Qatar’s residential transaction volumes reached 1,582 in Q1 2026, reflecting resilient activity from the sector on an annual basis, as transaction volumes increased by 15% compared to Q1 2025.
The sector, however, did experience a moderation in activity during the period due to the effects of the Iran war weighing upon business confidence, investor sentiment, and consumer decision-making, stated the latest Qatar Real Estate Market Review from global property consultancy Knight Frank.
Compared to Q4 2025 (2,047 transactions), the residential property segment witnessed a transaction decline of 23%. The total value of residential sales, on the other hand, reached approximately QR6.2 billion during Q1, down 15% quarter-on-quarter from QR7.2 billion in Q4 2025, reflecting a more cautious investment environment and softer buyer activity.
“Doha remained the center of residential market activity, recording 512 transactions with a combined value of approximately QR2.6 billion, while Al Rayyan ranked as the second most active municipality, with 280 transactions valued at QR1.38 billion,” the Knight Frank report noted.
“The average villa prices declined by 3.5% year-on-year to QR6,626 per square meter, while apartment prices fell by 1.7% to QR13,049 per square meter. Despite broader market softening, prime waterfront locations continued to outperform, with The Waterfront recording average apartment prices of QR15,194 per square meter,” the study further stated.
Talking about Qatar’s mortgage market, there was a mixed picture during Q1 2026. While the number of transactions fell by 12.4% year-on-year to 283, the total value of mortgages issued increased by 85% year-on-year to approximately QR17.2 billion, suggesting continued financing activity for larger and higher-value residential assets.
“The residential leasing market also softened during Q1 2026. Average villa rents declined by 8.9% year-on-year to QR13,908 per month, while apartment rental rates fell by 13.3% quarter-on-quarter to QR9,492 per month as occupiers adopted a more cautious stance amid heightened uncertainty,” Knight Frank commented.
The agency’s market review, however, found Qatar’s office market remaining relatively stable, with average office rents declining by 3.2% year-on-year to QR77 per square meter per month.
“Demand continued to be concentrated within prime locations such as West Bay and Lusail, while secondary office locations experienced greater rental pressure due to elevated vacancy levels and increasing competition from newer Grade A developments,” Knight Frank concluded.