If you have a vacant plot in Pakistan (residential or commercial) that you are planning to sell, there are several measures you can take to increase the value by four to face percent.
* Hire a contractor to level the ground and check for large rocks or other hindrances under the soil’s surface. This will make the ground suitable for further construction. Keep in mind that sandy patches are not suitable for construction and should be replaced with proper soil. Similarly, remove shrubs, trees and/or vegetation to facilitate construction.
*Have a soil boring test conducted by a firm of architect to determine the load bearing capacity (LBC). After the test has been conducted, the firm will issue a certificate giving the plot’s LBC; this will help potential buyers decide whether or not to purchase the plot.
*Have a water boring test conducted by a contractor to determine the type of water (sweet/salty) available. If the quality of water is optimal, you can ask for a higher price.
*Construct temporary boundary walls around the plot; this is a major attraction for buyers because their presence ensure that their building materials will remain secure once construction begins.
*Mark the compulsory open space (COS) on the plot according to the bylaws dictated by the relevant regulatory authority (e.g. DHA, KDA or LDA). This will enable potential buyers to work out how much space they have for actual construction.
By Zoya Gul Hasan