Qatar real estate rents have seen significant price changes as some areas have seen double-digit increases, while others have fallen by similar amounts.

Average apartment rents across Doha continued to see downward pressure in Q1 2024 especially in the one-bedroom (1BR) category, according to an analysis by Qatar-based online real estate marketplace hapondo.

In the prime apartment markets, West Bay recorded higher asking rents in both one-bedroom and two-bedroom (2BR) categories in Q1 than the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, the average rents in Lusail and The Pearl in several bedroom categories have either decreased or remained the same quarter-on-quarter.

Findings in the prime apartment districts included:

West Bay: Options of 1BR and 2BR apartments have become more expensive in Q1 by 8 per cent and 10 per cent on average, respectively. West Bay is now the most expensive place for a 1BR apartment and the third for 2BR in Qatar based on median prices of available stock.

Marina District, Lusail: Average apartment rents in Marina District in Lusail dropped by 4 per cent (1BR) and 14 per cent (2BR). Meanwhile, from a median rent of QR8,600 ($2,360) for a 1BR and QR11,250 ($3,086) for a 2BR, Marina District’s median asking rent was QR7,625 (1BR) ($2,092) and QR 9,000 ($2,469) (2BR).

Fox Hills, Lusail: 1BR average rent remained relatively stable, while the 2BR category decreased by 4 per cent (2BR). These price trends have been making Lusail more affordable to lessees and have the potential to attract more tenants who are living in Doha.

The Pearl: One-bedroom apartment rents in The Pearl have remained stable since Q3 2023 with a median rent of QR8,500 ($2,332). However, the 2BR average rent dropped by 6 per cent, reflecting pressure to fill out vacancies.