Islamabad is Pakistan's most liveable city — wide boulevards, clean air, a functioning grid system, and (mostly) reliable electricity. It is also a city where the short term rental market has quietly grown into something worth paying attention to.
Whether you are visiting for work, relocating for a few months, or simply looking for a home away from home, this guide covers everything you need to know before booking a short term rental in Islamabad.
What Is a Short Term Rental?
A short term rental is any furnished accommodation booked for less than six months — typically a few days to a few weeks. Unlike hotels, short term rentals give you a full apartment: kitchen, living room, laundry, and the privacy of your own space.
In Islamabad, the market broadly splits into two categories:
- Guest houses — older model, shared facilities, variable quality
- Furnished apartments — hotel-grade individual units, modern amenities, professional management
The shift has been decisively toward furnished apartments, and for good reason.
Best Areas for Short Term Rentals in Islamabad
Islamabad is divided into sectors, and where you stay matters enormously.
F-7 and F-8 — The Gold Standard
F-7 (Jinnah Super) and F-8 (Kohsar Market) sit in the heart of the city. Walkable, safe, close to embassies and the diplomatic enclave. Property prices here are high, but the quality of available apartments reflects that. If you are visiting on business or want a central, walkable location, F-7/F-8 is the answer.
E-11 — Modern and Spacious
E-11, particularly E-11/3 and E-11/4, has emerged as one of the most popular areas for short term stays. Larger apartments, newer buildings, and proximity to the Islamabad Expressway make it ideal for corporate travellers. Less congested than F-sectors, and home to Magnum Arcade and several high-rise developments.
Bahria Town Islamabad — Gated and Green
Bahria Town offers a gated community experience with consistent electricity (own generation), wide roads, and a self-contained lifestyle. It suits families and those who want quiet, greenery, and security. The trade-off is distance from the city centre — budget 30–40 minutes to Blue Area.
DHA Phase 2 — Emerging Option
DHA Islamabad Phase 2 is newer and still developing its commercial infrastructure, but apartment quality is high and prices are competitive. Worth considering for longer stays of two weeks or more.
What to Expect from a Furnished Apartment in Islamabad
A quality short term rental in Islamabad should include:
- Fast Wi-Fi — 50 Mbps minimum; remote workers should ask for the speedtest
- Air conditioning and heating — Islamabad winters are cold (down to 2°C); confirm heating
- Fully equipped kitchen — pots, pans, cutlery, kettle, microwave
- Weekly cleaning — standard with managed rentals
- Bedding and towels — should be fresh and comfortable, not an afterthought
- Parking — essential if you are driving
At Ghar On The Go, all of our Islamabad properties include high-speed internet and weekly housekeeping as standard. No surprises.
Pricing: What Does a Short Term Rental Cost in Islamabad?
Prices vary by area, size, and duration. As a rough guide for 2026:
| Type | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | PKR 8,000–14,000 | PKR 45,000–80,000 | PKR 120,000–200,000 |
| 2-bed apartment | PKR 14,000–22,000 | PKR 80,000–130,000 | PKR 200,000–320,000 |
| 3-bed apartment | PKR 22,000–38,000 | PKR 120,000–220,000 | PKR 300,000–500,000 |
Monthly rates are always better value. If your stay is 10+ days, negotiate a monthly rate — most hosts will accommodate.
Prices in premium areas like F-7 or for high-rise properties in E-11 will sit at the upper end of these ranges. Bahria Town and DHA typically offer more space per rupee.
How to Book a Short Term Rental in Islamabad
Airbnb is the most reliable way to find vetted properties with reviews. Pricing is in PKR and payment is handled securely. Look for Superhost badges — these are hosts with consistently high ratings and response rates.
Direct booking through managed rental companies (like Ghar On The Go) often gets you a better rate, direct communication, and more flexibility on check-in times and length of stay.
Facebook and OLX have listings but offer no protection — be cautious of upfront payments and always verify the property before transferring money.
Things to Ask Before You Book
- Is the Wi-Fi speed suitable for video calls?
- What is the check-in and check-out process?
- Are all utility bills included in the price?
- Is there a security deposit, and when is it returned?
- Is CNIC or passport required? (Yes — this is a legal requirement for short term stays in Pakistan)
A landlord or host who cannot answer these clearly is a red flag.
Why Islamabad Is Worth It
Pakistan has a reputation for chaos — but Islamabad is the outlier. Clean streets, a functioning grid of sectors, green belts, and a pace of life that is genuinely more relaxed than Lahore or Karachi. International travellers consistently describe it as the most approachable city in Pakistan.
For corporate visitors, it offers proximity to government ministries, embassies, and the headquarters of most major Pakistani firms. For leisure visitors, it is the gateway to the Murree hills, Margalla trails, and some of the best dining in the country.
Ghar On The Go is Islamabad's Airbnb Superhost — achieved in under three months. Our properties in E-11 and Bahria Town are fully managed, hotel-grade, and available for stays from three nights upwards.