Realistic idea of housing
We are contemplating a move to Doha from the United States. The housing allowance proposed by the employer is QR 15,000 per month. I'm trying to get an idea of what kind of accommodations we can expect at that price.
We really value being comfortable at home --being able to cook, entertain, have plenty of privacy for each family member. I work at home, so I need extra space for an office. I realize we will have to downsize from what we are used to (5,000 sf executive-style U.S. home.) I'm trying to get a realistic idea of what to expect. My specific questions:
About how large a home can we expect for QR $15,000?
What is the overall quality of the villas/flats?
Any recommendations on neighborhoods? I believe I would prefer something close to our daughter's school (American School.)
Finally, does anyone have advice/experience to share on whether we should ship our furnishings or rent furnishings?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Freelancewriter
Thank you for your very helpful advice.
Could you please clarify about electronics -- I'm not too concerned about little things like hairdryers, but would there be a problem with our flat screen TV and our computers?
Thanks!
Also, just a heads up - it's tricky when your company is just giving you cash for rent and not the villa itself because rents go up all the time and then your stuck with the $15, in the same villa and rent continues to go up. Here's some ladies talking about it on expatwoman - http://www.expatwoman.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27598
Based on what I see in the papers, I think what you are looking for will probably cost around $18,000 because a lot of these nicer compounds come with extra ammenities such as pool, gym, playground, etc. There are some really nice compounds all around the American School. Beverly Hills 1-3 (there's a 4 now but I haven't seen the location yet), Les Roses, Green Village, and Zuhoor (sp?), Alfardan 2 (super duper nice and not that far), and others. And yes, I hope your employer is paying for school. Very pricey and companies will usually include some compensation.
Forgot to say make sure you know where you stand on utilities. They add up especially in the summer with A/Cs running + a garden to water.
I have seen many packages where employers offer a decent amount of money for a furniture allowance. It might be something worth looking into.
Also, my children will be attending the American School starting in the Fall and it is very expensive so hopefully your employer will be offering to pay your daughter's tuition as well. If not, then I would recommend looking into that too.
Good Luck!
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The amount of money you mention should get you a pretty good villa, 3 or 4 bedrooms. Houses here are quite spacious, it just depends on the indoor plan and how it's divided up. You don't mention how many people are in your family.
There are several compounds near the American School. I'm not sure about availability but you're bound to find something.
The quality is ok. It all depends on the finishing and the materials used. Piping tends to rust after several years and plumbing problems are not unheard of due to the high content of salt in the water. While this is a common thing it's not a major or repetitive headache.
If your employer provides a shipping allowance both ways (once you're ready to head back home too) then by all means get your own furniture if you like your comfy couch and trusty La-Z-Boy.
Electric items are another matter as Doha operates on a different voltage to that used in the US.
Hope this helps a bit.