Home / Guides and law / Buying property in Qatar: the overview
Buying property in Qatar: the overview
Who can buy where, the steps from offer to title deed, and the costs to plan for.
Who can buy where
Qatari citizens can buy throughout the country. GCC citizens can own a limited number of homes for their own use. Other nationalities can buy in designated areas, either outright (freehold) or on a 99-year usufruct. Read the page for your situation: Qatari, GCC or expat.
The steps
Offer and negotiation, checking the title deed and any developer conditions, a written sale agreement, payment, then registration of the transfer with the Ministry of Justice, which issues the new title deed. The Transfer step by step page covers each one.
Costs to plan for
Beyond the price: registration fees, broker commission if a broker is involved, service charges for apartments and compounds, furnishing, and mortgage costs. Registration fees are set by the authorities: confirm the current amount with the Ministry of Justice before you budget.
Buying off-plan
Check that the developer and project are licensed and that payments go into a project escrow account. Off-plan sales are regulated by the General Authority for Real Estate Sector Regulation (Aqarat).
Residency through property
Buying property above set values can qualify a non-Qatari for a residence permit. See the Residency through property page.