and delivered, especially a large project like a 5000 kanal housing society, the profit potential is massive. In many cases, such projects can generate returns that benefit not just one person, but three generations. However, this profit only comes with time, patience, and proper development.
The Boom of 2018–2020 and Missing Societies
There was a major boom in the real estate sector between 2018 and 2020. During that time, a large number of housing societies were launched across Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
If you look at areas like Chakri Road, Lehtrar Road, and surrounding zones, you will see that almost every road had new housing projects.
My rough estimate is that around 150 housing societies were launched during that time. But today, only around 10 societies are actively working on ground development. Some did initial work and purchased land, but over the last 3–4 years, many have shown no real progress—even though some were big and famous names.
The Reality Behind 100+ “Failed” Societies
Many people ask about housing societies that “ran away” or failed. Let me be very clear: the issue is not just numbers. The real problem is that many investors were targeted unfairly. A large number of small investors were affected—people who invested:
- 20,000 monthly installments
- 10,000 small payments
- Even 500 rupees down payments
Some societies even marketed aggressively, saying:
“No down payment required — just pay installments, and in 2 years you will own a plot in prime Islamabad.” This kind of unrealistic marketing created false hope and financial loss for many families.
Why I Stopped Naming Societies
I have personally tried to raise awareness about such issues in the past. I shared videos and insights to help people understand market risks. However, the response was very strong, and in some cases, even negative. That is why I decided not to publicly name or target any specific failed housing society. As a consultant, I must also protect my ongoing projects and responsibilities. In today’s environment, even positive criticism can be misunderstood.
Importance of Positive Criticism in Real Estate
Constructive feedback is actually very important for good developers. It helps them improve planning, delivery, and transparency. We, as real estate advisors and content creators, act as a bridge between developers and investors. Our job is to guide people based on real market conditions and feedback from clients. But unfortunately, the situation in the market is not always simple, and many challenges exist behind the scenes.
The Reality of Risk in Property Investment
It is important to understand that real estate is not a guaranteed or instant-profit business. There are strong players in the market, but there are also risky and unregulated operators. Some of these groups are powerful and operate at different levels. This is why I always advise caution and research before investment.
My Advice to Every Investor
Before investing in any housing society, always follow these steps:
- Visit the site office personally
- Check ground-level development
- Verify NOC status from CDA or relevant authority
- Review real construction progress
- Do not rely only on advertisements or agents
A simple site visit can protect your entire investment.
Future of Real Estate in Pakistan
Despite challenges, I strongly believe that Pakistan’s real estate sector has huge potential. If good developers continue to deliver properly planned projects, cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi will continue to grow in value and structure. At the same time, investors must also act responsibly and avoid blind investments.
Final Thoughts
My message is simple:
Real estate can change lives—but only when decisions are made wisely. Avoid emotional investment decisions. Focus on verification, legality, and long-term planning. I pray that all genuine developers succeed, investors gain profit, and Pakistan’s real estate market continues to grow in a safe and transparent way.
Written by:
Mr. Nasir Gondal
Real Estate Consultant | Gondal Group of Marketing
Website: nasirgondal.com