Guide
List of Best CDA-Approved Housing Societies in Islamabad (2026)
By wajahat Ali
Real Estate Analyst
Updated 15 min read
⚠ 2026 Enforcement Alert: In May 2026, CDA declared 99 housing schemes in Zones 3 and 4 illegal, sealed offices of Shaheen Town and Islamabad Green Paradise, and directed IESCO, SNGPL, and PTCL to cut utilities to unauthorised schemes. Buying in an unapproved society now carries immediate legal and financial risk. Verify at cda.gov.pk before every transaction.
Understanding CDA Approval: LOP vs NOC
- Layout Plan (LOP): Technical master plan approval. Marketing permitted, but construction and legal plot sales are NOT authorised.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Issued after all conditions met. Legally authorises construction and plot sales. This is the key clearance.
- Completion Certificate: Final certification after full development.
Bahria Town clarification: CDA currently lists Phase II, III, V & VI, Phase III-E & IV, Phase VII, and Phase VII-E as Zone V housing schemes. Their NOC status differs by scheme, so buyers should verify the exact phase on CDA's current housing-schemes portal. Phase VIII is outside this CDA listing and should be checked with the relevant Rawalpindi authority.
Zone 4: CDA-Approved Housing Societies (2026)
Zone 4 covers areas around Bani Gala, the Margalla foothills, and Jinnah Avenue, with a mix of established and developing residential projects.
1. DHA Margalla Enclave Islamabad ★ NEW 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developers | CDA (55%) + DHA (45%) — joint venture; rebranded from Kuri Model Village. Cabinet-approved September 2024. |
| Location | Zone IV, ICT — Jinnah Avenue (Kuri Road); adjacent to Park View City, Bahria Enclave, Park Enclave |
| CDA NOC | Fully approved (CDA is co-owner — highest possible legal security) |
| Total Area | ~10,000 Kanals Phase I + ~9,000 Kanals Phase II announced |
| Master Plan | 5 sectors: ME-1, ME-2, ME-3, ME-4, Lake District (premium waterfront) |
| Plot Sizes | 5 Marla (125 sq yd), 10 Marla (250 sq yd), 1 Kanal (500 sq yd); commercial plots available |
| Prices (lump sum) | 5 Marla: PKR 15.5M | 10 Marla: PKR 30M | 1 Kanal: PKR 56M |
| Payment Plans | Lump sum (30 days), 1-year, 2-year, 3-year installments |
| 1st Balloting | April 2025 |
| 2nd Balloting | December 2025 |
| Possession | Delivered in record 11 months |
| Resale Premiums (Jun 2026) | 1st ballot: 5M PKR 9–10M premium; 10M PKR 15–17M; 1K PKR 30–40M |
DHA Margalla Enclave is a housing development in Islamabad's Zone IV and a joint venture involving CDA and DHA. Buyers should verify the project's current development status, applicable approvals, property documentation, and transfer requirements before purchasing. COMSATS University, Quaid-e-Azam University, Serena Hotel, and Faisal Mosque all within close range.*
See: Milkiyat — DHA Margalla Enclave Investment Guide
2. Park View City Islamabad
Explore the Park View City Islamabad area guide for more location and project details.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | Vision Group (Park View Enclave Pvt Ltd) — Owner: Abdul Aleem Khan |
| Location | Malot Road, Zone IV, ICT — near Bani Gala; adjacent to DHA Margalla Enclave |
| CDA NOC | First issued 1 June 2018 (Letter No. CDA/PLW/Zone-4(94)/12/Vol-I/168). Suspended by IHC 2021. Reinstated Supreme Court 20 October 2022. |
| Area | ~7,000 Kanal |
| Plot Sizes | 3.5 Marla (commercial), 5 Marla, 8 Marla, 10 Marla, 1 Kanal, 2 Kanal |
| Status (Jun 2026) | Active development; banks (Alfalah, Silk Bank) financing plots |
Valid CDA NOC since October 2022 reinstatement. Main blocks A–K active with construction. Accessible from Kashmir Highway, Lehtrar Road, Chak Shahzad via Park/Kurri Roads.
See: Milkiyat — Park View City Overseas Block Investigation
Zone 5: CDA-Approved Housing Societies (2026)
Zone 5 covers ~39,000 acres along the Islamabad Expressway and GT Road. Most populated housing zone in ICT.
