- August 1, 2026
- Posted by: Fiza Batool
- Category: Blogs
Currently, two new, large-scale projects are attracting investors’ attention in Islamabad’s real estate market: DHA Gandhara and Margalla Enclave Islamabad.
Both these projects are associated with the trusted name of DHA, guarantee excellent returns in the future, and are attracting significant interest from local and overseas Pakistanis.
However, when it comes to DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad, how would you decide which one is better for you?
Therefore, in this simple guide, we will take a detailed look at the location, prices, installment plans, and future benefits of both the projects so that you can make the right decision.
DHA Gandhara Islamabad: A Quick Overview
DHA Gandhara, also known as Gandhara City, is a joint venture of Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Habib Rafique Private Limited (HRL). It spans approximately 32,500 kanals, making it one of the largest phases in the history of DHA Islamabad. In addition, its master plan has been developed by the renowned Singaporean company Surbana Jurong, which is known for designing large projects globally.
Location
The society is located along the M-2 Motorway, very close to the Capital Smart City. Furthermore, it has easy access to the newly-launched Islamabad International Airport, Chakri Road and Rawalpindi Ring Road. Consequently, this makes the area a part of the Airport Corridor, where tremendous commercial and residential development is expected in the next 10 years.
Approvals and Plot Details
DHA Gandhara has received NOC, which further strengthens the confidence of buyers and investors. Here, mainly 1 Kanal plots are being provided, while 5 Marla options are also being added to the market. Meanwhile, Commercial plots have been planned in the main boulevard and motorway frontage areas.
Margalla Enclave Islamabad: A Quick Overview
On the other hand, Margalla Enclave is a project of a completely different kind. It is a joint venture of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and DHA Islamabad. Thus, it is one of the few housing schemes in the federal capital that is simultaneously sponsored by two large and trusted government and semi-government authorities. As a result, this dual administrative framework is a major attraction for buyers who prioritize legal protection.
Location
The project is located in Zone 4 of CDA, on Main Jinnah Avenue (formerly Kuri Road), which is very close to Park Road and Srinagar Highway and offers a magnificent view of the beautiful hills of Margalla. Additionally, it is surrounded by major residential areas like Park View City, Bahria Enclave, Bani Gala and Chak Shahzad. Apart from this, the main attractions of Islamabad such as Pakistan Monument, Centaurus Mall and Shakar Parian are just a few minutes away.
Plot Details and Current Status
Spread over approximately 10,000 kanals, this project includes residential plots ranging from 5 marla to 1 kanal. The most special thing about this project is that it has started giving possession (occupancy) of its first phase in record time, which is a great achievement for a new project. Currently, the construction of the boundary wall, 300-foot-wide main Jinnah Avenue Boulevard, and internal roads in the society is in full swing.
DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad: Location Comparison
The value and importance of any property depends largely on its location. Here is a location comparison of DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad:
DHA Gandhara Location
It is located in a rapidly expanding area on the motorway belt, near the New Islamabad Airport. It is a project near the Capital Smart City that will benefit as a long-term investment. However, at present, it is a little far from the main city of Islamabad.
Margalla Enclave Location
It is located in Zone 4 of Islamabad, near Park Road and Jinnah Avenue, right near the city center. From here, the beautiful hills of Margalla and the attractive population of Islamabad are very close. For this reason, it is the best choice for those who want to live near the city and in a beautiful environment today, instead of waiting for years.
If proximity to the center of Islamabad and natural views are important to you, then Margalla Enclave is at the forefront. Conversely, if you are betting on the development of the airport area in the next few years, DHA Gandhara has the potential to yield higher returns for the future.
Master plan of DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad
The Master Plan of DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad is based on completely different ideas and designs:
DHA Gandhara Master Plan
It has been designed by Singapore’s world-renowned design firm Surbana Jurong, known for its innovative and cutting-edge smart city designs. It spans approximately 32,500 kanals. Specifically, its design revolves around wide roads connected to the M-2 motorway, residential blocks of 5 marla and 1 kanal, and separate commercial zones on the main boulevard.
Ultimately, it is designed as an independent, large, and state-of-the-art Township so that as the airport area expands, the society can develop into a full-fledged city.
