- Qatar’s core residential market witnesses strong growth in sales transactions: Knight Frank
Qatar’s core residential market has been witnessing strong growth in sales transactions on continued liquidity and demand, indicating stability rather a retreat, according to Knight Frank, the London-based property consultant.
Although residential prices are softening, strong growth in transaction volumes highlights continued liquidity and demand in Qatar’s core residential markets and indicating stabilisation, rather than a market in retreat,” said Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, Middle East and North Africa, Knight Frank.
The total value of residential sales in Qatar rose by 43.5% year-on-year to QR26.6bn in 2025 against a backdrop of expanding supply and softening prices, said the winter edition of the Qatar Real Estate Market Review from Knight Frank.
The number of transactions rose 50% to 6,831. In the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, activity remained concentrated in key locations, with Doha recording 564 transactions (QR2.4bn) and Al Wakra registering 387 transactions (QR895mn), underlining continued demand and liquidity in core residential markets.
Despite this uplift in sales activity, villa prices softened by 1% year-on-year, reflecting a more competitive pricing environment.
“As supply expands and buyers become increasingly value-led, this trend of a gradual softening is likely to persist. Despite this moderation, demand for homes in prime locations remains resilient,” the report said. At a neighbourhood level, villa price performance in Q4-2025 was mixed, with prices increasing in Al Dafna (+6.5%) and Al Kheesa (+5%). Despite a 9.5% year-on-year decline in Abu Hamour, the area continued to command the highest average villa price (QR7,740 per sq m), while Umm Salal Ali remained the most affordable (QR5,800 per sq m).
Apartment sale prices fell 2% year-on-year, averaging QR12,865 per sq m. The Waterfront (QR15,265 per sqm) and Viva Bahriya, The Pearl Island (QR14,630 per sq m) recorded the highest pricing, reflecting continued demand for premium waterfront living.
Values remained unchanged in Qanat Quartier (QR14,590 per sq m) last year, while Porto Arabia (QR11,787 per sq m) is still a relatively more affordable option within The Pearl Island.
The report found Qatar’s residential rental market continues to be shaped by tenant demand for well-located, lifestyle-led communities, with rents remaining strongest for larger villas in established neighbourhoods.
The average villa rental rate declined by 2.4%, averaging QR12,985 per month in Q4-2025, reflecting a modest market correction while demand remains focused on prime communities. Villa rents overall declined by 3% during 2025.
West Bay Lagoon continues to lead the market, with average monthly rents ranging from QR18,656 for 3-bedroom villas, rising to QR25,696 for 5-bedroom villas. In Q4-2025, apartment lease rates declined by an average of 7%, reflecting softer rental conditions across the market, although demand remains concentrated in established, lifestyle-led districts.
The Pearl Island continues to command the strongest rents, with average monthly rates of QR8,440 for 1-bedroom apartments can rise as high as QR15,500 for 3-bedroom apartments. In contrast, Fox Hills remains the most affordable rental option for tenants, with 1-bedroom units averaging QR5,875 per month.
Apartment rental performance remains mixed by location, with The Waterfront and West Bay continuing to attract premium demand, where 3-bedroom apartments average QR12,200 and QR13,500 per month, respectively.