Had you driven past Raiwind Road two years ago, you would have to considered it an industrial zone. However, much has changed, and today Raiwind Road (which stretches for approximately 23 kilometers for Thokar Niaz Baig to Raiwind City) boats of several residential projects and recreational Avenues. Many of these have been established this year, making Raiwind Road one of Pakistan’s top-most real estate hotpots of 2014.
High-end living….. Over the last few years, several upmarket gated residential communities have been established here and more are in the pipeline. Relatively secure and peaceful , they offer facilities including cinemas, malls ,restaurants and parks, while sprawling farmhouses can be found nearby.
An industrial hub…. Despite increasing residential development , Raiwind Roadis primarily an industrial and agricultural land. Several hospitals and higher education institutions have been constructed recently.
Wildlife and whirling dervishes….. If you venture to Raiwind Road, visit the Woodland Wildlife and Safari Park; it has varied wildlife, an aviary and a large lake, making it an ideal recreational spot. Nearby is the Rafi Peer Culture Center, home to the Pupperty Museum and Theatre, where open-air , live performances by leading qawwals and whirling dervishes are held. While you are there, don’t forget to stop at Peeru’s Restaurant for some desi fare. The recently constructed Grand Jamia Mosque in Bahria Town the seventh largest in the world, is also worth a visit. Inspired by Mughal architecture , the exterior is adorned with nearly four million Handmade Multani tiles; inside there are Iranian chandelier and handmade Turkish carpets.
The real estate take…. Approximately 35% of Raiwind Road is built-up; residential property prices have almost doubled in the last year; rentals have increased by 40 to 50% . Commercial Property prices and rentals have increased by nearly 20%. Prices are expected to increase future next year.
In a nutshell…. With investor intrest in gated communities expected to increase in 2015 , Raiwind Road is set to emerge as one of Lahore’s residential hotspots , promising the best of high-end living.
By Moneeza Burney