A Guide to Ladies-Only Beaches in Qatar and Their Locations

Where to Donate Secondhand Clothes, Books, and Household Items in Qatar

The Essential Guide to Leaving Qatar for Good

You Can Now Apply For an Exceptional Entry Permit on the Qatar Portal

Rules For People Arriving In Qatar During the COVID-19 Outbreak

10 Fun Facts About Qatar

Volunteers Cleaned A Beach In Qatar To Show Support To The Environment

5 Crazy Things Residents In Qatar Do When It Floods

Your Guide to Al Corniche in Qatar

What is the Minimum Wage for Expats Working in Qatar?

NOC Is No Longer Required To Move Jobs in Qatar

Employee Rights Upon Resignation or Termination in Qatar

Qatar Labour Laws Every Working Mother Should Know

Process of Getting a Work Permit in Qatar

Qatar Approves Draft Law to Protect Domestic Workers

Changes to Qatar's Sponsorship Law You Need to Know

How to Get a Job in Qatar

End of Service Gratuity in Qatar

Employee Rights Upon Resignation or Termination in Qatar

An Expat's Guide to Qatar's Labour Law

UAE and Saudi Arabia Borders Reopen for Qatar: Here's What To Know

FIFA World Cup Confirms Qatar 2022 Schedule

Sneak Peak of Qatar’s First 2022 FIFA World Cup Stadium

5 Family-Friendly Outings for the Mid-term Break

8 Fun Family Activities in Doha

Top Holiday Destinations from Qatar in Under 5 Hours

Everything You Need to Know About the New Mall of Qatar

Qatar’s Old Souq Najada Is Getting a Makeover

In Pictures: Rain in Qatar is Both Disastrous and Beautiful

Qatar Offers Free Hotel Stays to Attract Transit Tourists

Qatar Government Schools to Open Registrations for Students of All Nationalities

Arabic Language and Islamic Education Are Now Compulsory in Qatar Private Schools

Meet NVIS' Founding Principal: An Interview with Sheldon Smith

Parents in Qatar Can Choose Between Blended and Online Learning

WATCH: Why School is Safe With The Hamilton International School

Universities in Qatar

How Qatar Students Will Return to School From September 1

Images: Supplied

How a Doha School is Embracing Distance Learning

List of All Schools In Qatar

School Fees in Qatar

The New Building of Northwestern University in Qatar Is Remarkable

Reasons to Learn Arabic

Sizing Up the Qatar Stock Exchange

Getting Out of Debt in Qatar

Tips for Banking Essentials in Qatar

The Importance of Wills for Expats in Qatar

Guide to Getting a Marriage Certificate in Qatar

Image: Walt Disney Studios

Disney's New Raya and the Last Dragon to Stream on OSN Straight From the Cinema

AGS Is Your Ideal Partner For Quality Global Moving Services

The Essential Guide to Leaving Qatar for Good

A Guide to Getting a Driver’s Licence in Qatar

Pet-Friendly Places to Visit in Doha

A Beginner's Guide to Driving in Qatar

Guide to Housing in Qatar

A Guide to the Types of Trees and Plants Found in Qatar

Qatar Launches Less Intrusive Covid-19 Test for Children

First Mental Health Clinic for Pregnant Women Opens in Qatar

30 Day Ramadan Detox

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

moving to doha - rental question

10

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 18:22

Just need to pick some brains, if you don't miind!

I'm coming out to look at rentals next week and was wondering if....

a) Anyone can recommend a good agent.

b) Is it standard practise for agents to charge the leasor (ie me....don't like the sound of that and have never had to pay in the ME before!)

c) What's the rental situation in doha just now; how negotiable are landlords?

Hope someone out there can help and thanks in anticipation!

Log in to post new content in the forum.

10

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 12:00

Re Riviera and gardens, I meant they have no grassy backyards like many compound houses in Bahrain have, where Picklz (and I) currently live. I lived on Riviera a few years ago (was there four years) and we had a tiled area at the back, an outside terrace thing in the middle of the house and a grassed area at the front with a palm tree smack, bang in the middle. Yes, Riviera was/is one of the greenest compounds I agree, but I was attempting to compare to Bahrain. Maybe gardens are grassed here more often because its humid or the water bill is cheaper or maybe I'm just too blonde....who knows! With regards to prices, we started off paying 11k and when we left in 2007, the rent had risen to 22k but then I think the whole of Qatar went a bit mad in the build up to the Asian Games.