3. DHA Islamabad (Defence Housing Authority)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Framework | DHA Islamabad Act 2013 — National Assembly; Presidential Ordinance 2005 |
| Phase 1 | GT Road, 16,750 kanals — fully developed |
| Phase 2 | 15,075 kanals, Kahuta triangle — fully developed; 1K avg PKR 4.7 Crore (Zameen, Mar 2026) |
| Phase 4 | ~4,000 kanals — possession in select blocks expected 2026 |
| Phase 5 | ~7,000 kanals opposite Ph2 — sectors A–D possession delivered; F, H, Overseas K progressing |
| Phase 6 | ~55,000 kanals near T-Chowk — Possession in B3, C1, C2, C3-Ext: January 2026; 1K PKR 1.15–2.2 Crore |
| DHA Valley (Ph7) | 10,000+ plots possessed: January 30, 2026; 5M homes PKR 9.5M; 10M PKR 18.8M; 180% appreciation since 2013 |
| All phases avg | PKR 2.6 Crore (Zameen DHA Defence Index, April 2026) |
| DHA Margalla Enclave | Zone IV CDA+DHA JV — see #1 above |
January 2026 was a landmark month for DHA: Phase 6 possession (sectors B3/C1/C2/C3-Ext) and DHA Valley 10,000+ plots possessed simultaneously. Analysts projected 10–20% price growth in DHA for 2026 (YAS Real Estate).
4. Naval Anchorage Islamabad
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pakistan Navy Welfare Trust (PNWT) — NESPAK design |
| CDA LOP / NOC | LOP: 21 July 2005 | NOC: 28 May 2020 |
| Phase 1 | 3,702.70 Kanals — Blocks A–G + J–M. Mature and inhabited as of 2026. |
| Phase 2 (2026) | Pre-launch active — Thalian Interchange, M-2 Motorway; ~15,000 kanals; 5M PKR 3.75M, 10M PKR 7M, 1K PKR 14M; 36-month plans |
| Phase 2 Location | 5–8 min New Islamabad Airport; M-2 direct access; adjacent to Faisal Town Phase 2 |
| Phase 2 NOC | Verify independently at cda.gov.pk (pre-launch stage) |
Phase 1: Forest-theme, 40,000+ trees, dedicated Expressway interchange, 100% underground electricity, Sui Gas, Naval Anchorage Medical Center, Bahria Foundation College, golf driving range, biometric security. Steady 10–15% annual appreciation.
Phase 2: Most affordable Navy-backed plots in the airport zone. 36-month booking plan from PKR 565,000 down (5 Marla). Verify NOC status before committing.
5. Gulberg Residencia Islamabad
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | IBECHS (Intelligence Bureau ECHS) |
| CDA NOC | 22 July 2011; Revised 1 June 2020 |
| Latest LOP | 2023 — ~30,000 kanals |
| Status (2026) | 500+ families resident; 250+ houses under construction; Q–T blocks high-ROI |
| Investment | 516% appreciation since 2013 — avg PKR 1.49 crore (Zameen, Oct 2025) |
| Gulberg Greens | Separate IBECHS farm-housing scheme in Zone IV; CDA lists its LOP as approved and NOC as issued |
| Plot Sizes | 5, 7, 10, 12 Marla, 1 Kanal, 2 Kanal; farmhouses 4–10 Kanal |
Important: Gulberg Residencia and Gulberg Greens are separate CDA-listed schemes. Gulberg Residencia is in Zone V, while Gulberg Greens Farm Housing Scheme is in Zone IV. Do not combine their zone or approval records.
6. OPF Housing Scheme Islamabad
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) — Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis |
| CDA LOP / NOC | LOP: 15 June 2023 | NOC: 8 October 2011 |
| Area | 4,683.25 Kanals — 2,547 plots (10 Marla, 1 Kanal) |
Federal government-backed. NOC since 2011. Lowest counterparty risk. Mid-range Zone V pricing.
7. CBR Town (CBRECHS) Islamabad
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society |
| CDA LOP / NOC | LOP: 21 March 2023 | NOC: 28 May 2009 |
| Area | 1,687.85 Kanals — 2,070 plots (7M, 10M, 1K) |
| Status (2026) | Fully developed, inhabited 15+ years. All utilities operational. |
Adjacent to Bahria Town and Soan Garden. Top mid-income fully-developed CDA option below DHA/Gulberg price points.
8. Bahria Town Islamabad: CDA Phases Only
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| CDA-listed Zone V schemes | Phase II, III, V & VI; Phase III-E & IV; Phase VII; Phase VII-E |
| Current CDA NOC status | Issued: Phase II, III, V & VI; Phase VII-E. Not issued: Phase III-E & IV; Phase VII. |
| Other phases | Verify separately with the relevant authority; do not assume the regulator from the Bahria Town name alone. |
Critical: CDA records Bahria Town by specific phase/group. Approval and NOC status differs between them, so always verify the exact phase on the official CDA housing-schemes portal.
