Qatar‘s residential sales have witnessed an extraordinary upswing, with a remarkable 114% increase in transactions during the second quarter of 2025. This surge, amounting to QAR 9.23 billion, highlights the revitalization of the property market in Doha and surrounding regions, as detailed in the recent Qatar Real Estate Market Review by Knight Frank.
Strong Performance Across Key Municipalities
According to the report, municipalities such as Doha, Al Daayan, and Al Wakrah have emerged as frontrunners in residential real estate performance. Doha recorded QAR 3.85 billion in transactions, reflecting a staggering 126% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, Al Daayan and Al Wakrah followed suit, showcasing increases of 164% and 127%, respectively, further emphasizing the robust growth within the Qatar residential sales landscape.
Fluctuations in Apartment and Villa Values
Apartment sales values have shown resilience, rising 3.5% year-on-year to QAR 13,270 per square meter. Notably, the Waterfront district in Lusail boasts the highest average apartment prices at QAR 15,131 per square meter, followed closely by Viva Bahriya on The Pearl Island at QAR 14,987 per square meter. In contrast, Porto Arabia has the lowest average price at QAR 11,696 per square meter. On the other hand, villa values have experienced a slight decline of 4% year-on-year, settling at QAR 6,745 per square meter, with Abu Hamour leading with an average price of QAR 8,434 per square meter.
Growth in Residential Land Sales
The residential land segment is also thriving, with sales climbing to QAR 2.16 billion across 598 deals, marking an impressive 85% year-on-year increase. Umm Salal was a standout performer with a remarkable 218% growth in sales volumes, while Doha (134%) and Al Wakrah (102%) also contributed significantly to the overall positive trend in Qatar residential sales.
Expert Insights on Market Dynamics
Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research at Knight Frank MENA, noted, “Momentum in Qatar’s residential market is building again following a period of subdued activity after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. As challenges stemming from previously high interest rates and legacy oversupply diminish, we are seeing a positive shift in market dynamics.” He mentioned that increasing transaction volumes and rising apartment values reflect growing confidence among investors and end-users. With new supply pipelines slowing and sustained infrastructure investments, particularly in Lusail and surrounding areas, the market is well-positioned for increased stability in the near future.
Demand for Prime Offices
The office market in Qatar has remained stable over the past year, buoyed by demand from the public sector and a growing interest in high-quality modern office spaces. Average grade-A office rents currently stand at QAR 82 per square meter per month, with prime rents in Lusail witnessing a 3.5% increase, reaching QAR 115 per square meter in select areas. West Bay continues to command rents of up to QAR 109 per square meter, maintaining an average of QAR 80 per square meter.
Adam Stewart, Partner and Head of Qatar at Knight Frank, highlighted, “Lusail continues to attract occupiers and establish itself as a next-generation business district with integrated lifestyle and retail offerings.” He noted that the demand for buildings meeting green certification standards and supporting hybrid working environments is shaping the future landscape of office spaces in Doha.
Hospitality and Retail Market Trends
The hospitality sector reported an influx of 718 new rooms in the first half of 2025, bringing the total supply to 41,463, with around 60% operated by international brands. Occupancy rates have climbed by 0.3% to 70.7% over the previous year, while average daily rates dipped slightly by 0.2% to QAR 454. The revenue per available room (RevPAR) saw a healthy increase of 2.9%, reaching QAR 321.
Oussama El Kadiri, Partner and Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory, remarked, “Occupancy has continued to grow across all segments, driven by demand from regional tourists and business travelers.” He anticipates that upcoming high-profile events, such as Art Basel in 2026 and Formula 1 Qatar in November 2025, will further enhance international tourism. Qatar’s commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings is reinforcing its status as an international hospitality hub.
As visitor arrivals surged by 24.6% in 2024 to 5.05 million, new retail destinations in Lusail, Msheireb, and Doha Port are contributing to an increasingly competitive landscape. Projects that leverage curated tenant mixes and community engagement are outperforming traditional retail offerings, setting the stage for future growth in the Qatar residential sales and broader market.