4. C-15 & C-16 Margalla Avenue Play (1 Kanal)
Entry price: C-16: PKR 2.0–2.75 Crore | C-15: PKR 2.5–3.0 Crore (1 Kanal only)
C-15 and C-16 sit directly on Margalla Avenue the 5.2 km highway connecting Islamabad's F/E sectors to the M-1 motorway, bypassing 26 Number Chungi entirely. For kanal-level investors, this is the most affordable CDA land with a live infrastructure catalyst. D-12 (same corridor, more developed) now trades at PKR 12–14 Crore per Kanal the arbitrage gap is significant.
Note: C-series sectors offer 1 Kanal plots only. Not a 5 Marla budget option.
| Sector | 1 Kanal Range |
|---|
| C-16 | PKR 2.0–2.75 Crore |
| C-15 | PKR 2.5–3.0 Crore |
Verdict: C-16 first (more active development), then C-15. 5–7 year horizon. First allottee must clear all dues before transfer verify before buying.
5. G-14 Mid-Tier Bridge Sector
Entry price: PKR 1–1.5 Crore (est., varies by sub-sector)
G-14 is the bridge between the affordable I-series and the premium G-13. Sub-sector G-14/4 is complete (developed by FGEHF since 2004). Main Srinagar Highway access. G-13 next door is fully settled. Currently 51 active listings one of the more liquid mid-range CDA sectors outside the I-series.
Verdict: Best for mid-range buyers who want more development certainty than C-series and more upside than I-15, without paying G-13 rates.
Master Comparison Table
| Sector | 5 Marla Entry | Development | Key Catalyst | Best For |
|---|
| I-16 | PKR 58–80L | Early-mid | Ring Road | Growth investors |
| I-15 | PKR 75–77L | Active | Airport corridor | Budget-first buyers |
| I-12 | PKR 80–100L | 70–80% done | GT Road + universities | Rental income now |
| C-16 | PKR 2–2.75 Cr (1K) | Active | Margalla Avenue | Kanal-level long hold |
| C-15 | PKR 2.5–3 Cr (1K) | Early | Margalla Avenue | Kanal-level entry |
| G-14 | PKR 1–1.5 Cr (est.) | Partial (G-14/4 done) | Srinagar Highway | Mid-range stability |
Market-traded rates, June 2026. CDA balloted allotment prices differ.
Risks
Development delays are real. CDA timelines routinely stretch 10–15+ years. Budget for longer than any agent promises.
Development quality lags DHA/Bahria. Amenities, landscaping, and commercial facilities are consistently below private gated society standards.
FBR valuations jumped 150–200% in December 2025. Higher FBR values mean higher WHT under Section 236C (seller) and 236K (buyer) at transfer. Calculate total acquisition cost not just plot price.
CDA-adjacent ≠ CDA-safe. The recent sealing of 19 commercial plazas in B-17 shows that CDA-adjacent private development still requires individual building plan NOC verification, not just society-level approval.
Who Should Buy What
| Profile | Sector | Why |
|---|
| Budget under PKR 80L, first-time buyer | I-16 | Lowest CDA 5 Marla entry |
| Wants rental income within 2 years | I-12 | Near-complete; university rental pool |
| Overseas Pakistani, 5–7 yr horizon | C-16 | Margalla Avenue upside + federal title |
| Conservative, capital preservation | I-15 | Airport demand floor; government registration |
| Mid-range, wants stability | G-14 | FGEHF-backed; Srinagar Highway access |
For comparisons including private NOC societies: Top 5 Housing Societies for 5 Marla Plots on Installments — 2026
Key Takeaways
I-16 (PKR 58L+) is the cheapest CDA 5 Marla entry Ring Road upside, 3–5 year hold minimum.
I-15 is the safest budget play airport adjacent, more developed, lower ceiling.
I-12 is the only sector in this list viable for rental income today, not in five years.
C-15/C-16 are the last affordable kanal-level CDA plays on Margalla Avenue D-12 comparison makes the discount obvious.
G-14 is the mid-range bridge for buyers priced out of G-13.
FBR's December 2025 valuation hike affects every sector here always compute total transfer cost before committing.
FAQ
Which CDA sector is cheapest in 2026?
I-16, with 5 Marla plots starting at PKR 58 Lakh. I-15 follows at PKR 75–77 Lakh.
Are CDA sectors safer than private housing societies?
Structurally, yes federal title, central land records, and stricter enforcement. Full breakdown:
CDA sector vs CDA-approved society what's the difference?
A CDA sector (I-15, G-14) is directly developed by CDA. A CDA-approved society (DHA Margalla Enclave, Park View City) is a private developer whose NOC CDA has granted a different tier of oversight. Details: CDA Approved Housing Projects in Islamabad
I-12 or I-16 which is better for 2026?
I-12 for rental income within 1–2 years. I-16 for capital growth over 4–6 years post Ring Road.
Can overseas Pakistanis buy in CDA sectors?
Yes, and CDA sectors are among their top preferences precisely because federal title holds cross-border legal certainty. Verify Section 236C/236K tax obligations before transacting.
Disclaimer: Prices are market-traded rates as of June 2026 from active listings and on-ground surveys. CDA balloting rates differ. Verify legal status at cda.gov.pk before investing. Not financial or legal advice.