202

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 09:57

we need a compound villa with a garden as we have a dog, but am really really hoping that when DH gets there next week he can do some serious barganing, when i very first spoke to riviera gardens what is it now, 3 months ago? they said the 3 bed villa was 18 thousand, now they are saying its 20. and the 4 bed is 22. do they just try it on and then when you get there you can negotiate, because DH is already starting to get mad! its not only riviera that have changed prices either, i spoke to the people for al fardan a few times and every time they have told me different prices....

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 09:48

The main reason for no grass is the amount of water required to keep it alive in summer. My compound has 2 grassy kids playgrounds but the backyards are paved. That said, if you are willing to foot the water bill yourself, a lot of people (like myself) pull the pavers up and put down grass/trees etc themselves.

1326

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 04:35

Just to add that Riviera absolutely do have gardens - and pretty big ones at that. We're there, and have a lovely back garden and a small but most definitely grassy front yard. In 6 years in Qatar its one of the lushest compounds I've seen in terms of greenery.

10

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 22:55

@ Picklz...most of the villas I viewed were more traditional arabic style homes; downstairs lounge and diner, large kitchen (space enough for a table but not open plan) and a downstairs en-suite guest room. And bedrooms/bathrroms only upstairs. The only villa I saw more western style was one of the 'Les Roses' compounds which may have had a small amount of grass in the 'back garden' and a more open plan style home downstairs. I think it was a four bed for 16,000? (Al Waab area) Ask Erica, she'll give you great advice. I was surprised the newer compounds are still building 'older' style homes. Most houses don't seem to have a grassed garden, just a tiled area. You might want to look at Al Jazi in West Bay, there's also a large compound behind the Ramada hotel that have gardens, the name escapes me, and Al Mesilah have large grassed gardens. (can't remember the area, not far from DESS but ask around) All three of these compounds are older compounds with good reputations. Riviera Gardens is very green, but no gardens. It's a difficult one, until you have schools sorted choosing a villa is mad but it has to be done. When we lived there before, traffic was horrendous and as I currently have anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes from school here in Bahrain I'm anxious to reclaim a couple of hours of my day! Really, give Erica a call before you visit again. She's a wealth of information, doesn't charge and has knowledge of the landlords and compounds with regards to negotiations on offer, maintenance, etc. Good Luck!

253

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 22:30

Thanks Kimmac!!!!! Very good to know!!! bagpus...if you get this post tonite...can you tell me some compounds you visited/liked etc... I have a few hours tomorrow to visit compounds in b/w school visits...so would like to do it... today i drove around to some i knew but definatley need some more options!

Anonymous (not verified)

0

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 21:06

Picklz, Avoid the QBel Air compound (next to the American Embassy) if possible. I have a friend who moved in there 2 months ago & is constantly having enormous maintenance problems - really bad apparently, involving flooding & sewerage :(

253

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 16:02

We went around today..and looked at Beverly Hills -Rayyan, and really liked the compound..but the villas themselves I didnt like too much. Plus they were all furnished. We also saw I think it was called Q Bel or something..I have the name written down. Some others we drove upto said they are reserved for some company employees like QP etc. I think my concerns are -not all have proper or seperate maids rooms... -there isnt a garden with the villas that i have seen. They say backyard so I think its filled with grass but its usually all paved. Is that the way it usually is? -there is no breakfast area? Some kitchens are big that you can put a small table in...but i kind of like a sepearate area -there was no family room (area to hang out watch tv) Are they usually like this? I think I will call Erica....but maybe next month when I have an idea of which school my kids will go to. Parkhouse didnt even take our application..Shebourne did...but it said the chances were slim.... Will try DC and DBS tomorrow.

10

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 11:12

@Picklz, I looked mainly in Al Waab area near DC and ASD schools, working on the premise that my kids will get places in DC.....fingers crossed! I used to live in Qatar a few years ago and was surprised at the change in the place (traffic is still horrendous) and it's almost like Doha is a city of compounds! There are so many to choose from but it just depends on your priorities and budget. Previously I lived on Riviera compound and my kids were younger, so they attended DESS. I wouldn't choose to live there now (different priorities) I looked at a mix of compounds and stand alone villas, I can give you more detail if you want? I can't speak highly enough of Erica but if you have any questions before then let me know and I'll try to help :)

202

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 08:03

lol yes! sometimes ignorance really is bliss. when you first move you kind of just take everything at face value dont you. but when you know what to expect (sort of) then you also start anticipating all the problems and then spend loads of time trying to mitigate all of them! it will all work out one way or the other though :)

