Karachi’s real estate labyrinth: boon or bane

Karachi grapples with a real estate market as complex as its bustling streets. The sector has seismic impacts on the social, political, economic and environmental fabric of the mega city.

The dream of owning a home in Karachi remains distant for many. Stagnant wages and skyrocketing housing prices have created a deep chasm of affordability. This fosters a sense of social exclusion, particularly for low-income residents who are relegated to cramped apartments or sprawling informal settlements, exposing residents to precarious living conditions. Meanwhile, Karachi’s affluent seek refuge in high-security gated communities, creating a physical and social divide that isolates them from the city’s rich culture. This segregated landscape exacerbates social tensions and hinders the development of a consented ownership of the city.

The allure of profit in Karachi’s real estate market casts a long shadow. Land grabbing by powerful entities and political groups, often fueled by weak regulations and corruption, displaces low-income residents from their homes. This displacement is undocumented, needs to be studied on scholarly grounds and breeds resentment towards authorities. Unplanned and rapid development, driven by short-term gains, puts a strain on Karachi’s infrastructure. Overburdened sewage systems, inadequate water supply and a lack of green spaces become major challenges, impacting the quality of life for all residents. On the otherwise of the coin, however, stands the fact that if decision-makers and planners are pro-poor then they support densification with accompany facilities and infrastructure.

The real estate sector undoubtedly fuels Karachi’s economic engine. It attracts investments, generates employment in construction and allied industries and boosts the local economy. However, the benefits are not evenly distributed and developers reap significant profits, while construction workers face low wages and precarious working conditions.

Self-propelled real estate development often leads to urban sprawl, encroaching on vital ecosystems and green spaces. This destruction of natural habitats disrupts natural drainage patterns, worsening flooding during monsoons. The ‘heat island effect’ intensifies, contributes to rising temperatures and aggravates hardships of low income groups.

Karachi’s transport infrastructure development, while aiming to improve connectivity, often disproportionately benefits the elite, exacerbating social inequalities. The sharp price upsurge in real estate all along the Green Line corridor is an unrefuted evidence of the phenomenon, forcing out existing residents and attracting wealthier individuals and commercial sector, ultimately leading to gentrification and displacement of low-income communities.

A significant portion of Karachi’s real estate market operates informally, outside the purview of official regulations. This informal sector, often referred to as ‘land mafia’, is allegedly involved in the unauthorised subdivision of land, frequently government property, with the suspected involvement of insiders. Influential figures within low income groups reportedly negotiate with law enforcers for personal profit and gains. Within this informal system, a unique network of local players emerges. The neighborhood ‘thallewala (brick maker)’ transcends its traditional role, morphing into a multi-faceted figure — architect, loan provider, and even developer. Similarly, the local grocery store owner transforms into an estate agent for rentals, as their intimate knowledge of the neighborhood and residents’ living situations proves invaluable. Machhar Colony is a case in point.

Karachi’s real estate market presents a complex puzzle. By acknowledging its multi-dimensional impact, embracing sustainable practices and prioritising the well-being of all its citizens, Karachi can chart a course towards a more equitable and environment-friendly future. Government intervention through affordable housing schemes, hassle free loans for housing and rent control regulations can help bridge the affordability gap. Engaging with communities in development plans, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring development projects cater to the needs of residents are central to inclusive growth.