A property valuation is a professional's written opinion of what a property is worth on a given date, for a given purpose. In Lahore you may need one to take home finance, to set a sale price, to divide an inheritance, to support a court case or for a company's accounts. The purpose matters: a bank, a court and a buyer may each want something slightly different.
Requesting quotes here is free. Property valuers who see your request send their fee and timeline, and you choose whom to engage.
What valuers and surveyors do
A valuer inspects the property, measures it, checks its documents and location, studies recent comparable sales and building costs, and produces a report. Surveyors may also measure land, confirm boundaries and prepare site plans. Some firms do both.
Three different "values" come up often in Lahore, and it helps to keep them apart:
| Value | What it is | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| Market value | The price a willing buyer and seller would likely agree on | A valuer's professional opinion |
| Forced sale value (FSV) | A lower value assuming the property must be sold quickly | A valuer, usually for banks |
| DC rate / valuation table | Government rates used for stamp duty and registration | District Collector under the Stamp Act |
| FBR value | Federal rates used for income tax purposes | FBR, notified under section 68 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 |
Under the Stamp Act, district collectors publish property rates for their areas, and FBR has revised its Lahore rates in the past with the aim of bringing them in line with DC rates (ProPakistani). FBR's website lists the SROs notifying Lahore property valuation rates (FBR). Neither the DC rate nor the FBR rate is the same as market value.
Services in this category
| Service | What it is | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Bank valuation for home finance | Report on market value and forced sale value for a lender | Applying for a home loan, mortgage or balance transfer |
| Market valuation for sale | Independent opinion of likely selling price | Before listing, or before making an offer |
| Valuation for inheritance or court | Report on value at a specific date for heirs or the court | Dividing an estate, family settlements, litigation |
| Company and accounts valuation | Valuation of land and buildings for financial statements or share issues | Business, audit or regulatory needs |
| Land survey and measurement | Measuring plot, covered area and boundaries | Disputes, purchases, building plans |
| Rental valuation | Opinion of fair market rent | Lease negotiations, disputes |
How to choose a valuer
- Match the valuer to the user of the report. If a bank will rely on it, ask the bank which valuers it accepts. Banks use valuers listed on the Pakistan Banks' Association (PBA) approved panel. Under SBP's Housing Finance Prudential Regulations 2026, financing above PKR 10 million needs assessment by a valuator on the PBA-approved panel, while financing up to PKR 10 million may be assessed through the bank's internal resources (SBP).
- For company matters, PBA panel valuers have also been allowed by SECP to act as registered valuers for certain company share issues (ProPakistani).
- For court work, ask your lawyer whether the court has appointed or will accept a particular valuer.
- Ask about independence. The valuer should have no interest in the sale or the loan outcome.
- Ask for a sample report with personal details removed, so you can see the level of detail.
How pricing usually works
| Pricing basis | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Fixed fee per report | Standard houses and plots |
| Fee linked to property value or size | Larger or commercial properties |
| Additional fee | Urgent turnaround, extra copies, court appearance, survey drawings |
What affects the fee:
- Property type (plot, house, apartment, commercial, agricultural)
- Size and complexity
- Location and travel
- Purpose and the level of detail required
- Number of valuers needed (for example, two reports)
- Urgency
We do not publish fees because they vary between firms and jobs. Ask for written quotes that state the fee, what the report will contain and the delivery date.
From request to report
- Describe the property and purpose. Type, size, society or area, and who will use the report.
- Receive quotes. Valuers respond with fees and timelines.
- Share documents. Typically title papers, allotment or transfer letter, approved building plan and recent utility bills.
- Site inspection. The valuer visits, measures and photographs the property.
- Analysis. Comparable sales, construction cost and location factors are reviewed.
- Report. You or the bank receive the signed report with value, date and assumptions.
Red flags
- A valuer who asks what value you "need" before inspecting
- No site visit
- A report with no date, no assumptions and no comparable evidence
- Claiming PBA panel status without being able to show it; confirm with your bank
- Fees that depend on the value reported
FAQs
What is the difference between DC rate and market value? The DC rate is a government table rate used for stamp duty and registration. Market value is what the property would actually sell for, as assessed by a valuer. They often differ.
Does my bank choose the valuer for home finance? Usually the bank appoints or approves the valuer from its accepted list. Ask your bank before engaging anyone yourself.
How long does a valuation take? It depends on the property and the valuer's workload. Ask for the delivery date in the quote.
Can I use one valuation for several purposes? Sometimes, but each user may have its own requirements. A bank may not accept a report made for a sale, and a court may need a specific valuation date.
What documents should I prepare? Ownership papers, plot or allotment documents, the approved building plan if built, and identity documents of the owner. Your valuer will confirm the list.
This page is general information; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act.
Sources
- State Bank of Pakistan – Housing Finance Prudential Regulations 2026 (Annex, SH&SFD Circular 4 of 2026)
- ProPakistani – SECP allows registered valuers on PBA's panel to evaluate assets or net worth of companies
- FBR – Property valuation SROs, Lahore
- ProPakistani – FBR reduces property valuation rates in Lahore