When choosing a home it is very important to pay attention to the surrounding neighborhood as well as the house itself. Each neighborhood has its own attributes specifically what it has to offer to its residents. 

A gated neighborhood, also known as a gated community is a society where the boundary is marked and protected by walls, and the entry and exit points are guarded. Along with the sense of safety and security, there are a lot of reasons people prefer to live in a gated community. 

Owing to these reasons, the construction of gated communities has become one of the most growing real estate trends in Pakistan. 

Real estate developers have so far built more than 250 gated communities all across Pakistan in response to the increasing demand for safe and lavish living opportunities. If you are looking to buy or rent a house in a gated community or even invest in one? 

Here you can find out the most prominent gated communities in the twin cities of Pakistan and why you should opt for a gated lifestyle if the chance presents itself. 

1. What is a Gated Community?

A gated community is a form of a housing society or a residential community strictly controlled by entrances and exits. It is often characterized by a closed perimeter of walls and fences. The reason why it is termed as a community is not to prevent crime but to provide a sense of security and exclusivity. 

Gated communities usually include small residential streets and various shared amenities. These amenities may include only a park for smaller amenities. For large communities, it may be possible for the residents to stay within the communities for most of their daily activities. 

The gated communities cater to the increasing demand for world-class housing with modern infrastructure including well-built roads and a continuous supply of water and electricity. In addition to that, they also offer other amenities such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, mosques, theaters, parks, and shopping malls within secure communities. 

2. Gated Communities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

In Pakistan, gated communities have had a presence since the 1990s and are offered at multiple price plans that not just suit the upper class but the middle-class people as well. 

They offer flats, single-family houses, townhouses on different sizes ranging from 125 to up to 250 square yards. The biggest developers of gated communities in Pakistan include Defense Housing Authority, Eden Housing, Bahria Town, Emaar Properties, Ghurair-Giga, etc. 

In addition to the major cities of Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, gated communities are being developed in the second and even third tier of cities as well. If you are planning to live or invest in a gated community of the twin cities of Pakistan, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. 

Here you can find the important details of the major gated communities to find a lavish living opportunity. 

2.1. Bahria Enclave Islamabad

A lucrative housing scheme that started in July 2011 by Bahria town. It is considered the most popular housing scheme in Islamabad. It is an exclusive community of 5,8,10, marla plots and 1, 2, 4 Kanal plots and commercial plots of 4, 8 marlas. 

Bahria Enclave Islamabad comprises two main phases; Bahria Enclave Phase 1 and Bahria Enclave Phase 2. Phase 1 covers an area of approximately 836 kanals with more than 600 residential plots. Phase 2 covers an area of approximately 1,180 kanals with over 400 residential plots. 

The society comprises a total of 16 sectors with rapid ongoing development. It offers residential and commercial plots of 5 and 10 marla, 1 and 2 kanals. 

Location:

• Easy access from Kashmir Highway, Lehtarar Road, and Islamabad Highway.
• Chak Shahzad, near Park Road and the Kuri Road.

Features:

• Complete Gated Community
• 5 Star Hotel
• Spa
• Parks and Zoo
• Restaurants
• Hospital
• CineGold Plex Cinema
• Landscaped with Green Belts and Footpaths
• 100 feet wide roads
• Great Jamiah Mosque
• International Standard School
• Underground Provision of Gas, Electricity, and Water

2.2. DHA Phase 2

The DHA Islamabad was established in 1992 by Pakistan armed forces welfare development. The aim was to offer quality infrastructure and design and urban planning to the twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Not only does it provide access to all basic and modern amenities but it also fulfils the residential and commercial lifestyles. 

All the DHA sectors are completed and among them is DHA phase 2, which is one of the most attractive phases as compared to others. DHA phase has a total of 7 sectors from Sector A to Q. DHA phase 2 comprises of approximately 15075 kanals and has over 15000 residential plots. 

Location:

• Between Grand Trunk Road and Islamabad Highway. 
• It starts from GT Road and heads toward Islamabad Highway towards Rawat.

Features:

• Complete gated community
• Security
• Covered car parking
• swimming pool 
• Family Club
• Educational Facilities
• Sector Utility Area
• Underground Electrification

2.3. Gulberg Islamabad

Gulberg Islamabad is a popular housing scheme launched in 2005 by Intelligence Bureau Cooperative Housing Scheme. It is potentially a kind of development you are looking for. 

