# CDA NDC: fresh No Demand Certificate still needed for every Islamabad property transfer Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/property/cda-ndc-fresh-no-demand-certificate-still-needed-for-every-islamabad-property-tr) Type: News article Author: Searchable Editorial Published: 17 Sept 2026 Updated: 17 Sept 2026 Retrieved: 17 Sept 2026 > The CDA told the National Assembly a new NDC is required for each transfer. Here is what it checks, what a transfer costs and what buyers and sellers should do. Anyone buying or selling a house or plot in a CDA sector of Islamabad still needs a fresh No Demand Certificate (NDC) for each transfer. The Capital Development Authority said so in a written reply to the National Assembly, reported on 17 September 2026. An NDC from an earlier sale or an older application will not do: the certificate must reflect the property's latest status at the time of transfer. ## What the CDA said According to the reply, reported by ProPakistani, an NDC "is required for every property transfer under the prevailing rules, regulations and prescribed procedures". It is issued only after the CDA verifies the property's current position. The certificate confirms there are: - no outstanding dues against the property, - no legal encumbrances, - no building violations, and - no other restrictions at the time of transfer. The CDA called the NDC "a safeguard for all parties involved in a property transaction". It did not drop or relax the rule. Instead, it said it is reviewing its transfer procedures to cut processing times, through digitisation and automation of estate management, simpler paperwork, stronger verification, standardised procedures and closer monitoring. The reply gave no deadline for these changes. ## What a transfer costs - **CDA transfer fee:** 1% of the property's value as notified by the FBR. The CDA board cut this from 3% on 9 April 2026, with the notification issued on 10 April. On a house with an FBR value of Rs 50 million, that is Rs 500,000. - **Family transfers (gift):** CDA's procedures page lists a flat fee of Rs 5,000 for residential property. It also lists a same-day transfer option for an extra Rs 10,000 if you submit a complete file before 10am. - **Federal taxes:** withholding tax on the seller and buyer and any capital gains tax come on top of the CDA fee. Estimate them with our [capital gains tax calculator](/tools/tax/capital-gains-tax-calculator) and [property tax calculator](/tools/property/property-tax-calculator), and check duty with the [stamp duty calculator](/tools/property/stamp-duty-calculator). ## What sellers should do 1. **Clear every due first.** Pay pending CDA property tax and any other CDA dues before applying, because the NDC is issued only when nothing is outstanding. CDA's checklist asks for a clearance (NOC) from its Revenue Directorate; vacant plots are exempt. 2. **Fix building issues.** If the house is used for a non-conforming purpose, such as a school or office in a residential sector, you need an NOC from CDA's Building Control Section. 3. **Clear the mortgage.** If the property is mortgaged, get an NOC from the bank or lender. 4. **Keep originals ready.** You will need the original allotment or transfer letter, attested CNIC copies, photographs and indemnity bonds. ## What buyers should do - **Do not pay in full before the NDC is issued.** Tie the final payment to the NDC and the CDA transfer letter. - **Check the NDC date.** It should be issued for your transaction, not carried over from an earlier deal. - **Ask about building violations.** An NDC confirms none were on record at transfer, but an independent check of the approved building plan still helps. - **Budget for the 1% fee** plus federal taxes, and agree in writing who pays what. ## Where to apply Both parties apply at the CDA One Window Operation in Islamabad. The transfer application must be signed by both sides and attested by a first-class officer. If the buyer is abroad, CDA's checklist requires a special power of attorney attested by a Pakistani embassy, high commission or consulate. Converting marla or kanal to square yards for the paperwork? Use our [plot size converter](/tools/property/plot-size-converter). ## Frequently asked questions **What is a No Demand Certificate (NDC) from CDA?** It is a certificate the CDA issues after checking that a property has no outstanding dues, legal encumbrances, building violations or other restrictions at the time of transfer. The CDA says a fresh one is needed for every transfer. **What is the CDA property transfer fee in 2026?** 1% of the property's FBR-notified value, after the CDA board cut it from 3% on 9 April 2026. Family (gift) transfers of residential property carry a flat fee listed by CDA as Rs 5,000. **Can I use an old NDC to transfer property in Islamabad?** No. According to the CDA's reply to the National Assembly, an NDC is issued after verifying the property's latest status and is required for each transfer. ## Sources - CDA Retains Fresh NDC Requirement for Every Property Transfer (17 Sep 2026) (ProPakistani): https://propakistani.pk/2026/09/17/cda-retains-fresh-ndc-requirement-for-every-property-transfer/ - CDA lowers fee on transfer of properties (10 Apr 2026) (Business Recorder): https://www.brecorder.com/news/40415674 - CDA slashes property transfer fee from 3pc to 1pc (Apr 2026) (The News): https://www.thenews.pk/print/1409164-cda-slashes-property-transfer-fee-from-3pc-to-1pc - CDA cuts property transfer fee, board meeting of 9 April 2026 (Capital Development Authority): https://www.cda.gov.pk/cdaImagesGallery/capital-development-authority-cuts-property-transfer-fee-plans-cultural-revamp-and-waste-system-overhaul-in-islamabad - CDA procedures: transfer of plot/property, family transfer and fees (accessed 17 Sep 2026) (Capital Development Authority): https://www.cda.gov.pk/procedures How to cite: "CDA NDC: fresh No Demand Certificate still needed for every Islamabad property transfer", Searchable, 17 Sept 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/property/cda-ndc-fresh-no-demand-certificate-still-needed-for-every-islamabad-property-tr