Yep I too came from Gold Coast 5 days ago to Doha and I thought I'll be chasing my tail (well if I find one...) anyway I am a single lady (but just for one month hubby got in mind to join in...) so I am house hunting and I just visited my first flat today. I was pleasantly surprised though it is not near WestBay where I work - 10 mn drive. But is is good rent 6500qr for 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms/large kitch/and lounge and parking for 3 cars, in a small villa and private. The hic is I have to furnish it. I hoped to find a FF but never mind the rent is good. Considering that I nearly fainted when I read in the papers (adds) the rentals!!! Boy it is steep.. very pricy & the Gold Coast sounds good right now! I will grab it as I dont have much time to wander around to find a flat or villa. The worst or best? is I am Compound Manager in a very posh place but I refuse to live in there since everyone comes and knock on your door = no peace and privacy.
If I were you I would try to ask for an increase (if possible) a higher housing allowance believe me it helps.
1 - Get a map of Doha, Carrefour have good ones and circle the zone where you work and decide how far you can/wantto live
2. Grab the papers (please dont gasp at costs!!!) ad start dialling...
3. Find a driver with good local knowledge (your Coy might help) unless you are game to challenge the driving nuts that roam the roads... I sit there and contemplate my car asking myself shall I or not?? drive... that is... and I end up calling our driver! and he is very helpful!
4. Try to bargain down the rent (yes it is possible..) but fix yourself a budget limit.. never know you might be tempted to pay more than you can afford or wish to
5. When you check the lease ensure who is paying for the maintenance in case something goes wrong and how long for the landlord to fix things
6. Request a 2 weeks probationary time to check if everything in the flat is in working order if not possible during your initial inspection test everything )toilet flushing, shower, aircon, flyscreen etc...)
7. Insurance? Also a 6 months lease first to see if you like the place
7. Have cheques ready to pay in advance (posdated) funny system.. So you need to have a bank account opened and an ID card (but this is another story ask your boss..)
Bazimoza88 Beach dreaming
Hello Shay
Yep I too came from Gold Coast 5 days ago to Doha and I thought I'll be chasing my tail (well if I find one...) anyway I am a single lady (but just for one month hubby got in mind to join in...) so I am house hunting and I just visited my first flat today. I was pleasantly surprised though it is not near WestBay where I work - 10 mn drive. But is is good rent 6500qr for 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms/large kitch/and lounge and parking for 3 cars, in a small villa and private. The hic is I have to furnish it. I hoped to find a FF but never mind the rent is good. Considering that I nearly fainted when I read in the papers (adds) the rentals!!! Boy it is steep.. very pricy & the Gold Coast sounds good right now! I will grab it as I dont have much time to wander around to find a flat or villa. The worst or best? is I am Compound Manager in a very posh place but I refuse to live in there since everyone comes and knock on your door = no peace and privacy.
If I were you I would try to ask for an increase (if possible) a higher housing allowance believe me it helps.
1 - Get a map of Doha, Carrefour have good ones and circle the zone where you work and decide how far you can/wantto live
2. Grab the papers (please dont gasp at costs!!!) ad start dialling...
3. Find a driver with good local knowledge (your Coy might help) unless you are game to challenge the driving nuts that roam the roads... I sit there and contemplate my car asking myself shall I or not?? drive... that is... and I end up calling our driver! and he is very helpful!
4. Try to bargain down the rent (yes it is possible..) but fix yourself a budget limit.. never know you might be tempted to pay more than you can afford or wish to
5. When you check the lease ensure who is paying for the maintenance in case something goes wrong and how long for the landlord to fix things
6. Request a 2 weeks probationary time to check if everything in the flat is in working order if not possible during your initial inspection test everything )toilet flushing, shower, aircon, flyscreen etc...)
7. Insurance? Also a 6 months lease first to see if you like the place
7. Have cheques ready to pay in advance (posdated) funny system.. So you need to have a bank account opened and an ID card (but this is another story ask your boss..)
7. Happy moving!