Property Buying Guide in Pakistan: Understanding Marla Sizes and Land Measurements

Buying property in Pakistan is one of the biggest challenges for buyers. We need to understand land measurement units, especially Marla and Kanal. This guide explains everything from Marla to Kanal conversions, square feet in Marla, and revenue vs corporate Marla. And also, we tell you about gross vs net sizes, helping you make informed decisions.   

Land Measurement System in Pakistan   

Pakistan utilizes traditional land units in conjunction with modern standards in its private  housing schemes . Common units include:   

• Marla   
• Kanal   
• Square feet (Sqft)   
• Square yard (Gazz)   
• Acre (for large agricultural plots)   

These units are essential for accurate plot size calculation and comparing property offers.   

Marla to Kanal: Basic Conversions   

• 1 Marla = 0.05 Kanal   
• 20 Marlas = 1 Kanal   
• 1 Kanal = 20 Marlas   
• 1 Acre = 8 Kanals   

Understanding Marla to Kanal is crucial when comparing plot sizes or prices in different listings.   

How Many Square Feet in One Marla in Pakistan   

Marla sizes are not uniform in Pakistan, which often causes confusion in real estate. There are three common standards:   

1. Revenue Marla (Traditional) – 1 Marla = 272.25 Sqft   
   Used in rural  land records  and revenue documentation.   
    
2. Corporate / Urban Marla – 1 Marla = 225 Sqft   
   Common in private housing schemes and urban areas.   
    
3. Municipal Marla – 1 Marla ≈ 250 Sqft   
   Occasionally used in municipal or older city plots.   

This variation explains why a 5-Marla plot in one area may differ in actual land size from another.   

Gross vs Net Marla Size   

• Gross area includes roads, community spaces, and shared infrastructure.   
• Net area is the actual land available for construction.   

Many developers quote gross sizes, which can result in smaller usable land than expected. Buyers should always confirm whether a plot size is gross or net.   

Difference Between Revenue Marla and Corporate Marla   

Revenue Marla is legally recognized, while Corporate Marla is a simplified unit for developer planning.   

Why Marla Size Is Different in Pakistan   

Marla's size differences arise from:   

• Historical  land measurement  systems   
• Different city or authority standards   
• Developer preferences for simplified layouts   

For example, a 10-Marla plot in revenue terms may be around 2,722 Sqft, while a housing society plot may be only 2,250 sq ft. Buyers must check the actual square footage before comparing prices.   

Plot Size Calculation in Pakistan   

Revenue Marla (272.25 Sqft):   

• 5 Marla → 1,361 Sqft   
• 10 Marla → 2,722 Sqft   
• 1 Kanal → 5,445 Sqft   

Corporate Marla (225 Sqft):   

• 5 Marla → 1,125 Sqft   
• 10 Marla → 2,250 Sqft   
• 1 Kanal → 4,500 Sqft   

Always consider the actual square footage rather than just the number of Marlas.   

Pakistan Land Measurement Units in Practice   

These units are critical for making informed real estate decisions.   

Property Buying Guide in Pakistan: Key Tips   

• Always ask for the exact square footage of a plot, not just the Marla count.   
• Compare listings using square feet to avoid confusion.   
• Clarify whether the plot is measured using revenue, corporate, or municipal Marla.   
• Confirm whether the quoted size is gross or net before signing an agreement.   
• Cross-check plot size with official land records when possible.   

Understanding these factors will help you navigate the real estate market in Pakistan confidently and avoid mistakes.   

Conclusion   

Land measurement in Pakistan can be confusing. This is a change with multiple standards for Marla and Kanal. By understanding Marla to Kanal conversions, square feet definitions, revenue vs corporate Marla, and gross vs net sizes, buyers can make informed decisions and invest wisely in Pakistan’s real estate market.   

FAQs: Marla Sizes and Land Measurement in Pakistan   

1. What is a Marla, and why does its size differ?   
A Marla is a traditional land unit in Pakistan. Everyone measures land with this. Its size differs due to multiple standards. For example: revenue Marla (272.25 Sqft), corporate/urban Marla (225 Sqft), and municipal variations (~250 Sqft).   

2. How many Marlas are in a Kanal?   
1 Kanal = 20 Marlas. This conversion is essential for calculating large plot sizes and comparing prices.   

3. What is the difference between gross and net, Marla?   
Gross Marla includes roads and shared areas; net Marla is the actual usable land for construction. Always confirm which one a developer is quoting.   

4. How do I calculate a plot’s square footage from Marla?   
Multiply the number of Marlas by the Sqft of one Marla (choose revenue, corporate, or municipal). Example: 5 Marla × 225 Sqft = 1,125 Sqft (corporate).   

5. Why should I care about revenue vs corporate, Marla?   
Revenue Marla is recognized in official land records. While corporate Marla is used in private housing schemes. This is confusing because two can lead to paying for less land than expected.   

6. What are the common mistakes buyers make with Marla sizes?   
Assuming all Marlas are equal. We don’t ignore gross vs net differences, and not check if the plot follows revenue or corporate standards. These can cause costly misunderstandings.   

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