Demand for residential property in Islamabad has increased by nearly 15% in the last three years. Consequently , an increasing number of people are purchasing houses there and renovating or rebuilding them, either to live in, to rent or resell.
If you are considering doing so, factor in the following bylaws drafted by the Capital Development Authority (CDA):
1 Maximum built-up area. For plot sizes ranging between 150 and 2,700 square yards, the maximum built-up area should not exceed 60%. No residential unit is allowed more than two storeys.
2 Car porches. The width of a car porch should be at least nine feet; its roof cannot be used as a terrace.
3 Basements. The height of a basement should range between 8.6 and 10.6 feet. At least one emergency exit, measuring three by three feet, should be in place no more than five feet of basement space should be built above ground level.
4 External ramps. These are not allowed to be constructed outside the main gates of a house.
5 External staircases. The width of spiral stairs should range between five and six feet; the width of straight staircases should range between 2.9 and 3.3 feet.
6 Pergolas. The width of pergolas varies according to the type of house; in the case of an independent house, the width should not exceed 120 square feet in the case of semi-detached house, it should not exceed 60 square feet.
7 Roofs. Structures other than air-conditioning ducts, chimneys, skylightsmoothie parapet walls (measuring a maximum of three feet in height) and water tanks cannot be placed or constructed on roofs.
8 Room sizes.
The minimum square footage of rooms in houses with a total square footage of 600 or above should be as follows:
* Bedrooms/lounges/living rooms – 100 square feet
* Kitchen: 45 square feet * Restroom: 25 square feet
* Powder room: 15 square feet
By Uzma Nawaz. Information sourced from cda.gov.pk. These rules apply to all five zones of Islamabad expect the Diplomatic Enclave.