Types of Housing in Qatar

A new country brings new challenges – especially when finding the right type of housing and accommodation. Fortunately, you can find different types of properties in Qatar, from apartments to villas and studios to penthouses. 

Understanding the differences between these housing types in Qatar is important. Also, choosing the right accommodation depends on preferences and family size as well. 

Here, we’ll go through the different types of housing in Qatar.

Residential Housing Types in Qatar

From the apartments in highrise buildings to beachfront villas and serviced hotel apartments to townhouses, each boasts unique features. When choosing the property, you should consider the following things:

• Size of property 
• Your family members
• Features of the property
• Rent or buying price of the property
• Services and facilities available

After these factors, it all comes down to your choice and preference. In Qatar, you have the following types of properties available for rent or sale.

Villas: A Premium Choice for Families and High-End Renters

Villas are a highly sought-after type of housing in Qatar. It’s preferred by people who love more privacy and spacious layouts. From a private garden to the swimming pool, you can get a luxury lifestyle at villas. 

Villas are mostly located in gated communities. Also, some popular areas, like The Pearl and Legtaifiya have villa communities that are near the beach as well. In neighbourhoods like these, you can rent and buy the property as an expat.

Best Areas for Villas

• The Pearl Island
• West Bay Lagoon
• Ain Khaled
• Al Gharrafa
• Al Waab

Apartments: Ideal for Young Professionals and Expats

Since the late 1990s, Qatar has seen the development of high-rise buildings, allowing residents and expats to buy and rent apartments. Generally, apartments have a lower cost of living in Qatar compared to villas.

The fact that apartments are smaller makes them easier and cheaper to maintain. So, it becomes easy on the pocket, allowing expats and young professionals to find accommodation. 

Best Areas for Apartments

• The Pearl Island
• West Bay Lagoon
• Al Sadd
• Fox Hills
• Lusail City

Compounds: Community Living with a Family Focus

Residential compounds offer a great chance to experience community living just like apartments. These compounds have housing for more than one family. This type of housing includes villas and townhouses, with shared pools, playgrounds, gyms and more.

You can check these compounds for rent in Qatar, where you can find various buildings and shared accommodation for your family.

Best Areas for Compounds

• Abu Hamour
• Al Rayyan
• Al Wakrah
• Al Sadd

Townhouses: Blending Privacy and Affordability

If you are searching for a middle ground between apartments and villas, townhouses can be a suitable option. These are more spacious than apartments and more affordable than villas. Townhouses have two or three floors with connected buildings. 

If you are looking to rent townhouses in Qatar, you can find multiple options. The only drawback of townhouses is the shared gardens and outdoor spaces. However, you can have a private balcony depending on the type of development and project.

Best Areas for Townhouses

• The Pearl
• West Bay
• Lusail City

Serviced Apartments: Convenience for Short-Term Tenants

Since the FIFA World Cup 2022, the neighbourhoods like Lusail have short-term rental apartments. These are serviced apartments convenient for tourists, who want all the facilities in one place. 

Serviced apartments have flexible leasing terms, making them perfect for those seeking convenience without long-term commitments. 

Best Areas for Serviced Apartments

• Lusail
• The Pearl Island

Landlords investing in serviced apartments can yield potentially high returns due to the premium rents for facilities. The management of day-to-day services is often handled by property managers, reducing the burden for landlords while still attracting a steady stream of high-paying residents.

Penthouses: Luxury Living with Stunning Views

Penthouses are another housing type in Qatar. They are at the top of the buildings, offering spacious layouts and breathtaking views of the city or coastline.

What’s unique about penthouses is the privacy as you get to live at the top. Also, the traffic noise won’t disturb you, which becomes one of the advantages of living in penthouses compared to apartments. 

You can find rental penthouses in Qatar, with terraces, private swimming pools, elevators and more. Meanwhile, if you are looking for an investment, penthouses for sale in Qatar are a great option.

Best Areas for Serviced Apartments

• Al Sadd 
• Fox Hills
• Lusail

Studio Apartments: A Budget-Friendly Option

Studio apartments are compact, single-room units that combine living, dining and sleeping areas in one open space. These apartments are perfect for individuals, especially young professionals, students or bachelors looking for affordable housing in Qatar. 

Studios are often located in urban areas, providing easy access to work, entertainment and public transportation, such as Qatar Metro. While studio apartments are not big, but you could use tips to add storage space and make your living space look bigger.

Bachelors, students or working professionals can find rental studio apartments in Qatar. On the other hand, studios turn out to be a great investment if you are looking to buy a studio apartment in Qatar.

Best Areas for Studios

• Al Sadd 
• Fox Hills
• The Pearl Island

Types of Commercial Housing Options in Qatar

Qatar has various commercial housing options, alongside property options which include the following:

• Retail
• Warehouses
• Offices
• Full Floors
• Whole Buildings
• Bulk Rent Units
• Showroom
• Staff accommodation
• Labor camp

If you have a business with employees, you can choose the following commercial housing options:

Labor Camps and Staff Accommodation

These labor camps are mostly located in industrial areas. Moreover, these camps have the basic amenities and facilities. Also, the advantage is that the companies can rent these accommodations for their employees as these are in proximity to the offices. 

You can find rental labor camps in Qatar. Not only that, companies can decide to buy labor camps in Qatar for their employees. 

Commercial Villas

Qatar has full villas to open salons alongside the semi-commercial villas, where you can live and do business. These commercial villas for sale in Qatar have elevators and multiple rooms to conduct the operations. Moreover, you can rent commercial villas in Qatar. 

How to Choose the Housing Type for Investment in Qatar

As a landlord, your investment should align with your financial objectives and target tenant market. Each property type in Qatar offers distinct advantages. That said, every property has its cons as well.

For that reason, making the right choice is crucial for long-term profitability. Below are key factors to consider when selecting the right property for sale in Qatar.

Target Tenant Demographics

Select the areas with more tenants. For instance, Lusail and The Pearls are among the popular options for buyers and renters. Also, these have amenities which make life easier for tenants. That’s why the demand for rental properties in these neighbourhoods is higher, making these properties profitable for landlords.

Investment Budget

Your budget will play a significant role in determining the property type. Villas and penthouses require a larger initial investment but they have higher rent. On the other hand, studio apartments and townhouses are more affordable options with steady demand, making them easier to maintain and manage.

If you have a higher investment, commercial properties can also become a profitable option. However, it will require more planning, management and maintenance.

Rental Yield and Long-Term Growth

Certain properties, such as luxury villas and mixed-use developments, often appreciate faster due to location and amenities. Serviced apartments and compounds, though stable, may offer lower appreciation rates. It’s essential to assess whether you’re looking for quick rental income or long-term property value growth.

Maintenance and Management

Think about the level of management each property type demands. Villas and large compounds may require more maintenance, while studio and serviced apartments typically need less attention. Additionally, some properties, like serviced apartments, often have management services in place, easing the burden on landlords.

FAQs

Is Housing Expensive in Qatar?

Rental prices vary throughout the different properties in Qatar. For example, a studio apartment has a lower rent or buying price compared to other types of housing in Qatar. For more details, you can learn the cost of living in Qatar.

Which Is the Best Place to Live in Qatar?

The perfect neighbourhood depends on your preferences. Among the best places to live in Qatar, Al Waab, West Bay, Lusail and The Pearl stand out.

Choosing the ideal housing type in Qatar depends on your investment strategy, budget and target residents. Whether you aim for high-end renters with villas, steady demand with apartments, or community-focused compounds, each option offers unique benefits.