OUR GUIDE ON CHOOSING WHERE TO LIVE, IN QATAR

Whether you are new to Qatar or simply looking to move to another home, the decision you make on where to live will most likely affect you for the next 12 months of your life. So it better be a good one!

What should you consider when choosing? If you have been in Qatar for a while, you might already have a good feel for the surroundings. You know how long it takes to get to work, which roads have the most traffic signals and where the best cafes are on your way to the school drop off!

But what if you are moving to Qatar for the first time? Well here is a brief guide to help you make that decision.

SO MANY NEIGHBOURHOODS!

Your surroundings are important not only for ease of travel and access to places but also for your personal well being. With this in mind, many options have to be considered such as; do you want the city life, marina life, the busy or the quiet life? Then we have to look at the building type. 

Some locations consist of villas and villa compounds whilst others have only low or high rise apartment buildings. If you have family you may need garden space in a villa but some apartments have substantial balcony space too.

To view 2 and 3 bedroom villas, click here

To view 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, click here

Like many countries in the world, Qatar is no different and It is not only the property you choose that has cost difference, some locations are also more expensive to live in than others.

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WHICH PROPERTY TYPE IS BEST FOR YOU?

Your needs will differ depending on your personal circumstances. A person living on their own may only need a studio or a 1 bedroom apartment. A couple or family may choose to live in a large apartment building with amenities such as a gym, pool and play area. Perhaps the same is desired but in a gated community compound.

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Busy individuals or couples may choose a long term hotel stay where housekeeping and other services are included.

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HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU BUDGET FOR RENT?

There are some premium neighbourhoods which provide an affluent lifestyle but there are also many more affordable areas to choose from. Rental prices vary depending on many factors such as property type and local amenities, even which view you get from the building. 

To view properties below QAR 8,000, click here

Look out for properties where the Kahramaa and WIFI are included. You can also make a saving on gym memberships if the building has its own fitness facilities. There is even an option for sharing a home with someone so the costs can be split. This is a very cost effective way of living but bear in mind that there will be only one name on the contract.

WHAT ARE LOCAL AMENITIES?

We all have particular needs and the location you choose should meet those needs as much as possible. Look around for schools, Metro stations, gyms, health centres, grocery stores, hypermarkets, fuelling stations and anything that is important to you. Maybe you just want to be close to the local park or malls, these are all meaningful. 

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WHAT ARE PROPERTY AMENITIES?

Different from local amenities, property amenities are facilities that are available to you within your building or compound.These can be children’s play areas, fitness centres, swimming pools, club houses, cinemas and anything else you might usually have to leave home to do or pay extra for. Some amenities can be in the form of services too, such as laundry service, cleaning,  pest control, security and so on.

IS IT IMPORTANT TO LIVE NEXT TO ATTRACTIONS?

Nothing in Qatar is particularly far away so choosing to live near local attractions or landmarks might not be overly important in this decision making process. It would certainly be pleasant to have a beach, boulevard or museum on the doorstep, if this is important to you. 

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DEALING WITH REAL ESTATE AGENTS

The agents usually charge a commission fee. You may be asked to pay a fee in advance to cover any damages that later occur at the property. Good communication, punctuality and customer service are very important so if you don’t receive any of these from the agent you are speaking to, look for another one. 

Qatar Living Properties has hundreds of Real Estate Companies and agents to choose from.

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