Qatar has a high standard of living and many expats find living in Qatar a very different experience from anything they expected.
22 July 2013
| Last updated on 13 October 2019While any international move can be challenging in its own right, a move to Qatar often requires unique lifestyle adjustments and a thorough understanding of what accommodation would best suit you
Exciting job opportunities and equally promising salaries together with the attraction of the country make Qatar an enticing place to settle down. Finding a job is not always that easy as all expatriates require sponsorship to work and live in Qatar.
The safety, warm weather, and family-orientated environment further entice those seeking similar lifestyles and weather. There are several fine resorts and beaches strategically placed along the 565 km coastline to choose from. You won't find any difficulty in balancing the work-play environment effectively. Residents and visitors are spoiled for choice for entertainment - shopping, restaurants, cinemas and bowling alleys. A generous blend of café’s, nut shops and divine bakeries in a majority of neighborhoods which makes Qatar an exciting country to relocate.
Ahead, we've compiled your guide to housing in Qatar.
What housing options are available in Qatar?
Villa compounds are popular amongst families. Compounds range in size from small compounds containing 8 homes to large compounds with 100+ homes.
Most compounds have shared facilities such as sports facilities, swimming pools, clubhouses, and coordinated compound activities.
Other benefits to compound life are accessibility for friends and neighbors and security services. For a stand-alone villa or a villa located within a compound, the average monthly rent starts at QAR 12,000 and can go upwards of QAR 30,000 a month depending on your requirements.
In addition to villas, apartment options are plentiful. Studio or one-bedroom apartments start at QAR 5,000 / month , with exception of the Pearl where a one-bedroom apartment starts at approximately QAR 8,000.
There are many good furnished and unfurnished apartments to choose from and finding accommodation is not that hard.
How to find housing in Qatar
Depending on your circumstance either the company sponsoring will assist or the many estate agents will be more than willing to assist.
Estate agents have access to multiple property listings and can be a helpful resource when searching for a new home. They can assist with all types of accommodation and are generally good at assisting in long term/short terms stays. They also have access to a list of Serviced Apartments with cleaning and laundry services.
Leasing directly through the landlord is also a viable option.
Alternatively, check out the classifieds of the local papers, drive around and look for the lease signs. Word of mouth can be effective as many owners do not actually advertise their properties for rent but are willing if an offered is made. The aforementioned options are more time consuming and suggested only once you have arrived.
If your sponsor cannot assist with accommodation, it's recommended you first find accommodation for a short period, get to know the areas and the local market, then go into a long term lease agreement.
Should you rent or buy property in Qatar?
Most of the expats rent homes rather than purchase them. Qatar law has allowed foreigners to purchase property in certain areas only which automatically grants them residency and is transferable to their heirs. Many of the local banks offer retail mortgage loans over a long-term basis.
The main freehold developments in Qatar are The Pearl, West Bay Lagoon, Lusail, and Al Khor, all of which offer residents a number of properties for sale.
List of rental apartment agents in Qatar
AHB-Bilal Suites
Tel: 4442 7788 Fax: 4441 9002
Al Emadi Enterprises
Tel: 4466 6625 Fax: 4466 4166
Al Jawhara Service Apartments
Tel: 4432 8100 Fax: 4441 4339
Al Jazeera Service Apartments
Tel: 4431 7986 Fax: 4431 3901
Al Muntazah Plaza
Tel: 4435 5677 Fax: 4435 5757
Al Sadd Suites
Tel: 4444 4199 Fax: 4442 2700
Al Siraaj Suites
Tel: 4458 2809
Bavaria Suites
Tel: 554 8678
Le Mirage Executive Residence
Tel: 4444 0111 Fax: 4442 3104
Le Mirage Suites
Tel: 4444 7333 Fax: 4436 7195
Retaj Executive
Tel: 4455 3333 Fax:4455 3553
Retaj Residence
Tel: 4489 5555 Fax: 4489 5500
Royal Wings Apartment Hotel
Tel: 4421 1333 Fax: 4421 1999