Social Real Estate News

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Pakistan Lifestyle Furniture Expo has announced its September 2026 exhibition schedule, with events planned across four major cities : Gujranwala, Quetta, Karachi and Rawalpindi. The exhibitions will feature a wide range of furniture, interior design, home décor and home furnishing products.
According to the schedule, the Gujranwala exhibition will be held from September 4 to 6 at the Executive Marquee, opposite DHA Rahwali Cantt. The Quetta expo is scheduled for September 11 to 13 at BA Mall, Quetta Cantt.
The exhibition will then move to Karachi, where it will be held from September 18 to 20 at the Expo Centre Karachi. The final event of the month is scheduled for Rawalpindi from September 25 to 27 at Avalon Marquee.
The multi-city exhibitions are aimed at homeowners, builders and property buyers looking for furniture, interior design products, home décor and furnishing solutions. The events also provide an opportunity for visitors to compare different vendors, products and current home design trends under one roof.
For property owners, the overall cost of a new home extends beyond the purchase or construction price. Expenses related to furniture, curtains, lighting, décor and other interior fit-out requirements can form a significant part of the overall budget. Furniture and lifestyle expos can therefore offer a convenient platform for homeowners to explore multiple options.
The Rawalpindi exhibition may be particularly relevant for property owners and buyers in developments such as Bahria Town, DHA, Gulberg and Capital Smart City, while the Karachi event is expected to cater to the city’s large residential and construction market.
Visitors are advised to confirm the latest dates, timings and venue details with the organizers before attending, as event schedules or locations may be subject to change.

Montecito | ReNews International Desk News
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s luxury mansion in Montecito, California, could potentially be placed on the property market in the future, with speculation surrounding the royal couple’s plans for the high-value estate.
According to a report by the New York Post, the couple’s Montecito residence is attracting attention not only because of its estimated value but also because of the substantial ongoing costs associated with maintaining such a large luxury property. There is, however, no confirmation that Harry and Meghan have made a final decision to sell.
The couple purchased the property in 2020 for approximately $14.65 million. The sprawling estate features multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a swimming pool, tennis court, guesthouse and a range of other luxury amenities.
The mansion is now estimated to be worth around $29 million, although its actual market value could differ depending on market conditions and the eventual sale price.
The property’s monthly running costs have also attracted considerable attention. Maintaining a large luxury estate can involve significant expenses related to security, staff, property taxes, insurance, landscaping, maintenance and other services.
Harry and Meghan moved to California after stepping back from their senior royal duties and established Montecito as their family home. Their residence has repeatedly attracted international media attention because of its association with the couple and their private family life.
If the mansion is eventually listed for sale, it could become a notable celebrity real estate transaction, given its connection to one of the world’s most recognizable royal couples.
For now, however, any potential sale remains speculative, and the couple’s future plans for the property have not been officially confirmed.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
Housing finance under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Scheme has accelerated significantly in Pakistan, with the total value of approved housing loans now exceeding Rs 313 billion.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, more than 53,100 housing loans have been approved under the scheme, while actual disbursements to borrowers have crossed Rs45 billion.
The value of approved housing finance has increased by 117% over a two-month period, highlighting the growing momentum of the government’s initiative aimed at promoting home ownership in the country.
Historically, formal housing finance has represented only a limited share of Pakistan’s property market, with many buyers relying on personal savings, family capital or developer backed installment plans. The rise in mortgage lending could therefore strengthen genuine end-user demand, particularly in the affordable and middle income housing segments.
The expansion of formal housing credit could also increase the importance of properties with clear ownership records, legally verifiable titles and complete documentation, as financial institutions typically require greater certainty over the legal status of properties before approving financing.
However, it is important to distinguish between loan approvals and actual disbursements. The Rs 313 billion figure represents the total value of financing approved by participating institutions, while more than Rs 45 billion represents the amount that has actually been released to borrowers so far.
The pace at which the remaining approved financing is converted into disbursements will therefore be a key indicator of the scheme’s real impact on Pakistan’s housing market.
The PM Apna Ghar Scheme focuses on providing relatively affordable mortgage financing for low and middle income families, along with long term repayment options and competitive markup conditions aimed at supporting home ownership and broader economic activity.
Potential applicants are advised to carefully review the effective markup, subsidy conditions, maximum financing limits, required borrower contribution, monthly installments, eligible property types, property documentation requirements, insurance and processing charges, and early repayment terms before taking financing.
Borrowers should also confirm that the property they intend to purchase meets the financing institution’s eligibility and documentation requirements.
The acceleration in formal housing credit is an important development for Pakistan’s residential property market. If the current pace of approvals is followed by sustained disbursements, the scheme could significantly increase purchasing capacity among genuine buyers in the affordable housing segment.