The majority of its blocks are fully developed and all set for possession. Gulberg residencia is of the subdivisions under Gulberg Islamabad, it also includes Gulberg Commercial and Gulberg Greens.

It is one of the most popular and luxurious housing societies with the experience of a new city within Islamabad. It incorporates all the world-class facilities to enjoy a happy and comfortable life. 

Location:

• Main Islamabad Expressway where the Islamabad Zone iV and Zone V intersect. 
• Easy access to Rawalpindi and  Islamabad.

Features:

• Schools
• Shopping malls
• Educational facilities 
• Security
• Modern city infrastructure
• Modern circulation network
• Landscaping
• Civic and  recreational facilities
• Health facilities

2.4. Defence Villas Rawalpindi/Islamabad

A new and promising beginning in the residential community, defence villas proposed upper-class and stylish villas. Their residents will have access to the world-class facilities exclusive to the residents of DHA defence villas where they can enjoy an ultimate relaxed and peaceful lifestyle. 

Defence villas offer you an incredible opportunity to live in an environment that you have dreamt about for so many years. It is specifically designed and developed to meet the requirements of both small as well as large family sizes. It is a secured gated community where the world-class amenities are provided to its residents. 

Location:

• A 3-minute drive from GT Road Rawalpindi and easy access from Islamabad Highway, Defence Villas Phase 1

Features:

• Parks
• Mosques
• School
• Safari Club
• Dr. A.Q Khan School
• Rukhsana Akhter Hospital
• Golf Course and Grid Station
• Cinema

2.5. Mmanat Residencia

Mmanat residencia is a new housing project by IBA to provide easy accommodation to the families of Shuhda's of terrorism. It offers 1, 2, and 3, Bedroom Apartments. Flats can also be booked on easy installments. Mmanat residencia is one of the top new housing developments due to the state of location and the provision of all the top-class amenities. 

Mmanat residencia is an ideal opportunity for living, establishing the business, and property investment. The prime location of this housing scheme is an ideal place for both residential and investment purposes. 

Location:

• It is situated at the parallel to DHA Islamabad Phase 2 and 3

Features:

• Modern layout and design
• Ample Parking Space
• Beautiful Elevation
• Wide Stairs
• Wide Corridors
• Spacious Lobby
• Fast Moving lifts
• Earthquake resilient structure
• Fire Fighting system
• Spacious circulation areas
• Top-quality wood-work
• 24-hour water and electricity supply
• Swimming pool
• Excellent interiors
• Walking track
• Shopping mall
• Indoor gym
• Indoor hospital

3. Pros of Living in a Gated Community

What comes to your mind when you think about the advantages of living in a gated community? Probably things like security, safety, modern infrastructure, and much more. But what else lies beyond those walls and gates?

Gated communities have become the fastest-growing form of housing in Pakistan, as an increasing number of people find them to be an appealing option to move to a secured or gated neighbourhood. If you are planning to move into one, here you can find each advantage of living in a gated community in detail. 

3.1. Privacy And Security

For many people, privacy and security are the major appeals of a gated community. Because only residents and guests are allowed through the gates, the chances of encountering crimes are greatly reduced. Additionally, access to the neighbourhood is strictly controlled, there is a greater sense of privacy there. 

3.2. Community Living

Gated communities more often facilitate neighbourhood parties, as well as entertainment, sports, and educational groups which provide a sense of living in a community. It is easy for the residents to make friends and find things to do in their spare time and be active both physically and mentally. 

3.3. Slow-Moving Traffic

Another benefit is the absence of heavy traffic and speedy vehicles. In a gated community, you will not have to worry about the noise of traffic and can enjoy a peaceful and quiet life away from the usual traffic noise of the city. 

3.4. Safer Surroundings For Children

As we have mentioned above, the gated community only allows residents and guests and there is no fast-moving traffic which makes it a safer place for children to play. Controlled access means there are fewer strangers to worry about. Purpose-built areas and facilities for children to keep them safe and occupied. 

3.5. Higher Property Value

The houses within the gated community are often high in regard to the quality, design, beauty, and price. Because of the location, houses have a greater chance of gaining property value and tend to remain steady during the fluctuations in market prices. For that reason, houses in gated communities are considered to be a better investment option than the other types of housing.

The concept of a gated community is an age-old concept of living in peaceful surroundings with the additional benefit of security. So, do not hesitate to put your money down for a better way of living by moving into a house in a gated community. For more updates on real estate trends from all over the country, head over to the Gharbaar blog and stay up to date with what is trending in the real estate sector.