Qatar residential sales surge 114% in Q2, Knight Frank reports

Doha, Qatar - September 3, 2025 - Qatar’s residential property market recorded a 114% year-on-year surge in transactions during Q2 2025, highlighting a strong performance across the country’s real estate sector, according to the latest Qatar Real Estate Market Review from Knight Frank.

Strong Growth Across Residential Sector

There were 1,844 residential sales in Q2 totaling USD 2.54 billion (QAR 9.23 billion), more than doubling compared to the same period last year. Doha, Al Daayan, and Al Wakrah were among the top-performing municipalities:

• Doha recorded USD 1.06 billion (QAR 3.85 billion), up 126% year-on-year.
• Al Daayan transactions jumped 164%.
• Al Wakrah posted a 127% increase.

Apartment Sales

Apartment values led the growth, with average sales prices up 3.5% year-on-year to USD 3,645 (QAR 13,270) per sqm.

• Lusail Waterfront: Highest average at USD 4,160 (QAR 15,131) per sqm
• The Pearl – Viva Bahriya: USD 4,115 (QAR 14,987) per sqm
• The Pearl – Porto Arabia: Lowest at USD 3,213 (QAR 11,696) per sqm

Villas Sales

Villa prices saw a modest 4% year-on-year decline, averaging USD 1,853 (QAR 6,745) per sqm.

• Abu Hamour: Highest villa prices at USD 2,317 (QAR 8,434) per sqm
• Al Wukair: Most affordable at USD 1,556 (QAR 5,667) per sqm

Residential Land

Land sales rose significantly, with total transactions reaching USD 596 million (QAR 2.16 billion) across 598 deals, up 85% year-on-year.

• Umm Salal: Volumes surged 218%
• Doha: Increased 134%
• Al Wakrah: Up 102%

Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, MENA at Knight Frank, commented: “Momentum in Qatar’s residential market is building again following a period of subdued activity after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. The increase in transaction volumes, rising apartment values, and strong land sales suggest growing confidence among investors and end-users. As new supply slows and infrastructure investments continue, particularly in Lusail, the market is poised for greater stability in the short-to-medium term.”

Prime Offices in Demand

Qatar’s office market remained stable over the past year, driven by strong public sector demand and growing interest in high-quality grade-A office space.

• Average grade-A office rents: USD 23 (QAR 82) per sqm per month
• Lusail prime locations: Up 3.5% to USD 31 (QAR 115) per sqm per month
• West Bay prime: Up to USD 30 (QAR 109) per sqm per month, with district average at USD 22 (QAR 80)

Lusail continues to attract major public sector tenants, including Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar National Bank, and Ooredoo, shifting the balance away from traditional hubs like West Bay. Private sector demand, especially from financial services and tech firms, is fueling growth in flexible workspaces and co-working solutions.

Adam Stewart, Partner – Head of Qatar at Knight Frank, said: “Lusail continues to attract occupiers and establish itself as a next-generation business district. The growing preference for green-certified buildings and smart office technology reflects global ESG trends, widening the performance gap between modern and legacy office stock across Doha.”

Hospitality Sector Gains Ground

Qatar’s hospitality industry expanded in H1 2025, adding 718 new hotel rooms and bringing the total supply to 41,463 rooms, with 60% being international branded hotels.

• Occupancy rate: Increased slightly by 0.3% to 70.7%
• Average daily rate (ADR): Down 0.2% to USD 124 (QAR 454)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): Up 2.9% to USD 88 (QAR 321)

Major upcoming events such as Formula 1 Qatar in November 2025 and Art Basel 2026 are expected to drive further international tourism. Qatar’s strategic focus on cultural attractions, retail experiences, and business events is reinforcing its position as a regional hospitality hub.

Oussama El Kadiri, Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory at Knight Frank, added: “Occupancy has continued to grow across all segments, driven by regional tourists and business travellers. With enhanced airlift and new events, we expect continued momentum and diversification of Qatar’s tourism offerings.”

Retail and Tourism Outlook

Prime lifestyle retail assets continue to lead the market, with rents averaging USD 75 (QAR 272) per sqm per month, supported by strong footfall and integrated food and beverage offerings.

• Lifestyle F&B rents: USD 63 (QAR 231) per sqm per month

Tourism growth remains strong, with visitor numbers rising 24.6% in 2024 to 5.05 million, up from 4 million in 2023. Key retail destinations such as Lusail, Msheireb, and Doha Port are creating competitive environments, with well-designed, mixed-use developments outperforming in terms of footfall and occupancy.

The combination of rising residential activity, stable office demand, and a growing hospitality and retail sector positions Qatar’s real estate market for sustained growth. With major infrastructure projects, a slowdown in new residential supply, and international events on the horizon, Qatar is strengthening its role as a regional investment destination and a hub for lifestyle-led development.