For now, however, the Rs 313 billion figure should be viewed as approved financing potential rather than money already injected into the property market. Actual disbursements will remain the more important measure of the scheme’s financial impact and its ability to translate approved loans into real housing transactions.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has decided to expand monitoring and enforcement measures to curb environmental pollution and smog. Surveillance of polluting activities will be intensified through Safe City cameras as well as modern drones to identify violators and ensure prompt action.
According to the Safe Cities Authority spokesperson, more than 300 violations related to environmental pollution were detected through Safe City cameras over the past two days. Action has been taken against smoke emitting vehicles, with e challans issued to several vehicles found violating environmental regulations.
The spokesperson said action was also being taken against vehicles transporting construction materials, sand, soil and other dust-generating materials without proper tarpaulin covers. Information regarding violations is being promptly shared with the relevant departments to facilitate immediate enforcement action.
According to the Safe Cities Authority, information collected through 43 Smart Safe City Centres across the city is being transmitted to the relevant departments in a timely manner. The initiative aims to ensure swift and effective action against environmental pollution.
The authority said the use of modern technology, surveillance cameras and drones would further strengthen monitoring of activities contributing to smog and air pollution, while legal action would continue against those found violating environmental regulations.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
Park View City Islamabad has announced a payment relief campaign and revised development and possession charges for residential and commercial plot members, with the offers valid until September 15, 2026.
The special offer includes a 5% discount on overdue installments for commercial plots and a 10% discount on advance installment payments for both residential and commercial properties.
Members with active files in Overseas residential blocks can receive a 70% waiver on Late Payment Surcharge upon clearing their outstanding dues. Commercial plot members will also be eligible for a 15% LPS waiver after clearing due installments.
A 50% LPS waiver is also available for cancelled files in the Overseas, Golf Estate and Hills Estate residential blocks, subject to specified payment thresholds and other conditions.
Payments can be made through cash or bank transfer. Park View City has also announced a 20% discount on development and possession charges for residential plots until September 15, 2026.
The campaign is aimed at providing financial relief to members and encouraging the settlement of outstanding payments.

Dubai | ReNews International Desk News
Dubai has further strengthened its position on the global wealth and investment map, with the rising number of billionaires reinforcing the city’s status as a major hub for ultra luxury real estate and high end investment.
According to the Billionaire Census 2026 by global wealth intelligence firm Altrata, the number of billionaires residing in Dubai increased from 41 to 43 during 2025. With this rise, Dubai ranked joint eighth among the world’s leading billionaire cities alongside Shenzhen, moving ahead of Washington, Paris and Mumbai.
New York topped the global ranking with 164 billionaires, followed by Hong Kong with 106, San Francisco with 99, London with 79, Singapore with 75, Los Angeles with 64 and Beijing with 61. Dubai and Shenzhen each recorded 43 resident billionaires.
The growing concentration of ultra high net worth individuals is also significant for Dubai’s premium real estate market. Large luxury villas, penthouses, branded residences, waterfront properties, exclusive residential communities and high-value plots remain particularly attractive to wealthy investors and global high-net-worth buyers. Recent market assessments have also highlighted the growing presence of wealthy individuals in Dubai as an important factor supporting demand for ultra-luxury properties.
The broader wealth profile of the United Arab Emirates further strengthens Dubai’s position as an international wealth and investment destination. According to Altrata, the UAE was home to 59 billionaires in 2025, with their combined wealth estimated at $201 billion. This figure represents the combined wealth of billionaires residing across the UAE and should not be attributed solely to Dubai.
Globally, the billionaire population reached a record 3,795 individuals in 2025, marking an annual increase of 8.2%. Their combined wealth rose by 12.8% to $15.1 trillion. Altrata identified the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, rising valuations of technology companies and gains across global financial markets among the factors contributing to the growth in billionaire wealth.
For Dubai, the combination of rising wealth, international investment and its luxury lifestyle continues to support the city’s high-end property market. Dubai has increasingly emerged as a preferred destination for global investors and ultra high net worth individuals seeking both luxury residences and investment opportunities.
The growing presence of wealthy residents is expected to sustain interest in Dubai’s most exclusive property segments, particularly ultra-luxury villas, branded residences, premium penthouses and waterfront developments, further strengthening the city’s role as a leading global destination for high value real estate.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
As many as 165 Village Conservation Committees (VCCs) have been established in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) under the wildlife component of the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme (UGPP), reflecting growing efforts to involve local communities in wildlife protection and habitat conservation.
According to official data detailing progress on major wildlife activities under the UGPP from fiscal year 2019 through the third quarter of FY2025-26, AJK accounts for the largest share of the committees, with 115 VCCs established, while KP has established another 50.