253

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 17:12

I know what you mean!!! Google Maps is my best friend!! You know its funny..when we first moved to Bahrain from the US ...I didnot know anything..not even about EW Bahrain...but soon enough everything fell into place..villas, schools etc..and the move even though was coming from the US didnt seem all that traumatic...however this move from Bahrain to Doha is stressing me out...maybe i have information overload ;-)

202

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 15:16

hi picklz, im not in doha yet....................turns out my concerns with Dhs company not being on the ball with regard to visas were well founded.........but, DH now has a confirmed arrival for next week and i will follow in 6 weeks. just in time for the best weather! lol. as long as we manage to all be there and find a house before august (ramadan) then its all good. in the meantime though, i live vicariously through EW Qatar and google earth............. good luck with your own hunt :) ps, i have managed to sort out playschool for my daughter though so at least thats done! edited to add, thanks kiwispiers, your compound looks lovely (from above anyway...lol) <em>edited by Phokoje on 10/05/2011</em>

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 13:05

I went to see Al Jazi a couple of months ago - it is a beautiful compound, but way outside our price range. He showed me a 3-bed which I managed to haggle to about 18k I think, but it backed onto a busy road so was very noisy and anyway it was still way over our budget. The only villas he had in quieter locations were 4-bed and they were something like 22k+. There is a big oil company withdrawing a lot of tenants from Al Jazi over the next few months, so if it is close to your budget, it's worth calling in and having a chat with the management office to see if you can get a good deal - you will certainly have the pick of the villas.

253

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 12:42

Phokoje: do you mind if I ask where you got your villa/compound? I actually had read your post recently when I started my search for villas/schools!! Its ok if you dont want to say :-) Im in the same boat...Al Jazi, Riveria, Al Fardan, all are spinning in my head...same with schools..my head is spinning!!!!!!!!

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 09:49

Al Faisaliya compound in Al waab, near al Zuhoor

202

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 09:41

hi kiwispeirs, if you dont mind me asking, which compund are you at? cool if you dont want to say :) sorry nevermind, i should try to read properly the first time!!!!! <em>edited by Phokoje on 10/05/2011</em>

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 21:26

sorry it is only 4 bedroom villas

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 19:20

Picklz , most compounds have a pool of some description, and some sort of gym, my compound is a bigger one and has a large pool, sauna, 2 playgrounds, tennis court, basketball court, indoor squash courts , shop, drycleaner etc. Some also have cafes and beauty salons etc. I'm in al waab which is cheaper than west bay and we pay 11,000 QAR per month for a 2 story 4 bedroom (3 bedroom plus large maids room). Hi Are there any 2 beds in this compound? We need to find a compound that is near town with 8000.00 for housing.

253

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 17:22

Bagpus: We might look at rentals as well sometime soon...thanks for the number. Do you mind of I ask what did you find/like? Did you look at compounds? And which areas? What are the rents like?

10

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 14:22

Thanks for all your input. I just got back from my 'look-see' and can recommend Erika from Nelson Park, should anyone be interested. She asked a few questions about our family situation and then took me to properties suitable, and I mean, really suitable! She can be contacted on +974 6657 7151 or [email protected]

219

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 14:26

Give Amanda from Futuregate a call ( 77840072). They are great and have a wide range of properties to fit all budgets and best of all : they dont charge you for a commission . Good Luck !

394

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 00:31

From this forum I got in touch with a real estate agent by the name of Vik and his number is 55345041. I only spoke to him over the phone as we came across something ourselves soon after but he seemed to be polite and willing to really listen to our requirements. Try calling him and good luck!

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 17:40

Picklz , most compounds have a pool of some description, and some sort of gym, my compound is a bigger one and has a large pool, sauna, 2 playgrounds, tennis court, basketball court, indoor squash courts , shop, drycleaner etc. Some also have cafes and beauty salons etc. I'm in al waab which is cheaper than west bay and we pay 11,000 QAR per month for a 2 story 4 bedroom (3 bedroom plus large maids room).

253

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 22:56

Sorry...not to hijack your thread...but we will look at rentals soon as well...moving possibly over the summer. Do compounds typically have a pool, gym, tennis courtsm park for kids etc? What is the range for rentals (approx) for a 4 bedroom villa in a compound...close to West Bay perhaps?

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 21:55

I would second EXACTLY what kiwispiers said.

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 21:23

a) can't help, we just drove around compounds and asked if there were empty villas b) never been charged c) have always negotiated, with success so far, always worth a try.