9. AGOCHS-II Islamabad
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Opposite DHA Phase 2 Gate 4, GT Road, Zone V |
| CDA LOP / NOC | LOP: 7 Dec 2020 | NOC: 15 May 2023 |
| Area | 3,517 Kanals — 2,263 plots (10M, 1K) |
| Status (2026) | Early-to-mid development; DHA Phase 2 adjacent |
Best newer CDA-legal entry point in the DHA belt as of 2026.
10. Al-Hamra Avenue Islamabad
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Off Lehtrar Road, Zone V |
| CDA LOP / NOC | LOP: 5 Jul 2006 | NOC: 15 Mar 2008 |
| Area | 2,504 Kanals — 626 plots (10M, 1K) |
Located in Zone V near Lehtrar Road. Buyers should verify the latest LOP, NOC, development and approval status through CDA before purchasing.
Zone 2: CDA-Approved Housing Societies (2026)
11. Multi Gardens B-17 (MPCHS)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | MPCHS |
| CDA LOP / NOC | LOP: 27 Sep 2006 | NOC: 30 Jan 2008 |
| Area | 4,815.75 Kanals — 2,845 plots (5M, 7M, 10M, 1K) |
| Status (2026) | Fully developed, inhabited 15+ years. All utilities, schools, markets operational. |
Benchmark mid-market CDA society. Top recommendation for first-time family buyers in 2026.
12. Khayaban-e-Kashmir-I (G-15/F-15)
| LOP | NOC | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Apr 2002 | 13 May 2004 | 3,482 Kanals — 2,516 plots (10M, 1K) |
22-year legal standing. Affordable Zone 2 entry. Note: Khayaban-e-Kashmir-II LOP cancelled Aug 2018 — excluded.
13. Cabinet Division Employees CHS (E-16/E-17)
| LOP | NOC | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Jun 2004 | 13 Oct 2004 | 4,405 Kanals — 2,749 plots |
Government cooperative. 22-year legal standing. Gradual Zone 2 development.
14. Paradise City (F-16/F-17/G-17)
| LOP | NOC | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Jan 2021 | 18 Mar 2022 | 1,900 Kanals — 1,470 plots (5M, 10M, 1K) |
SK Groups. NOC March 2022. Early stage — verify site progress before investing.
15. Tele Garden CHS / MPCHS F-17
| LOP | NOC | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Feb 2005 | 30 Jan 2008 | 1,757 Kanals — 1,490 plots |
MPCHS scheme in F-17/3. NOC since 2008.
Quick Reference Table — June 2026
| # | Society | Zone | LOP | NOC | Area (K) | Status June 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DHA Margalla Enclave ★ NEW | 4 | ✅ | ✅ CDA+DHA JV | 10,000+ | Active; possession 11 months; resale premiums PKR 9–40M |
| 2 | Park View City | 4 | ✅ | ✅ Oct 2022 | ~7,000 | Active development; banks financing |
| 3 | DHA Islamabad | 5 | ✅ | ✅ DHA Act 2013 | Multi | Ph6 Jan 2026 possession; Valley 10K plots; avg PKR 2.6Cr |
| 4 | Naval Anchorage | 5 | ✅ 2005 | ✅ 2020 | 3,702 | Ph1 mature; Ph2 booking active 2026 from PKR 3.75M |
| 5 | Gulberg Residencia | 5 | ✅ | ✅ | 19,390.36* | CDA-listed Zone V scheme; verify latest records |
| 6 | OPF Housing | 5 | ✅ 2023 | ✅ 2011 | 4,683 | Ongoing; govt-backed |
| 7 | CBR Town | 5 | ✅ 2023 | ✅ 2009 | 1,687 | Fully developed |
| 8 | Bahria Town (CDA-listed phases) | 5 | Varies by phase | Varies by phase | Multi | CDA lists II/III/V/VI, III-E/IV, VII and VII-E in Zone V; verify exact phase |
| 9 | AGOCHS-II | 5 | ✅ 2020 | ✅ 2023 | 3,517 | Early dev; DHA Ph2 adjacent |
| 10 | Al-Hamra Avenue | 5 | ✅ 2006 | ✅ 2008 | 2,504 | Development stage |
| 11 | Multi Gardens B-17 | 2 | ✅ 2006 | ✅ 2008 | 4,815 | Fully developed |
| 12 | Khayaban-e-Kashmir-I | 2 | ✅ 2002 | ✅ 2004 | 3,482 | Partial dev |
| 13 | Cabinet Division ECHS | 2 | ✅ 2004 | ✅ 2004 | 4,405 | Gradual dev |
| 14 | Paradise City | 2 | ✅ 2021 | ✅ 2022 | 1,900 | Early stage |
| 15 | Tele Garden CHS | 2 | ✅ 2005 | ✅ 2008 | 1,757 | Ongoing |
*CDA currently lists Gulberg Residencia at 19,390.36 kanals on its scheme page; a later revised/extended layout plan covers a larger area. Gulberg Greens is a separate Zone IV farm-housing scheme.
