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Qatar saw a robust 114% year-on-year increase in residential transactions in the second quarter (Q2), indicating growing confidence among investors on resilient performance across the country’s real estate sector, according to Knight Frank, a global property consultancy.In its latest Qatar real estate market review, Knight Frank said both transaction volumes and values in the residential sector posted strong year-on-year growth.There were 1,844 residential sales in Q2-2025, totalling QR9.23bn, representing a 114% increase compared with the same period last year."Momentum in Qatar’s residential market is building again following a period of subdued activity after the 2022 FIFA World Cup," said Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, Middle East and North Africa, Knight Frank.Doha, Al Daayen and Al Wakra were among the best-performing municipalities: Doha alone recorded QR3.85bn of transactions, up 126% year-on-year, while Al Daayen and Al Wakra posted increases of 164% and 127%, respectively.In terms of property values, the apartment sector led the way, with average sales prices increasing by 3.5% year-on-year to QR13,270 per sq m, the report said.The most expensive apartments were located in Lusail’s Waterfront district (QR15,131 per sq m) and Viva Bahriya on The Pearl Island (QR14,987 per sq m).At the other end of the market, Porto Arabia registered the lowest average apartment price at QR11,696 per sq m, offering relatively accessible options in a prime waterfront setting.Villas saw a slight dip in values, with average prices down 4% year-on-year to QR6,745 per sq m. Among the key districts, Abu Hamour recorded the highest average villa price at QR8,434 per sq m, while Al Wukair remained the most affordable option at QR5,667 per sq m.The residential land segment also experienced robust growth during Q2-2015, Knight Frank said.Renewed investor interest in land plots, driven by good long-term development prospects and relative affordability in emerging areas, delivered sales totalling QR2.16bn across 598 deals, up 85% year-on-year.Significant gains were observed in Umm Salal, where volumes increased by 218%, followed by Doha (134%) and Al Wakra (102%)."The increase in transaction volumes, rising apartment values, and strong land sales activity suggest growing confidence among investors and end-users," it said.While challenges such as high interest rates and legacy oversupply remain, it said Q2 has seen a positive shift in Qatar’s residential market dynamics.As the flow of new stock slows and infrastructure investments continue, particularly in Lusail and surrounding zones, "we anticipate a gradual recovery in the medium term, notwithstanding any potential impact from the regional tensions in late June, which may yet materialise in the data over the summer months," it said.Longer term, with plans underway by the authorities to submit a bid for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, there may yet be further national infrastructure investment, which will sustain economic growth over the medium to long term and inject additional positive momentum into the economy.

Market Eye The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Tuesday gained eight points as the telecom, real estate and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand. The foreign funds were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was up 0.07% to 11,183.57 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,204 points. The Arab individuals were seen bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.79%. The local retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1bn or 0.15 to QR668.34bn, mainly on microcap segments. The Gulf individuals continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across 12 deals. The domestic institutions turned net sellers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net profit booking in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index was up 0.07% and the All Share Index by 0.09%; while the All Islamic Index fell 0.02% in the main market. The telecom sector index gained 0.26%, realty (0.24%), banks and financial services (0.2%) and insurance (0.05%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.63%, transport (0.02%) and industrials (0.01%). Major movers in the main bourse included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Ezdan, Qatar Insurance, Estithmar Holding and Nakilat. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Ahlibank Qatar, Woqod, Doha Bank, Meeza and Industries Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR10.76mn compared to QR2.07mn the previous day. The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR3.91mn against net sellers of QR1.76mn on Monday. The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.15mn compared with net sellers of QR3.2mn on September 1. However, the domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR10.75mn against net buyers of QR1.21mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking strengthened markedly to QR6.07mn compared to QR1.26mn on Monday. The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.41mn against net buyers of QR5.64mn on September 1. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR0.4mn compared QR1.45mn the previous day. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session. The main market saw a 19% slump in trade volumes to 85.68mn shares and 6% in value to QR260.95mn but on 1% jump in deals to 14,534. In the venture market, a total of 0.21mn equities valued at QR0.56mn changed hands across 41 transactions.

The third edition of the annual Qatar Real Estate Forum will see the participation of Saudi Arabia with several government entities involved in the real estate sector, in a step aimed at promoting integration and the exchange of expertise between the two countries.While addressing a press conference on Tuesday, engineer Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, president of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) said Saudi Arabia will be the guest of honour at the event to realise a strategic partnership with Qatar.Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the forum will be held on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) in conjunction with the Cityscape Qatar.Organised by Aqarat the event will address pivotal issues to foster the sector's growth. The first topic focuses on the Government’s Role in the sector highlighting legislation and policies that ensure a safe and stimulating investment environment.The second topic will be dedicated to Real Estate Technology (PropTech) showcasing the latest digital solutions aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency. The third topic will address the Investor's Journey offering key guidance to enable investors to maximise available opportunities and streamline procedures. In its fourth topic, the forum will showcase Major and Promising Projects that open new horizons for development and progress in Qatar.Aqarat president noted that this edition builds on the success of previous ones and embodies the ongoing efforts to solidify Qatar's position as a leading real estate and investment destination.The forum serves as an annual platform for investors, experts and real estate developers to explore promising opportunities in the Qatari real estate market, enhance confidence in the sector and foster collaboration among various stakeholders thereby supporting the development path aligned with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.Al-Obaidli explained that Aqarat has developed a comprehensive and integrated media plan for this edition in addition to launching the forum's official website.The press conference also featured the signing of official sponsorship agreements. Qatar Investment Authority is the official sponsor. Qatari Diar, Barwa Real Estate Company, United Development Company and Qetaifan Projects are platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors are Al Waab City and GMG Holding. Lesha Bank is media sponsor. Qatar Living and Ain Riyadh are media partners.