Virtually all expatriates working in Qatar rent their property, and many are on employment contracts that include free or heavily subsidized housing, furniture and utilities.

Most of the expatriate accommodation in Doha is in compounds which include a range of facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts and playgrounds. The majority of villas and houses have gardens and at least three bedrooms. It is also possible to find separate townhouses and apartments to rent.

Properties are usually rented out via local real estate agencies.

Doha is a small city, and although most expatriates prefer compound accommodation, virtually all areas are easily accessible to the city centre, schools and the airport.

There is currently a severe shortage of rental accommodation in Qatar, and spiralling rental prices. This is related to the booming of the economy, the clearance of old buildings and the increasing number of expatriate employees seeking accommodation here. Within the last two years, rental prices have at least tripled. There has also been an increase in the number of six-month contracts, giving landlords and agencies the ongoing option of raising rents even more. As a result, some expatriates have found it impossible to cover the cost of their family accommodation from their fixed housing allowance and have either left the country or sent their families home and started sharing accommodation.

Typical monthly rental prices are currently as follows:

Unfurnished 2-bedroom apartment QR 5,000 upwards
Villa with 3-4 bedrooms QR12,000
Villa on expatriate compound QR20,000

Added March 2007 by June:
The rental costs in Qatar have risen sharply since this was written.
It is difficult to find a two bedroomed flat under 10,000QR per month now.
Don't accept a job without accommodation.

Added March 2007 by Doha Villa:
More up-to-date figures would be as below:

Furnished 1 bedroom is 6,000QAR
Unfurnished 2 bedroom is 7,000QAR
Villa with 3 bedrooms is 10,000QAR and up
Villa with 4 bedrooms is 12,000QAR and up
Compound villa is 13,000QAR and up

Villa shares are typically 3-4,000QAR, however cheaper & more expensive ones are available, you tend to get what you pay for.