I have two questions regarding relocation to Qatar that I didnt find covered in previous conversations...
By jasontheman •
Hello all, I am relocating to Qatar this Fall for a job, and I am trying to figure out whether I should hire an agent to help me look for an apartment in Doha, or should I just research online and then look around while I am there? Will Landlords negotiate with me? Will I have a better chance of finding a better price with an agent?
Also, on a similar note, I am not an expert on cars, but in the United States, I can go to a car dealership get a used car and receive a warante and certification of some sort that qualifies the automobile' condition...Do dealerships work similarly in Qatar? Are they honest and professional like they are in the US? Am i better off buying a new car?
Thanks in advance!
To answer your questions, research online all those major real estate agencies' websites and look around when you get here. Landlords will negotiate with you. Getting a better price depends on your negotiating skills (agents or no agents). Far better to ensure you get maintenance/servicing for whatever property you rent (ie reliable only from major real estate developer rental properties). Getting that from private landlords is a lottery. For cars, better buy new with a warranty because getting it serviced/ getting spare parts, biiiig headache!!
I would advise getting an updated map of doha and what kind of area you want to live in. We got here first, got in touch with the major real estate companies who are also developers of most compounds, stand alones and apartments in Qatar. These are Al Emadi, Ezdan and Al Fardan. Al Mana group advertises their houses thru Century 21 and Better Homes)both agencies which they own as well. They will each assign an agent of theirs to take you to view one or two available properties per day. You need to let them know how many bedrooms you want, whether you want a house or an apartment, your budget, which area you want or what type of area you prefer & other preferences eg swimming pool, garden, balcony etc. You can try and contact them ahead but the demand for housing here is too much for them to hold a property for you until you get here. We found a property within a month of arriving. There are serviced apartments for temporary rent like Frazer Suites with kitchen etc if you have a family to think of. For a car here, you need to get a Qatari driving license to drive in Qatar. International driving licenses are not recognised by police here. You will have to take their road sign test & driving test. Then you can hire a car from any of the airport car rental companies until you decide to buy a car here. Toyotas are recommended.
I find real estate agents here in Doha even more crooked than car salesmen! Well, actually, car salesmen are more honest - they don't care if you buy the car or not. Someone else will be along in a minute. No haggling, sticker price only on a new car. Real estate agents will lead you astray and then steal your money.