Here are some tips to save on cost of accommodation…

Over the decades, Qatar has always been a benevolent provider for hundreds of thousands of people who came here searching for jobs. While some brought their families along and built a second home in Qatar, others sent money back to their loved ones in their own countries.

But like everywhere else in the world, the cost of living has been slowly creeping up. And now is a more important time than ever to cut costs and save money.

One way to significantly trim monthly costs is to find a more economical place to stay. Regardless of marital status, smart accommodation choices lead to substantial savings. 

Qatar Living examined ways to reduce food and transportation costs in the last two weeks. This time, we will take a look at how to save costs on accommodation.

1. Study less expensive areas for accommodation and move there

With Qatar growing year by year, Doha City has been ever-expanding outwards. Authorities have been doing more to connect every part of the country using high-speed roads and other public transport networks. So if you are looking for cheaper accommodations, moving to the less expensive areas — a little far from the heart of town yet easily reachable by vehicle — would be a no-brainer. Yes, the commute can be a little longer, and your fuel costs may go up slightly, but the savings on rent can be substantial.

2. Negotiate your rent with the landlord

Thousands of apartments came online recently thanks to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and other much-anticipated competitions. Many of them have been working hard to find new tenants. If you are already living in an apartment and the time is nigh to renew your lease, you can try negotiating with your landlord for a better rate. Your bargaining power goes up if you’ve been a reliable tenant, staying at the same place for a long period of time.

3. Seek out fully-furnished apartments

If you are a first-time tenant, someone who likes to ‘live light,’ or just looking for a place to stay until you can find more affordable accommodation, you could try out fully furnished apartments. Moving into such a place will help you save on the cost of buying furniture. If the landlord is a reputable company, many essential appliances will be thrown in and the water and electricity bills could be covered in the monthly rent.

4. Share accommodation with family or friends

Imagine you’re new to the country or you have a small family that can live in a smaller accommodation. See if your friends or family own a larger apartment or have an unused space that perfectly fits your needs. Then, see if they’re willing to accommodate you for a fixed monthly rent. It will be a win-win for both parties in terms of significant savings and companionship.

5. Reduce utility bills wherever you can

Whether or not water and electricity are covered in your monthly bill, one should be a responsible tenant and take steps to reduce wastage. Preventing electricity wastage by turning off lights and appliances when unnecessary will add to your savings. To conserve water, you can wash plates by keeping water flowing from the spigot as slowly as possible. You can also take shorter showers if water consumption is too high.

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