The figures show that AJK represents nearly 70 percent of the 165 committees created under this specific initiative, while the remaining 30 percent are located in KP. No VCCs have been reported under this particular activity in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan or Gilgit-Baltistan.
The establishment of VCCs is part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen community participation in conservation. The committees are intended to support local involvement in protecting wildlife habitats and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.
The wildlife component of the UGPP covers a wide range of interventions, including the establishment and management of protected areas, wildlife monitoring, community-based conservation projects, eco-tourism infrastructure, water provision for wildlife and measures aimed at preventing illegal wildlife trade.
Under the Protected Areas Initiative, the programme has established 131 new protected areas across the country. Punjab accounts for the highest number with 65, followed by KP with 29 and Gilgit-Baltistan with 16. Balochistan and AJK have two protected areas each recorded under the initiative.
In addition, 70 management plans have been developed for protected areas. Gilgit Baltistan accounts for 32 of these plans, followed by AJK with 20, KP with 14, Punjab with three and Balochistan with one.
The programme has also strengthened wildlife protection and monitoring infrastructure. A total of 52 wildlife check posts have been established to help control illegal wildlife trade, while 148 wildlife surveys have been conducted to improve information about wildlife populations, habitats and conservation requirements.
Community-based initiatives constitute another major part of the programme. The progress data record 247 community-based projects, including 197 in Balochistan and 50 in KP, highlighting efforts to involve communities directly in conservation related activities and sustainable use of local natural resources.
Water availability for wildlife has also received significant attention. The programme has reported the establishment of 1,145 water points in different regions. Balochistan accounts for 980 water points, while KP has 120 and Gilgit Baltistan has 45.
The conservation programme has simultaneously promoted eco tourism and environmental management. A total of 31 eco-tourism infrastructure initiatives have been undertaken in existing and newly established protected areas, while 24 breeding centres have also been established.
To address environmental challenges within protected areas, the programme has introduced 47 solid-waste management interventions. In addition, six dossiers have been prepared for the proposed declaration of areas as Man and the Biosphere (MAB) reserves under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The wildlife component has also contributed to employment generation, with the progress data showing that 4,939 green jobs have been created through activities linked to conservation, habitat management and related initiatives.
Launched in 2019, the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme is a nationwide initiative covering Pakistan's forestry and wildlife resources. Its wildlife-related activities are aimed at strengthening conservation infrastructure, protecting biodiversity, supporting local communities and promoting environmentally sustainable development.
The latest progress figures indicate that the programme is increasingly combining government-led conservation measures with community participation, protected area management, ecological monitoring and eco-tourism to strengthen Pakistan's long-term wildlife and habitat protection efforts.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has issued new guidelines for aesthetic clinics, spas, beauty salons, beauty parlours and businesses providing cosmetic and plastic surgery services across Punjab, aimed at improving transparency in the collection of provincial sales tax and protecting customers from unauthorized charges.
According to the PRA, a 5% Punjab sales tax is applicable to specified services offered by beauty parlours, salons, cosmetic and plastic surgery providers, as well as certain skin and laser treatment services. The authority has directed relevant businesses to ensure that customers are properly informed about the tax being charged on eligible services.
Under the new instructions, service providers are required to prominently display the PRA guidelines at their cash counters so that customers can easily understand the applicable taxation requirements before making payments. Businesses have also been directed to clearly mention the Punjab sales tax component on customer bills and provide proper documentation for every transaction.
The PRA has particularly emphasized the importance of issuing digital receipts. Businesses have been instructed not to rely on temporary or handwritten receipts and instead provide customers with proper digital receipts showing the details of the transaction, including applicable taxes and service charges.
The authority has also warned service providers against collecting amounts from customers beyond the sales tax and service charges permitted under the law. Businesses are expected to ensure that all charges imposed on customers are lawful, transparent and properly reflected on the bill.
The PRA has urged consumers to carefully examine their bills when using services at beauty salons, spas, aesthetic clinics and other relevant establishments. Customers should verify whether the Punjab sales tax has been correctly calculated and ensure that they are not being charged any unauthorized amount in addition to the advertised service price, applicable tax or legally permitted service charges.
The authority has further encouraged customers to report businesses that violate the guidelines, including establishments that refuse to accept card or other digital payment methods. Complaints can be submitted through the PRA Facilitation App or the authority's official social media platforms.
The latest measures form part of the PRA's broader efforts to strengthen tax compliance among service-sector businesses while improving consumer awareness and transparency. By requiring clear tax disclosure, proper digital receipts and lawful billing practices, the authority aims to create a more accountable system for the collection of Punjab sales tax from taxable services.
The PRA has advised both businesses and consumers to familiarize themselves with the applicable tax rules to avoid disputes and ensure that transactions are conducted in accordance with provincial law.