As rent in Doha is forecast to rise for the 11th consecutive month, cash-strapped residents and those tired of traffic jams are starting to look outside of Qatar’s capital city for accommodation.
Currently, the vast majority of Qatar’s population – some 74 percent – resides in Doha and Al Rayyan, according to the Qatar Statistics Authority, and there are 3,136 people per sq km in Doha, compared to eight per sq km in Al-Shamal.
With Doha only growing more crowded as more expats come in to work on World Cup projects, several factors are facilitating movement outside of the city. They include the opening of new roads linking the suburbs with the capital, as well as the construction of several reasonably priced flats and villas in Wakrah, Muaither, Ain Khalid and beyond, Qatar Tribune reports.
Speaking to the newspaper, an Egyptian expat said she recently moved from a complex in Doha, where her family paid QR4,000 for an unfurnished two-bedroom flat, to Ain Khaled, where they pay QR4,500 for a furnished two-bedroom. She said:
“Initially, there was a hitch on our part because of the transportation problem. But, with the opening of the new Salwa Road, I reach my office in Al Saad from Ain Khalid faster than from Al Hilal where I stayed earlier.”
One particularly pressing problem for residents, according to those polled in the Doha News Housing Survey, is that housing allowances from employers are not keeping pace with rent increases.
As occupancy levels surpass 90 percent in some parts of Doha, and with the Qatar Economic Outlook 2012-2013 forecasting that rents are set to rise for some time yet, the number of people moving out of town will likely continue to grow.
And though newly developed areas are not bustling with entertainment yet, some compounds are offering amenities to try to make up for that:
A real estate company sales executive quoted by Qatar Tribune said:
Qatar’s suburban areas like Al Wakrah, Ain Khalid and Rowdha have been developed as ideal residential colonies. The residential compounds offer better facilities like swimming pool, garden for children, 24/7 security, shops, (and) beauty parlor with affordable price when compared to the residential complexes within Doha.
Would you consider living outside of the city if the price was right? Thoughts?
Credit: Photo by Betsssssy