Real Estate
From The Report: Qatar 2014
View in Online Reader

With data from the Qatar Central Bank showing that real estate prices rose by 103% between July 2009 and September 2013, the local market shows signs of steady recovery from the global financial crisis in 2008. The increase in prices points to growing confidence in the market and strong supporting fundamentals. Much of this growth can be attributed to government reforms that relaxed the rules for foreign real estate investments in 2004. Rapid population growth will continue driving demand for housing and office space, while the strong economy is likely to support retail outlets. Over the longer term, new space – particularly in retail – is set to come onto the market and will likely soften prices.
This chapter contains interviews with Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Acting CEO, United Development Company; and Hamad bin Ali Al Hedfa, CEO, Mazaya Qatar Real Estate.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Growth drivers: Strong fundamentals support further expansion
OBG
plus

With data from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) indicating that real estate prices rose by 108% between July 2009 and December 2013, the local market is showing signs of steady recovery from the drop in prices caused by the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008. The rising prices point to growing confidence in the market and strong supporting fundamentals. Much of this growth can be attributed to government reforms that relaxed the rules for foreign real estate investments in 2004. The reforms…

Interview

OBG talks to Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Acting CEO, United Development Company
OBG
plus

Interview:Badr Mohammed Al Meer Considering the increase in population growth over the past year, how concerned are developers about rental inflation in the coming years? BADR MOHAMMED AL MEER: It is true that the population has been growing over the last few years, but rental inflation is certainly not rising at an alarming level. On the contrary, falling real estate prices are likely to slow down the rate of increase in rent prices. According to Qatar Central Bank’s real estate index,…

Interview

OBG talks to Hamad bin Ali Al Hedfa, CEO, Mazaya Qatar Real Estate
OBG
plus

Interview:Hamad bin Ali Al Hedfa What will be the effect of retail developments on the local retail sector? Looking at current demand and foot traffic, do you see a risk of oversupply? HAMAD BIN ALI AL HEDFA: Most of the projects now being developed in Qatar are set for a long-term return on investment, hence real estate developers are very optimistic about prospects in the retail sector. The dramatic increase in population and in the number of development projects in Qatar is a clear indication…