Lahore, one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing metropolises, continues to expand through planned residential developments that promise better living standards, smart infrastructure, and attractive returns on investment. Among the most talked-about projects are Etihad Town Phase 3 and Union Town Lahore. While both offer modern living solutions, Union Town Lahore outperforms its counterpart on nearly every critical metric—location, connectivity, community, urban development, and long-term value.
This article offers an in-depth, factual, and fair comparison between Etihad Town Phase 3 and Union Town Lahore, ultimately explaining why Union Town emerges as the more strategic and future-proof choice for homebuyers and investors alike.
1. Prime Location: The Foundation of Real Estate Value
🟩 Union Town Lahore — Central, Connected, and Well-Integrated
Union Town enjoys a prime position on Abdul Sattar Edhi Road, one of the most significant roads connecting southern Lahore with the city’s commercial and residential heart. The project is located near highly established localities, including:
This centrality is crucial. Unlike far-flung housing schemes, Union Town benefits from being part of Lahore’s already urbanized grid. Residents enjoy instant access to nearby shopping malls (like Emporium Mall), hospitals, schools, and workplaces.
Furthermore, Union Town has direct access to:
- Raiwind Road
- Canal Road
- Thokar Niaz Baig
- M2 Motorway
- Ring Road Lahore
This connectivity places Union Town in the category of well-integrated societies, meaning lower commute times, higher land appreciation, and improved quality of life.
🟥 Etihad Town Phase 3 — Developing But Distant
Etihad Town Phase 3, in contrast, is located on Jia Bagga Road, with access via Lahore Ring Road. While Jia Bagga Road is slowly developing, it is still considered a peripheral corridor, distant from Lahore’s traditional urban core.
Nearby societies include:
- LDA City
- Lake City
- Bahria Orchard
Although these projects are well-promoted, they suffer from:
- Lack of urban density
- Lower public transport connectivity
- Longer travel times to city centers
Despite being accessible from Ring Road, the project’s surroundings remain semi-rural and under transition, which adds to the risk and uncertainty of long-term value appreciation.
2. Neighborhood & Surrounding Infrastructure
🟩 Union Town: Surrounded by Urban Maturity
Union Town is flanked by neighborhoods that are decades old, meaning it is already part of a fully functional urban environment. That means:
- Underground utilities are well laid out
- Markets and schools are within walking or short driving distance
- Public transport options (buses, rickshaws, ride-hailing) are abundant
- Nearby roads are wide, well-lit, and regularly maintained
With immediate access to commercial hubs like Johar Town and Wapda Town, and educational institutions like UMT, UCP, and COMSATS, Union Town enjoys a ready-made lifestyle ecosystem—no need to wait years for basic amenities to develop.
🟥 Etihad Town Phase 3: Waiting for the Ecosystem
While the Etihad Group is known for good planning, Etihad Town Phase 3’s surrounding infrastructure is still in the early stages. The area around Jia Bagga Road:
- Lacks proper commercial markets
- Has limited schools, colleges, and hospitals in close range
- Relies heavily on private transport
- Experiences slower urban activity
For a family-oriented buyer, this translates into years of waiting before the area becomes self-sufficient. Investors also face longer holding periods before property prices yield the expected returns.
3. Plot Availability & Investment Affordability
🟩 Union Town: Flexible Plot Options for Every Budget
Union Town offers a diverse range of residential plot sizes, including:
- 3 Marla
- 5 Marla
- 10 Marla
- 1 Kanal
These options cater to different investor classes—from first-time buyers to seasoned investors. The affordable payment plans and easy installment options make it accessible to middle-income families looking for long-term security.
Moreover, the development work in Union Town is already in progress, adding to the credibility and urgency for buyers.
🟥 Etihad Town Phase 3: Focused on Premium Buyers
Etihad Town Phase 3 primarily targets premium buyers with slightly higher pricing. While it also offers various plot sizes, the cost per marla is comparatively higher, especially given the less mature location.
This may be a barrier for mid-income families or investors looking for high ROI within a shorter period. Additionally, the premium pricing is not yet justified by the surrounding infrastructure or livability.
4. Development Status and Timelines
🟩 Union Town: Development in Full Swing
Union Town Lahore’s development work is actively progressing. The developers are focused on:
- Road and sewerage infrastructure
- Park spaces and green belts
- Commercial blocks and mosques
- Modern community facilities
This active pace increases buyer confidence and encourages early possession, which is vital for both personal home construction and short-term resale potential.
🟥 Etihad Town Phase 3: Promising but Still Early
Etihad Town Phase 3 has launched recently. While the Etihad Group has a good track record, the project is still in its early stages, and most infrastructure is under planning.
Buyers may have to wait 2-3 years or more before they can construct homes or see any considerable return. This makes it less appealing for short- to medium-term investors.
5. Lifestyle & Community Prospects
🟩 Union Town: Designed for Families and Community Living
Union Town Lahore is being developed as a community-centric housing society, with amenities that support:
- Secure gated entry
- Community parks
- Mosques
- Educational institutions
- Commercial markets and plazas
- Banquet marquees and shopping mall plans
The road network is designed to be 150-feet wide at the entrance, improving accessibility. The developers are focused on livability from day one, which is evident in their previous successful projects.
🟥 Etihad Town Phase 3: Lifestyle Yet to Be Realized
While Etihad Town Phase 3 does promise a luxurious lifestyle, the actual implementation of these features is still years away. Without surrounding community vibrancy, the project might not be suitable for immediate family living.
Buyers may have to rely on far-off educational or healthcare institutions for the first few years—something not ideal for families looking to move in right after possession.
6. Investment Value & Appreciation Potential
🟩 Union Town: High Appreciation in a Short Timeframe
Due to its central location, surrounding infrastructure, and affordable pricing, Union Town is poised for quick value appreciation. Investors can expect:
- Strong rental demand due to proximity to universities and offices
- High resale demand due to location near Bahria Town, Wapda Town, etc.
- Easy liquidity in the real estate market
The ongoing development of Abdul Sattar Edhi Road as a major artery of Lahore ensures long-term value appreciation for Union Town properties.
🟥 Etihad Town Phase 3: Long-Term Holding Required
Etihad Town Phase 3, while potentially valuable in the long term, will require a much longer holding period for the same level of appreciation. Given its location on the edge of the city, price growth depends heavily on:
- Government infrastructure projects around Jia Bagga Road
- Development of surrounding societies
- Market sentiment and future planning approvals
This makes Union Town a safer and more liquid investment in the short to medium term.
Conclusion: Why Union Town Lahore Is the Clear Winner
While both Union Town Lahore and Etihad Town Phase 3 present viable investment opportunities, the facts clearly favor Union Town as the more strategically located, livable, and future-ready project. Let’s summarize:
| Factor | Union Town Lahore | Etihad Town Phase 3 |
| Location | Central (Abdul Sattar Edhi Road) | Peripheral (Jia Bagga Road) |
| Connectivity | Canal Rd, Ring Rd, Raiwind, M2 | Ring Rd only |
| Surrounding Areas | Mature (Wapda Town, Valencia) | Developing (LDA City, Lake City) |
| Development Status | Ongoing with rapid progress | Early stages |
| Investment Potential | Short- and medium-term ROI | Long-term ROI |
| Community Living | Already connected to vibrant zones | Yet to evolve |
For investors and end-users who want value, convenience, and a better lifestyle, Union Town Lahore is not just a smarter choice—it’s the obvious one.