CornishGirl8206

75

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 19:32

There have been quite a few threads on this type of topic recently, so have check back to get an insight. I am not going to be of much help but here goes... a) haven't used an agent, but if you look at the gulf times classifeds on their website, you may have some luck. b) not standard practice, but some agents do charge, worth checking beforehand. c) we have never found landlords to be negotiable (3 rentals), rents have gone down, but the most desirable compounds tend to hold their price a little higher. Personally if I were coming to Doha now, I would take a very short term lease somewhere (say 3 months, maybe in a serviced apmt) and look around at different areas. You can approach compounds directly, this is how we found our current villa which I love. HTH Katie

Log in to post new content in the forum.

Schengen-Style GCC Tourism Visa: A Guide to the GCC Grand Tours unified visa

A Guide to GCC Grand Tours: The Schengen-Style GCC Tourism Visa

List of ladies-only beaches in Qatar

A Guide to Ladies-Only Beaches in Qatar and Their Locations

Qatar government schools to open admissions to students of all nationalities

Qatar Government Schools to Open Registrations for Students of All Nationalities

How to Donate Secondhand Clothes, Furniture, and Household Items in Qatar Charities

Where to Donate Secondhand Clothes, Books, and Household Items in Qatar

18 Most Expensive Things Owned by Qatar Around the World

18 Most Expensive Things Owned by Qatar Around the World

Minimum wage for expats working in Qatar

What is the Minimum Wage for Expats Working in Qatar?

Raya and the Last Dragon on OSN Streaming App

Image: Walt Disney Studios

Disney's New Raya and the Last Dragon to Stream on OSN Straight From the Cinema

Arabic Language and Islamic Education Are Now Compulsory in Qatar Private Schools

Arabic Language and Islamic Education Are Now Compulsory in Qatar Private Schools

UAE and Saudi Arabia Borders Reopen for Qatar: Here's What To Know

UAE and Saudi Arabia Borders Reopen for Qatar: Here's What To Know

NOC Is No Longer Required To Move Jobs in Qatar

NOC Is No Longer Required To Move Jobs in Qatar

Minimum Requirements for Remote Learning Announced in Qatar

Minimum Requirements for Remote Learning Announced in Qatar

12 Questions You Must Ask Yourself Before Leaving Qatar

The Essential Guide to Leaving Qatar for Good

You Can Now Apply For an Exceptional Entry Permit on the Qatar Portal

You Can Now Apply For an Exceptional Entry Permit on the Qatar Portal

AGS Is Your Ideal Partner For Quality Global Moving Services

AGS Is Your Ideal Partner For Quality Global Moving Services

How Qatar Students Will Return to School From September 1

How Qatar Students Will Return to School From September 1

Rules For People Arriving In Qatar During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Rules For People Arriving In Qatar During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Businesses Are Now Allowed to Operate Again on Weekends

Businesses Are Now Allowed to Operate Again on Weekends in Qatar

Distance learning at Hamilton International School

Images: Supplied

How a Doha School is Embracing Distance Learning

Meet Qatar's Favourite Food and Travel Blogger Rachel Ann Morris

Meet Qatar's Favourite Food and Travel Blogger Rachel Ann Morris

Best Way to Get Out of Doha and Connect with Nature for Free

Best Way to Get Out of Doha and Connect with Nature for Free

Igniting Students' Passion, Purpose, and Potential: Meet Headmaster Terry Senior

Igniting Students' Passion, Purpose, and Potential: Meet Headmaster Terry Senior

Fresh fruit and vegetables in Doha, Qatar

8 Options for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables in Doha

Qatar National Library

In Pictures: A Look Inside the Qatar National Library

Pet-friendly parks, beaches, restaurants and hotels in Doha

Pet-Friendly Places to Visit in Doha

A guide on how to import a pet into Qatar

Importing a Pet Into Qatar - A Complete Guide

Explore the National Museum of Qatar

Explore the National Museum of Qatar

3 Educational Activities to Beat the Heat in Qatar

3 Educational Activities to Beat the Heat in Qatar

Great Essential Apps That Will Make Life in Qatar Easier

Great Apps That Will Make Life in Qatar Easier

Qatar Just Unveiled the Official Logo for FIFA World Cup 2022

Qatar

5 Crazy Things Residents In Qatar Do When It Floods

12 Signs You've Been an Expat in Qatar Too Long

12 Signs You've Been an Expat in Qatar Too Long

Qatar Labour Laws Every Working Mother Should Know

Qatar Labour Laws Every Working Mother Should Know