Societies Excluded and Why (June 2026)
| Society | Reason | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Bahria Town phases not shown in CDA's current Zone V scheme records | Verify exact jurisdiction and phase with the relevant authority | CDA / relevant Rawalpindi authority |
| Capital Smart City | Outside ICT — Punjab province | PHATA |
| Faisal Town Phase 2 | Rawalpindi district | RDA |
| Blue World City | Chakri, Rawalpindi — not ICT | District Council |
| Shaheen Town (Lehtrar Rd) | CDA sealed offices May 2026 — illegal | None |
| Islamabad Green Paradise | CDA sealed offices May 2026 — illegal | None |
| 99 schemes (Zones 3 & 4) | CDA declared all illegal May 8, 2026 | None |
| Khayaban-e-Kashmir-II | LOP cancelled Aug 2018 | — |
| Jinnah Garden Phase I | LOP cancelled Sep 2018 | — |
| Soan Garden | NOC cancelled May 2017 | — |
| AGOCHS-I | LOP cancelled Nov 2017 | — |
| Ministry of Interior ECHS G-16 | NOC cancelled Nov 2017 | — |
How to Verify CDA Approval (2026)
- Official portal: cda website — browse alphabetically; LOP, NOC, and cancellation dates shown.
- Illegal schemes list: cda.gov.pk/illegal-housing-schemes — cross-check before any purchase.
- CDA approval records: Review the latest housing-scheme status and approval information available through the official CDA portal.
- Confirm both LOP and NOC are active — LOP alone does not authorise development.
- Check for cancellations — the CDA PDF and portal record all cancellation dates.
- Verify jurisdictional authority — is it in ICT (CDA), Rawalpindi RDA, or Punjab housing authority
- Verify exact phase for Bahria Town — CDA lists several specific Phase II–VII groupings in Zone V, but their NOC status differs. Cross-check the exact phase in the official CDA registry and, where applicable, the relevant Rawalpindi authority.
- Cross-reference Milkiyat: Top 10 Housing Societies in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
*For more information about how to verify NOC of society under CDA jurisdiction check the following guide on Milkiyat.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if a housing society is CDA approved?
Check the housing scheme's current status through CDA's official housing-schemes portal. Verify both the project name and the specific phase or area before purchasing property.
What is the difference between LOP and NOC in a CDA housing scheme?
LOP refers to approval of the layout plan, while an NOC relates to permission for development under the applicable requirements. Buyers should check the current status of both where relevant.
Is every housing society in Islamabad approved by CDA?
No. Housing schemes can have different regulatory statuses, including approved, under process or unauthorised. The relevant authority can also vary by jurisdiction, so buyers should verify the specific project before investing.
Can the approval status of a housing society change?
Yes. Regulatory status can change because of approvals, cancellations, legal proceedings or other regulatory actions. Buyers should therefore check the latest official CDA records rather than relying on older advertisements or listings.
Where can I verify CDA housing society approval?
Use the official CDA housing-schemes portal and cross-check the society's current LOP, NOC and other available regulatory information.
Data sourced from: CDA official housing registry (cda.gov.pk/housing-schemes); CDA PDF "Status of Approved Private Housing Schemes in Zone 2, 5 & E-11, ICT"; CDA illegal housing schemes notice May 8, 2026 (Director Regional Planning Ejaz ul Hassan); CDA enforcement action against Shaheen Town and Islamabad Green Paradise (May 5, 2026); DHA Islamabad Act 2013 (National Assembly of Pakistan); Supreme Court reinstatement of Park View City NOC: 20 October 2022; DHA Phase 6 and DHA Valley possession ceremonies January 2026; Zameen.com Property Price Index (Gulberg Residencia Oct 2025; DHA Phase 2 March 2026; DHA Defence April 2026). Last verified: 26 June 2026.
For Islamabad and Rawalpindi real estate research, visit Milkiyat.com.