Located 125 kilometres from Quetta, Ziarat is a scenic hill station where the most significant attraction remains the Quaid-i-Azam Residency, which once served as Mr Jinnah’s summer home, and where he spent his last days. Unfortunately, the beautiful residency, surrounded by verdant lawns and Chinar trees, was burnt down during a terrorists attack in 2013. This led to the decline of tourist and commercial activity in Ziarat. However, following the Residency’s restoration in August, further development work and improved security, there has been an increase in tourism and investor interest in the hill station. Consequently, property prices have increased by 20% this year.
Here is a detailed look at investment opportunities in Ziarat:
* Plots and houses are primarily available along Residency Road, Masjid Wala Road and Ziarat Valley Road and their surrounding areas. Expected Return on investment (ROI): 12 to 15% per year.
Plot sizes include: 125,250,500, 1,000 and 5,000 square yards.
Purchase price range (plots): Rs 700 to 1,000 per square yard.
Purchase price range (houses): Rs 6,000 to 8,000 per square yard.
* Office space, retail space and standalone shops are available in low-rise buildings in Main Bazaar and on Ziarat Valley Road.
Expected ROI: 15 to 20% per year.
Office and shop sizes include: 100, 300, 600, 1,000 and 2,000 square foot.
Purchase price range (plots): Rs 200 to 300 per square foot.
Purchase price range (shops): Rs 800 to 1,000 per square foot.
Guesthouses are a popular investment option; they are usually purpose-built structures consisting of five to 10 rooms.
Expected ROI: 20 to 30% per year.
Plot sizes include: 1,000, 1,500 and 3,000 square yards.
Purchase price ranges: Rs 7,000 to 10,000 per square yard.
By Syed Wajeeh-ul-hassan Naqvi . Information provided by Paradise Consultants, Ziarat.