Annual checklist for property owned from abroad

Ten minutes once a year prevents almost every loss described in this document. Do it on a fixed date so it is never forgotten.

Every year

• Confirm the property is still recorded in your name — society register or provincial land record
• Obtain a fresh written statement from the society, not a verbal assurance
• Have somebody photograph all four boundaries, dated
• Confirm no construction, cultivation or occupation has begun
• Check for outstanding dues, development charges and non-construction penalties
• Confirm property tax is paid and obtain the receipt
• Check whether any power of attorney you granted is still needed, and revoke it if not
• Confirm your contact details on the society record are current
• Check your CNIC or NICOP has not expired — an expired card blocks every transaction
• Store scanned copies of all documents in cloud storage a family member can reach

Every five years

• Trace the record backwards and confirm no unrecorded transfer has been entered
• Review your will and how this property passes
• Re-read the society's current bylaws — construction deadlines and penalties change