Urban Planning and Real Estate Development

Developing and planning land is fundamental to establishing a sustainable society. An urban settlement that is well-planned provides a solid framework for growth and positively impacts the economy. Land-use planning is the process of allocating land to competing and sometimes conflicting uses to ensure the rational and orderly development of land in an environmentally responsible manner (Thomas, 2001). Development planning and development control are the two main functions of the process. Planning also involves relevant land research and mapping. In light of this, it is important to understand the importance of land use planning for national growth and development. Among other things, the process involves identifying, articulating, and satisfying the basic needs of humans and societies within a financial framework. Continue reading to understand the significance of urban planning and real estate development.

Research, planning, and development in urban areas have become increasingly complex. Planning urban areas can help city leaders drive positive changes and provide a framework for economic, social, and infrastructure growth. With a vision of the future, a city can achieve success over time. Enhancing the level of livability, prosperity, and equity in cities requires developing a framework that anticipates the needs of residents, coordinates efforts at the management and local levels, and outlines a collective path. In order to prepare for the future, cities should forecast the challenges they may face in the present. A proper planning exercise that identifies long-term goals and short-term actions can also reveal opportunities and risks. It is likely that cities without a plan for the future will be left behind.

Urban planning can also positively impact city leaders who are elected to deliver improvements on certain demands. Change is often costly and time-consuming. The availability of a master plan will enable newly elected leaders to align their actions with the city’s future vision rather than going in redundant directions. The top concerns of city dwellers are housing, employment, accessibility, and safety. Urban form strongly influences these areas. The right policies regarding density, land use, public space and layout of public infrastructure can make all the difference when it comes to quality of life and land value. Urban planning also affects the urban economy. It is also the responsibility of local leaders to ensure that there are plenty of jobs. Globally, cities compete to attract investment and talent to generate economic activity. Planning for economic zones and industrial development has a great impact on a city’s ability to create jobs for its residents (Urban Gateway, 2021).

It is necessary to view planning as an integral part of national growth and real estate development. During the planning process, in order to identify human and societal needs such as jobs, education, recreation, transport, health, and basic services such as water, electricity, and clean air, infrastructure development, real estate development is a vital part of the process. With real estate being connected to almost all aspects of a city, setting a vision for its future can also help guide the development of infrastructure, housing, and industrial zones. The role of urban planning and real estate development can best be understood through the example of housing. As housing cannot be developed in a swamp, or in an area vulnerable to natural disasters, or in a low-lying area that may endanger public health and safety, there must be a carefully thought-out plan to prevent future mishaps and disasters (Khooyavan, 2011).

In addition, economic decisions such as focusing on tourism, manufacturing, or agricultural development are also closely tied to the development of real estate. Land use should also be based on these basic needs since some areas are better suited to certain activities than others. In addition, if a land is used for one activity, it cannot be used for another. In land-use plans and real estate development, national and socioeconomic needs are also reflected in spatial forms of land-use activity. Planning, therefore, plays a vital role in satisfying these needs in a technical framework on the ground. Finally, urban planning and real estate development are also linked legally. The law sets out the justification to develop land, and urban planning must ensure all legal rights and titles are considered while making decisions. Planning must also account for dispute settlement processes and changing land-use policies (Li, 2021).

Planned areas make up only 0.5 percent of Pakistan’s total land area. This planned area is valued at between 600 and 700 billion US dollars. In addition, Pakistan also has the highest per capita demand for housing in the entire South Asian region. This means that the country’s real estate sector holds massive potential for the development and uplift of the economy. Not only will that enhance the lifestyle and living standard of the society, but it will also become a source of foreign direct investments, which the country direly needs. However, Pakistan’s real estate potential can only be realised if proper urban planning is carried out. As planned areas are around seven times higher in value than unplanned areas, carrying out proper planning will help Pakistan’s real estate sector contribute greatly to the economy. As population density in urban areas increases, leading to urban sprawl, most settlements surrounding an urban city are informal and unplanned. This means that a large chunk of real estate value is being lost. Similarly, in rural areas, there is a massive need for housing and services. If this development is carried out using proper planning, rural areas can also provide an impetus for future growth and development of new cities and towns. This will allow people living in rural areas to enjoy urban amenities like electricity, gas, and water services. Therefore, Pakistan can greatly leverage the potential of its real estate by planning areas and developing infrastructure according to the needs and requirements of the people.

Planning and development of land are a vital part of establishing a well-functioning society for future generations. It presents a robust framework for growth and positively impacts the economy. Forecasting future opportunities and risks helps communities in staying ahead of challenges that may arise over time. Cities all around the world are competing to attract investments and talent to generate economic activity. However, Pakistan seriously lags in the planning of its rural and urban areas. Only 0.5 per cent of the country’s land is planned with a value of 600 to 700 billion US dollars. Therefore, Pakistan can greatly leverage the potential of its real estate by planning areas and developing infrastructure according to the needs and requirements of the people.

Khooyavan, D. K. (2011). Urban planning and real estate development .

Li, L. (2021). The influence and thinking of urban planning on real estate development .

Thomas, D. D. (2001). The Importance of Development Plans/Land Use Policy for Development Control. Retrieved from http://www.oas.org/PGDM/document/BITC/papers/dthomas.htm

Urban Gateway. (2021). Top ten Reasons why cities need Urban Planning. Retrieved from https://urbangateway.org/content/news/top-ten-reasons-why-cities-need-urban-planning