We advise buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and families on checking title, sale and lease agreements, and shared or inherited property.
Overview
Property and land law covers the ownership, transfer and use of land and buildings. A property purchase is often a large financial commitment, and the rules can be unforgiving if a step is missed.
The central question is almost always title: does the seller actually own what they are selling, and is it free from other claims? Property records, approvals, payments and registration all have to line up. Because the records and procedures can differ by location and type of property, checking them early is the most reliable protection.
We help buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants, and we explain each step before you are asked to pay or sign. That includes reviewing documents, checking ownership, drafting and reviewing agreements, and advising when something goes wrong.
When a dispute cannot be resolved by agreement, we explain the options, including the courts, so you can decide how to proceed with a realistic view of the risks.
Who we help
- Individuals buying or selling a home or plot.
- Investors and businesses acquiring or leasing commercial property.
- Landlords and tenants who need a clear agreement.
- Families dealing with a property that is shared or inherited.
How we work
- We review the documents you have and the proposed transaction.
- We check ownership and the points that affect it, and explain the risks.
- We agree the scope and fee approach, including alternative fee arrangements where suitable.
- We prepare the documents and advise through to completion or resolution.
What to bring to a first conversation
Bring the documents you hold for the property: title or ownership papers, sale or lease agreements, payment receipts, and any revenue or registry records. Tell us who the parties are, what has been agreed and whether any payment has been made. If you are buying, ask for advice before paying a deposit. Records can differ between offices and over time, so documents may need to be checked against official records before anyone relies on them.
Typical work
Title check report before a purchase
Read the related questionSale, purchase or lease agreement, drafted or reviewed
Read the related questionTenancy agreement and landlord and tenant advice
Read the related questionAdvice on co-owned or inherited property
Read the related questionOptions note and next steps for a property dispute
Read the related question
How a property purchase usually moves forward
The steps differ by property and area. This is a general outline, not advice on your purchase.
Check ownership and the property
We check the seller’s documents against the official records, and look for loans, claims and restrictions.
Agree and sign the sale agreement
The price, payment dates and conditions are written down and signed.
Pay taxes and fees
The applicable taxes and fees are worked out and paid.
Register the transfer
The transfer is registered so that the official record shows you as owner.
Take possession and keep your documents
Possession passes as agreed. Keep the original documents safely.
Buying a property and renting one compared
| Compared on | Buying | Renting |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Ownership of the property | The right to use it for a set period |
| Main document | Sale agreement and transfer deed | Tenancy agreement |
| Registration | Usually required for full effect | Depends on the length and terms |
| Main legal check | Title and any claims on the property | The landlord’s right to let, and the terms |
Frequently asked questions
Information on this website is general in nature and is not legal advice. Anything that depends on the law is marked until a lawyer has checked it.
What documents prove ownership of property?
It depends on the property and the area. Common documents include the title or transfer deed and entries in the official land or property records. A sale receipt alone is usually not enough. Always check the original documents against the official record before paying.
How do I check that a seller really owns the property?
Ask for the ownership documents, then check them against the official records. Confirm the seller’s identity, and check for loans, claims, court cases or restrictions on the property. A lawyer can carry out this title check before you pay a deposit. The records involved depend on the location.
What should a sale agreement include?
It should name the buyer and seller, describe the property exactly, state the price and payment dates, and say when possession passes. It should also say what happens if either side fails to perform. Registration and transfer steps should be clear.
Should I take advice before paying a deposit?
Yes, where you can. A deposit is often hard to recover if the sale falls through. Advice before you pay lets you check ownership, read the agreement and confirm the terms. Even a short review can reveal problems that are costly to fix later.
What can I do about a land dispute?
The options include negotiation, mediation and court proceedings, and the right one depends on the dispute. Gather your documents and a dated timeline, and seek advice early because time limits can apply. Do not take action on the land itself until you know your rights.
How do I transfer property into my name?
Transfer usually involves a written document, payment of applicable taxes and fees, and registration with the relevant office, so that the official record shows the new owner. The exact steps depend on the type of property and the area. We explain them for your case.
How long does a property transfer take?
There is no standard time. It depends on the area, the office, whether the documents are complete and whether any problems arise. A clean transaction can be quicker, while a title problem can take much longer. We give a realistic expectation once we have seen the documents.
What taxes and fees apply to a property purchase?
Taxes and fees may include stamp duty, registration fees and other charges, and the amounts depend on the property, its value and the location. Rates change, so check the current figures with the relevant authority or a lawyer before you agree a price.
Which court or office handles a property dispute?
It depends on the nature of the dispute, the value and the location. Some matters go to civil courts, some to revenue officials, and some to other bodies. Starting in the wrong place can cost time, so we confirm the correct forum before any step is taken.
What should a tenancy agreement cover?
It should name the landlord and tenant, describe the property, and state the rent, deposit and duration. It should deal with repairs, how rent can change and how either side can end the tenancy. Local tenancy rules may also apply. Put everything in writing.
Glossary
- Title
- The legal right to own a property, and the documents that prove it.
- Title deed
- A document recording who owns a property and how they became the owner.
- Transfer
- The legal act of moving ownership of a property from one person to another.
- Mutation
- Updating the official land record to show a change of owner. The name and process vary by area.
- Stamp duty
- A government charge on certain documents, such as a transfer. Rates change.
- Possession
- Having physical control of a property, which is not always the same as owning it.
- Encumbrance
- A claim or burden on a property, such as a loan secured on it, that can affect its sale.
- Lease
- An agreement letting someone use a property for a set time in return for rent.
Sources
Official bodies named for reference. Check the current text of any law with the body itself or with a lawyer.
- Transfer of Property Act, 1882Covers transfers and leases of property. Check the current text and any local changes.
- Registration Act, 1908Covers the registration of certain documents. Check the current text.
- Limitation Act, 1908Sets time limits for many claims. Check the current text.
- Pakistan Code (Ministry of Law and Justice)Official federal law database. Provincial and local rules may also apply.
Questions about your own matter? Send us a message.
General information. Not yet reviewed by a lawyer.
How we write and check this content: editorial policy.
Information on this website is general in nature and is not legal advice.