The New Islamabad International Airport has emerged as the new center for growth and expansion. The area, which used to be quiet, is now attracting massive investments due to increased connectivity. The surrounding area is experiencing exponential development in terms of both residential and commercial infrastructures.
Many residential societies have emerged in the area recently. If you are someone interested in investment or home purchase near Islamabad International Airport, you should be aware of the best options available.
This article will discuss the best housing societies near Islamabad International Airport for living as well as investment purposes.
Airport Corridor Appeal
Since the development of the New Islamabad International Airport, this corridor has undergone an increase in its attractiveness due to the following reasons:
- Direct access to the M-1 and M-2 Motorways
- Proximity to the Rawalpindi Ring Road
- Growing demand from overseas Pakistanis and frequent travelers
- Multiple new interchanges are reducing commute time and cost
- A cluster effect in which one major society develops, neighboring ones gain value too
- Increasing commercial and aviation-related employment opportunities nearby
- Strong appreciation trends compared to older, more saturated sectors
5 Best Housing Societies Near Islamabad International Airport
Among the multiple residential complexes existing in the airport corridor, we have classified 5 projects as outstanding from the rest. These include:
- DHA Gandhara
- Capital Smart City
- Top City
- Faisal Town
- Eighteen Islamabad
1- DHA Gandhara
DHA Gandhara, also known as DHA Phase 9, is one of the most talked-about new projects in the region. It was developed jointly by the Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Habib Rafiq Pvt Ltd (HRL) and has a master plan designed by Surbana Jurong, a globally recognized Singapore-based planning firm. DHA Gandhara currently offers plots of 1 Kanal.
Location: Located along M-2 Motorway, it is adjacent to Capital Smart City and close to Qurtaba City and DHA Phases 6 & 7. The project allows connectivity to:
- Chakri Interchange
- Capital Smart City Interchange
- Rawalpindi Ring Road
- Thalian Interchange
- Islamabad International Airport (just minutes away)
Top Facilities:
- Education and medical districts
- An international golf course
- Theme parks
- Integrated shopping malls
- Business and commercial streets
2- Capital Smart City
Capital Smart City is Pakistan's first smart city and one of the most anticipated real estate projects in the entire country, not just the airport corridor. CSC is developed by Future Development Holdings (FDHL) and Habib Rafiq Limited (HRL). It also has a master plan designed by Surbana Jurong. It is one of the largest RDA-approved private housing societies in Pakistan, featuring a dedicated Smart City Interchange on the motorway.
Location: Capital Smart City is located on the M-2 Motorway near the Thalian Interchange, with just 5–7 minutes from the New Islamabad International Airport.
Plots: Capital Smart City offers plot sizes including 5 Marla, 7 Marla, 10 Marla, 1 Kanal, and 2 Kanal with the following blocks:
- Overseas Block (exclusively for overseas Pakistanis)
- Executive Block
- General Block
- Aviation District for airport personnel
Top Facilities:
- 18-hole PGA-standard golf course
- Sports zone with a football stadium, hockey stadium, and racing track
- Smart villas with automated locks
- Motion sensors
- Smart surveillance
3- Faisal Town Phase 2
Faisal Town Phase 2 is a project by Zedem International, which is owned by Chaudhary Abdul Majeed, and has quickly become one of the most searched names in the airport corridor. The master plan is designed by the Meinhardt Group.
Location: Faisal Town Phase 2 is located directly on Thalian Interchange on the M-2 Motorway, with additional access via Chakri Road and the Rawalpindi Ring Road. It is just a 5-minute drive from the New Islamabad International Airport.
Area: The project covers an area of about 80,000–100,000 kanals, with plans to expand toward 200,000 kanals, with residential plot sizes ranging from 5 Marla up to 2 Kanal. The entire area is divided into multiple sectors and blocks, including:
- Sector O (Model Block)
- Overseas Enclave
- Sector N
- General Block
- Sector X
- Central Business District / Boulevard Commercial
Top Facilities: Its main amenities include a Grand Mosque, schools, hospitals, parks, underground utilities, and dedicated sports grounds.
4- Eighteen Islamabad
Eighteen is considered one of the most luxurious and internationally styled developments in the capital, built around an 18-hole golf course. Eighteen is developed by Ora Developers (Egypt), Saif Group, and Kohistan Builders & Developers. It has its master plan designed by CallisonRTKL, further developed by WATG (Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo)
Location: The project is located on the Srinagar Highway, roughly 6–7 km from the New Islamabad Airport.
Plots: Eighteen covers an area of over 570+ acres of land and offers:
- Luxury villas (½, 1, 2, 4, and 8 Kanal sizes)
- Premium apartments
- A dedicated commercial business district called The Core
Top Facilities: It has premium amenities, which include:
- An 18-hole PGA-standard golf course
- A 5-star boutique resort with spa and dining
- A medical clinic with emergency and outpatient services
- The Square which is a planned shopping mall with retail and dining outlets
- Cricket pitch, squash courts, sports hall, and swimming pool.
5- Top City-1
Top City-1 is an RDA-approved housing society and one of the closest established societies to the New Islamabad International Airport. The project was developed by Kunwar Moeez Khan Constructions.
Location: Top City is located at the junction point of the M-1 and M-2 Motorways, with direct access from Srinagar Highway and in proximity to Capital Smart City
Top Facilities: The main facilities include smart features such as fiber optics, smart meters, and intelligent surveillance systems.
| Society | Developer | Distance from Airport | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top City-1 | Kunwar Moeez Khan Constructions | Very close (M-1/M-2 Junction) | Buyers seeking established infrastructure and immediate development |
| Faisal Town / Faisal Town Phase 2 | Faisal Town Group / Zedem International | Approximately 5 Minutes | Steady and dependable mid-range investment |
| DHA Gandhara (Phase 9) | Army Welfare Trust (AWT) & Habib Rafiq Pvt. Ltd. (HRL) | A Few Minutes via M-2 Motorway | Long-term investors seeking DHA brand value and security |
| Capital Smart City | Future Development Holdings (FDHL) & Habib Rafiq Pvt. Ltd. (HRL) | 5–7 Minutes | Tech-savvy buyers and investors with varied budgets |
| Eighteen Islamabad | Ora Developers, Saif Group & Kohistan Builders | Approximately 6–7 km | Luxury buyers seeking a resort-style lifestyle |
The airport corridor is one of the fastest-growing real estate zones in Pakistan, and it offers genuine opportunities for both end-users and investors looking for long-term value.