Digitisation planned to curb property fraud

LDA to launch digital transaction certificate system from July

LAHORE:

The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has announced a plan to introduce a fully digital property transaction system aimed at curbing fraud and eliminating illegal dealings and a long-standing real estate file culture.

From July 1, all property buying and selling within LDA-controlled housing schemes will be carried out exclusively through a Property Certificate issued by the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA).

No transaction will be legally recognised without the certificate.

According to a notification, any transfer or sale conducted without the certificate will trigger legal action under the LDA Act 1975. Officials said the move is intended to provide legal protection to citizens' property records through QR-coded certificates enabling instant access to complete ownership details.

Under the new system, the practice of file-based property trading will be discontinued within the LDA jurisdiction.

All private housing schemes have been directed to transfer their records to the Housing Societies Management System (HSMS) by June 30.

LDA officials said the housing schemes would be able to issue certificates and registries through a digital portal, with the system being integrated with the powers of the sub-registrar to streamline approvals and record-keeping.

In parallel, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lieutenant General (retired) Nazir Ahmed Butt announced reforms aimed at improving transparency in the real estate sector, discouraging cash transactions and strengthening regulatory oversight.

Addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said authorities were working to eliminate fraudulent practices, non-transparent deals and the traditional file system from property markets. He said future property transactions would increasingly be routed through banking channels, while housing schemes would be required to maintain verified inventories and transparent record.

He added that the housing schemes would not be allowed to sell more plots than available in their approved land banks and a one-window mechanism was being developed to reduce regulatory delays for developers and investors. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between NAB and the LCCI to enhance coordination with the business community.

The NAB chairman advised citizens to verify NOCs, approved layout plans and legal status before investing in any real estate project to avoid fraud.

Separately, NAB distributed Rs462 million among affected citizens of several housing societies and investment schemes.