I don't think its the demand that's the problem, there are plenty of vacant properties in Doha.

Doha prices are similar to London and other capital city prices where there is a'lot more demand than supply! This is simply ridiculous as how many people actually WANT to live in Doha? Even the Qatari's spend half the year abroad...

I think the problem comes from the fact that pretty much everyone is an expat and to get expat's to come the companies have to pay for housing at the going market rate...

Although saying that rent has come down alot in the last 4yrs I've been here. I remember when I first came. A two bed apartment in the pearl was going for 18,000qr/month now I've got one for 10,500qr/month!

Which is still ridiculous when you think what you could get in Miami/London/Paris etc etc And I know where I would rather live!