Information about living in Qatar
I am a recent new mum from Australia whose husband is considering a role in Qatar.
Everyone on the forum seems very helpful so I am hoping you all may be able to give me some information/advice on the following:
I have heard that there is a real scarcity of villa accommodation - is this true?
Average rent for a 4 bdr villa with a garden;
Are leases typically 12 mths? How do you protect yourself from unscrupulous landlords trying to jack the rent up?
Are rents paid 12 mths in advance through the use of post-dated cheques?
Nice areas to live in;
What do compounds offer generally in terms of facilities?
Are villas generally unfurnished?
What are the best ways of seeking out available villas, is there a specific newspaper, agents, websites?
Are utilities like electricity included in the rent or separate?
What is the quality of kindergarten and schooling in Qatar? What are the better schools that follow a British curriculum?
General cost of these per year for lower grades/kindergarten?
We have 2 small dogs - are pets generally accepted in Qatari life?
Average costs of living for things like groceries, petrol, insurance, cable TV, mobile and land line phones?
What things are considered relatively expensive to buy eg nappies?
What is the social life like? Is it generally based around home and friends and that sort of entertainment?
I am sure I will have more questions but would appreciate any information people have.
Thanks.
I don't know why everyone is blaming the Asian Games for the increase in rents.
I had two spells contracting with the Asian Games, on the second occasion (2004)on a 12 month contract. Rents had started increasing way before the Asian Games became realy active. Those driving the rents up (as they had commandeered most of the accommodation) were Qatar Airways and Qatar Foundation. Those two, together with the increase in Petroleum/Gas activity are the culprits, not the Asian Games.
Hi everybody
i will arrive to doha soon, please anyone can tell me how much money should i bring with me? in US dollars.
i want to rent an appartment or studio,mobile phone,Basic furniture (Tv,bed,others) and cable, laptop,in general the basics, but for me the laptop is a must because i can't live without computers!!! ya how much money should i bring with me? please any suggestions.....
Peta,
I have all the same quesions as you, I live in Perth, but originally from the UK, and we are looking to be moving over with our 3 month old and 2.5 year old in the next month or so. So I would be grateful if you can share any information you have received so far, and I will do the same with you. Carys.
Dear Peta,
As I am working as a real estate agent I will able to answer your questions concerning accomodation, I also have to say I am mostly agree with Martin reply.
I have heard that there is a real scarcity of villa accommodation - is this true?
Average rent for a 4 bdr villa with a garden? starting from 12,000 QR
Are leases typically 12 mths? at least or more
How do you protect yourself from unscrupulous landlords trying to jack the rent up? if you sign for one year contract then he wont be able to raise the rent before this year end, so I suggest if poosible to sign a contract for two years or more
Are rents paid 12 mths in advance through the use of post-dated cheques? Yes they usually ask for post 12 dated cheques and one month as security deposite
Nice areas to live in? West bay lagoon, AlWaab, AlSadd, AlDafna
What do compounds offer generally in terms of facilities? mostly swimming pool and gym
Are villas generally unfurnished? There is UF/SF/FF and all will depened on your budget
What are the best ways of seeking out available villas, is there a specific newspaper, agents, websites? Gulf Times is the main newspaper to find a suitable Villa or Agents
Are utilities like electricity included in the rent or separate? Usually it is separate but sometimes it could be included
I work as a real estate agent and I will be glad to help you finding the most suitable villa according to your budget and your requirments.
You can reach me at my email [email protected] or by phone 555-2197.
Kind regards,
Ayman
Peta,
A service i use is iconnecthere.com it seems to be working ok and they offer excellent customer service. Check out their site.
regards
Martin
I understand QTel have blocked the use of web calling. Is this your understanding?
I haven't used this before, but understand it to be a lot cheaper for international calls. If you do use it can you tell me a bit about it?
Hi Peta,
With the post dated cheques, you just need to make sure you have the amount in each month before they deposit it.
Satellite TV : between QR100 to QR200 depending on package
ADSL : starts at QR200
Local landline : Free
Insurance : +-3% per year of value of car on a new car
Martin
Thanks for your response. This gives us something to work from. My husband will be heading over there a few months before the rest of the family, so I will take you up on the offer of getting the names of your real estate friends closer to when he goes over there.
When are the Asian Games being held exactly. From what you say do you expect that rents will reduce after the games?
With the process of post-dated cheques, do you have to have the entire amounts funds for all the cheques in the account immediately, or have the funds available just prior the date on the cheque. If it is the former and you don't have the money available up-front how do people deal with this?
Nice to know there are Aussies there, but we are looking forward to meeting all different nationalities as well.
Can you give me some idea of the cost of the following:
Cable TV, ADSL internet, mobile calls, and land-line calls.
Car registration and insurance.
Many thanks again.
Peta