Good Doha neighbourhoods for North American expats
Hello Everyone,
My husband has been offered a monthly housing allowance of 8,000 riyals (+utilities) for his new posting in Qatar. This allowance will be locked for 3 years and we will both be moving there around December 1st 2006.
We would like to know what are the names of the usual areas within Doha were North American expats live and what is the average monthly rental cost for either a Villa or at least a two bedroom flat in those areas. Are 8,000 riyals enough? I have been looking at the Gulf-time classifieds, but without the knowledge of the city it is difficult to appreciate what we are getting into.
There is still time for us to negotiate an increment in the housing allowance. What do you think will be a realistic amount?
Thank you in advance for all your help
Bea :-)
We sure are hoping! :-) We won't be coming back over until the middle of the year so might be lucky...
It might get better in a few months time. We can only hope.
Since the last posting here, has the market changed? Has the end of the Asian Games made any difference? Or will it in the next few months?
OK we have been here 15 months, Have spend 5 months in a 2 BR apartment (flat)furnished, cost was QR8,000. We didn't like the building and maintance (clean (NOT))location was Sports RB. Price is up from this. Moved to old compound, 3 BR villa no pool, etc. QR 9,000 to 10,000. Good place to live but we got in by knowing someone. You will not walk off the street and find this.
Moved this summer to a newer, more western type compound villa. Pool, clubhouse, etc QR 15,000. We are lucky in that employer pays for housing, utilities, etc.
This kind of question is based on what you are used to, what you expected when you were hired, where other employees are housed, how much traffic bothers you (every day is a hassle),how long you will be here, etc. I don't think you can find anything in the villa range for less than QR12,000 that I would have.
This is personal feelings, I have friends that wanted an apartment at Sports RB to be near to activities, etc.
USA expat:
Thank you very much for taking the time to give me this useful information. I really appreciate it.
*** Since when are you renting the flat?.... Because I know prices have changed a lot since not too long ago...
Best wishes,
B. :-)
Hi, I've been reading the info you've been exchanging. I would like to have your opinion regarding a housing allowance of QR 12,000 for a 3 bedroom flat in a new compound in West Bay. Would it be sufficient? Can this rent include utilities (water and electricity ?
Thanks for any info you can share with me.
We pay 7000QR a month for an unfurnished 3 bedroom flat, and we know we are getting a really good deal for what we have. If you aren't getting a furniture allowance, you probably would need at least 9,000 or 10,000 to get a fully furnished small 2-3 bedroom flat.
Find out if you get the CASH for if they pay for your housing directly.
As for neighborhoods, there is no bad neighborhood in Doha. But, when you work with a real estate agent to find a place, they will show you places that are popular with westerners. We specifically did not want to live in a western neighborhood/compound but we had a terrible time getting the agents to not show us the places where all the other westerners live. We ended up in a western apt. building anyway. (hint: work with as many agents as you can, don't stick with one. They hate this, but it is essential to finding a place in a timely manner). So, if a western place is what you are looking for, you shouldn't have a problem. Lots of westerners like compounds since there are often pools and gyms.
They will probably tell you that rents will go down after the Asian Games, but I wouldn't count on that. The landlords pretty much see how much they can get for rent, and overall it has nothing to do with the Games... So expect your rent to go up every year. Supposedly there is a rent cap of 10% per year but there are so many loopholes it's a worthless law. You'd have to go to court to get it enforced.
Hi jrsh:
Thank you very much for your prompt response. That's what I thought.
Best wishes,
this is way to low, a decent villa will cost you from QR15 000. you will get nothing but a flat for QR8 000. if you are not use to living in a flat, this might not be a good option.