Margalla Enclave Master Plan
Its master plan has been approved by the CDA and updated under the Kuri Model Village scheme. It is slightly smaller than Gandhara, i.e., it is about 10,000 kanals. The focal point of its map is the 300-feet-wide Main Jinnah Avenue Boulevard. Furthermore, its residential blocks (like ME-2 and ME-3) are arranged in such a way that the beautiful views of the Margalla Hills are clearly visible from there.
Here, beautiful natural landscapes, green belts, parks, and a peaceful and high-quality residential environment have been prioritized instead of large-scale commercial sprawl.
In Essence
The master plan of DHA Gandhara has been prepared keeping in mind the requirements of a very large, sprawling, and future-complete city.
The master plan of Margalla Enclave is based on providing a beautiful, serene, and scenic prime residential environment close to the city.
DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad Payment Plans
The payment plan plays the most important role while making an investment decision, and there are significant differences between DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad in this regard:
DHA Gandhara Payment Plan
The project is still largely in its pre-launch and file stage. As a result, prices are lower, but formal long-term installment structures are still evolving.
Margalla Enclave Payment Plan
Margalla Enclave has pre-defined and approved installment plans. This includes lump-sum payment as well as easy installment plans of 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. 5 Marla: Approximately Rs. 1.55 Crore (15.5 Million) 10 Marla: Approximately Rs. 3 Crore (30 Million) 1 Kanal: Approximately Rs. 5.6 Crore (56 Million). Buyers’ bookings are done through a transparent lottery process.
In comparison, Margalla Enclave currently has more mature, clear, and flexible payment options. On the other hand, DHA Gandhara is more attractive to new investors who want to start with a lower budget (lower entry) and want to earn higher returns in the future by taking the initial stage risk.
Residential Plots Payment Plan
Commercial Plots Payment Plan
DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad: Comparison
| Features | DHA Gandhara | Margalla Enclave Islamabad |
| Developer | Army Welfare Trust & Habib Rafiq Pvt Ltd (HRL) | CDA & DHA Islamabad (joint venture) |
| Location | M-2 Motorway, next to Capital Smart City, near New Islamabad Airport | Main Jinnah Avenue (Kurri Road), CDA Zone IV, near Margalla Hills |
| Total Area | Approx. 32,500 Kanals | Approx. 10,000 Kanals |
| Master Plan | Designed by Surbana Jurong (Singapore) | Modern CDA-approved sustainable planning |
| NOC Status | Approved | CDA NOC approved |
| Project Stage | Pre-launch / early file trading | Active development |
| Plot Sizes | 5 Marla, 10 Marla,1 Kanal (residential); commercial plots planned | 5 Marla, 10 Marla, 1 Kanal |
| Payment Plan | Formal installment plan expected post-launch | Lumpsum, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year installment options |
| Best For | Early-stage, higher-risk/higher-reward investors | Investors wanting faster possession and lower risk |
| Proximity to City Center | Farther (airport corridor) | Closer (Zone IV, near Park Road) |
Which Is Better: DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad?
There is no single answer here; rather, it all depends on your investment objective:
You should choose DHA Gandhara if you:
- Want to enter the pre-launch / early-file stage at the lowest possible price.
- Are willing to wait for a longer timeline for the completion of the development work.
- Confident in the future development of the area around Islamabad Airport.
- Want to be part of a very large and international standard master planned project.
You should choose Margalla Enclave if you:
- Prefer a project that has already started its position (occupation) and construction work.
- Want to be 100% legally secure in the case of a joint project between CDA and DHA.
- Prefer to be close to the center of Islamabad and the beautiful Margalla Hills.
- They prefer clear and flexible installment plans rather than buying and selling uncertain files.
Final Verdict
Choosing between DHA Gandhara vs Margalla Enclave Islamabad is a difficult task. Both projects are backed by some of the country’s most trusted and reputable institutions, and both are located in prime locations.
If you are an investor who wants to invest less at the initial stage and reap big benefits in the future, keep an eye on the official launch and payment plan of DHA Gandhara. If you are a buyer who wants to invest in a place where work is visible on the spot, possession is available, and there is quick and easy access to the city, then Margalla Enclave is in a stronger and superior position at the moment.