According to recent statistics from Cushman & Wakefield’s quarterly real estate bulletin, there was a significant uptick in both sales and leasing activity in Qatar’s residential real estate market during the first half (H1) of 2025. This was driven by high demand in Lusail and The Pearl.
According to the data, recorded residential sales increased from 708 in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 to 798 in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.
In comparison to the same period in 2024, the total number of agreements in H1 increased by 22% to 1,506.
According to Ministry of Justice data, Lusail and The Pearl Island saw the highest concentration of apartment activity, with average sales prices of QR15,534 per square meter and QR14,991 per square meter, respectively.
“Demand is clearly gravitating toward modern, master-planned districts with strong lifestyle offerings,” James, a real estate researcher and consultant, told The Peninsula.
“Both Lusail and The Pearl are now established as premium residential destinations, and we are seeing that reflected in transaction values and occupancy levels.”
In the meantime, leasing activity has increased as well, increasing 26% year over year in H1 2025. While premium buildings in Lusail Marina and The Pearl are reporting occupancy exceeding 90 percent, certain secondary areas continue to have significant vacancy rates.
According to the data, since late 2024, average rents in these desirable neighborhoods have somewhat increased.
Similar flats in Lusail Marina now fetch between QR8,000 and QR9,000 per month, while one-bedroom properties in Viva Bahriya now command between QR9,000 and QR10,500. In Al Sadd, more reasonably priced apartments rent for between QR5,500 and QR6,500.
“After two years of relatively flat rents, the tide has turned. Tenants are willing to pay a premium for waterfront views, quality amenities, and integrated communities, while older stock continues to struggle to attract demand,” the researcher said.
Due to demand from foreign families, villa compounds continue to be very durable. Occupancy rates in neighborhoods like Al Waab, Al Duhail, Al Markhiya, Abu Hamour, and Onaiza are more than 95%.
According to the report, new villa developments have been sparked by recent policy changes made possible by Council of Ministers Decision No. 28 of 2020, which permits non-Qataris to purchase independent units in residential complexes.
Villas costing between QR2.3m and QR5m are currently available at compounds in the suburbs of Doha and Al Wukair, catering to both end users and investors.
“This policy has been a game-changer. For the first time, expatriates can buy into villa communities, which is opening a fresh wave of demand and diversifying the market beyond apartments,” James added.
Even if building has slowed down since the World Cup, Lusail, Legtaifiya, and Al Waab are still developing, guaranteeing a consistent supply of fresh material.
The report further stated: “With transaction volumes and leasing momentum both holding firm in the first half of 2025, the outlook for the remainder of the year is one of stability.”
