Going over the housing trends in Pakistan in the past decade, affordability and construction techniques have modernised to such an extent that the general timespan for a double-storey house has drastically reduced. The general observation of the traditionally accepted housing accommodations were developed using a simple concrete and mud-made structure. This gradual modernisation has pushed the families to shift from a joint-family system to establishing their own separate homes — in order to maintain their privacy and avail better facilities to enhance their quality of life.
Due to the massive urbanisation efforts in Pakistan, the housing trends have seen drastic reforms. Residents are now preferring to reside in well-established and well-equipped housing accommodations, with additional preferences of location, and nearby facilities and amenities, to get a better chance at availing all the basic necessities to increase their living standards. Moreover, the conventional standards of living under a ‘joint-family system’ is also about to vanish. Apart from the modernised housing societies (in which the private sector has remained a vital player in transforming the life of a common man) the citizens are also demanding the established developers of the real estate sector to construct more mesmerising units in the form of private apartments and flats — as the potential of these units flourishing stands very high.
Effects of Urbanisation and Modernisation on Housing Trends in Pakistan
Another major contributing factor in evolving the trends of housing in Pakistan is the modernisation of architectural and infrastructural development in the construction side. These factors play a vital role in developing the mindset of potential customers and allow them a chance to increase their living standards and the surrounding environment of their abode. The citizens of Pakistan have tasted the flavor of modern and elegant lifestyles, and they like it. Demands for well-equipped housing units are top trending, as people are actively striving harder to live in well-embellished houses than the structures constructed traditionally. Another factor that has played a critical role in helping change the housing trends in Pakistan is the urbanisation of the real estate sector’s values — which reveal significant improvements over the past few decades.
Moreover, as per the ongoing trends, the urge for innovation in the housing sector is not going anywhere but upwards. The reason for this is because people needing to rent such a place requires the availability of investors and developers willing to provide the modern demands as requirements. Apart from that, the majority of Pakistanis now prefer to live in a rental house, while making the efforts required to reach a position where purchasing a piece of land in a reputable, gated, well-established, and well-equipped modern society — in order to be able to convert it into a valuable asset for the future. As per some experts, the increasing prices are directly proportional to the rate of inflation, which in Pakistan stands high. It is pertinent to mention here that the recent ‘mushroom growth’ of such modern and gated housing societies are leading the general public to become skeptical about moving to buy properties in these societies.
Top factors influencing the Housing Trends in Pakistan
If we analyse the ongoing scenario, the general population is highly interested in seeking out newer ways to increase their ease of life. In this regard, a peaceful living environment remains at the top of the list. Owing to the different mindsets of investors and developers, almost all the housing societies offer a different set of features as standard. Similarly, when joined with additional factors like the property’s location, the demand value increases several times. For example, a place frequently visited gets more attention as compared to the one where visitors are scarce.
Social impacts of evolving Housing Trends in Pakistan
As Pakistan has witnessed a shift from living in a joint-family system to living in a private household, this can be accredited to the evolving housing trends. However, more issues do arise with this move. The local perception, which is loosely backed by scientific research, is that those living in private households lack several important social capabilities, including empathy and tolerance to indifference. Moreover, people belonging to such family systems are also lacking in neighbourly concerns, and the society in general. This can become a large point of concern on a social level, which may amplify into the mass society. However, some experts believe that this phenomenon is due to the influence of western culture and societal norms, adopting which should remain a personal step and not be forced upon the general public at large.
Nonetheless, when living in a gated and secluded housing society, the chances are that you may be able to become part of the local residential community, enabling you to have a better social life, be able to accept the difference of opinions, and eventually align with people for the sake of mutual interests and benefits — creating a healthier bond between individuals.
So, where do we stand on the changing housing trends in Pakistan?
To conclude, we can say that the housing trends in Pakistan are evolving exponentially. Our countrymen are deliberately striving and seeking out options that will help them reach a point that allows a better lifestyle as compared to their ongoing living situation.