Home » Oman » Oman – Buying Property

Oman – Buying Property

Oman is a country located in the Middle East, known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant economy. If you are considering buying property in Oman, it is important to understand the legal restrictions, average property prices, popular locations, new trends, and potential investment opportunities. In this article, we will answer these questions and more.

Legal Restrictions on Property Ownership and Sale

Foreign nationals are allowed to own property in Oman, but there are some restrictions on the sale of property by foreign nationals. Non-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nationals are generally not allowed to purchase property in certain areas, such as the capital city of Muscat, without the approval of the Ministry of Interior. Foreign nationals are also not allowed to purchase agricultural land in Oman.

Average Property Prices in Oman and Regional Variations

The average price of property in Oman is relatively high compared to other countries in the region. As of 2021, the average price of a detached house in Oman is around 240,000 OMR (approx. $624,000 USD), while the average price of an apartment is around 120,000 OMR (approx. $312,000 USD). Property prices can vary greatly depending on the region, with Muscat and other urban areas generally more expensive than rural areas.

Popular Locations to Buy Property in Oman

Some of the most popular locations to buy property in Oman include Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar. Muscat, the capital city, offers a range of amenities such as shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, as well as stunning natural beauty. Salalah, located in the south of Oman, is known for its lush greenery, beautiful beaches, and rich history. Sohar, located in the north of Oman, is a growing industrial and commercial center with a range of residential and commercial properties available.

New Upcoming Areas in Oman for Property Buyers

One upcoming area that is becoming more attractive for property buyers is Al Mouj Muscat, a waterfront community in Muscat. With its luxury apartments, villas, and townhouses, as well as a marina, golf course, and shopping center, Al Mouj Muscat offers a modern and sophisticated lifestyle. Other up-and-coming areas include Duqm, a new industrial city with a range of residential and commercial properties, and Salalah Beach, a beachfront community with luxury villas and apartments.

New Trends in the Property Market in Oman

One trend in the Omani property market is a growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly homes. Many developers are incorporating green technologies such as solar panels and water-saving systems into their properties, as well as focusing on energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Another trend is a growing interest in mixed-use developments, which combine residential, commercial, and leisure components into a single community.


Get Our Best Articles Every Month!

Get our free moving abroad email course AND our top stories in your inbox every month


Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.


Property as an Investment in Oman

Buying property in Oman can be a good investment, particularly in popular areas such as Muscat where demand is high. However, it is important to consider the potential risks and costs, such as fluctuating property prices, maintenance and renovation costs, and taxes.

Common Property Types in Oman

The most common types of property in Oman are apartments, villas, and townhouses. Apartments are particularly popular in urban areas such as Muscat, while villas and townhouses are more common in suburban and rural areas. Other property types, such as rural properties, land-only options, and commercial properties, are also available but may be less common.

Typical House Buying Procedure in Oman

  • Identify and inspect the property of interest
  • Hire a real estate agent or lawyer to assist with the process
  • Obtain an appraisal of the property
  • Negotiate the purchase price and agree on the terms of sale
  • Sign a preliminary sale agreement
  • Obtain an approval from the Ministry of Housing (if necessary)
  • Sign a final sale agreement and pay a deposit
  • Register the sale with the Ministry of Housing and pay the transfer fees
  • Receive the keys to the property

It is advisable to use a real estate agent or a lawyer to help with the process.

Finding a Reputable Lawyer in Oman

Lawyers can be found through local bar associations, such as the Omani Lawyers Association. It is important to choose a lawyer with experience in real estate transactions. Legal fees in Oman typically range from 1% to 2% of the purchase price.

Full contact details of the Omani Lawyers Association:

Pitfalls and Problems

Expats may encounter difficulties with language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of familiarity with local property laws and procedures. It is important to research the local real estate market and familiarize yourself with the legal requirements before making a purchase.

Purchasing Property Through a Company in Oman

It is possible to purchase property through a company in Oman. However, it is important to consult a lawyer to ensure that the company is compliant with local laws and regulations.


Latest Videos

Expat Focus

848 subscribers

Move abroad easily with Expat Focus.

Expat Focus
How easy is it for a foreigner to find a job in Denmark, if they haven’t been fortunate enough to line up something for when they arrive? What sectors are they most likely to find work in, and what are some need-to-knows about Danish workplace culture? My guest to answer all of these questions and more is Kate Dahl, a career consultant for internationals in Denmark.

How easy is it for a foreigner to find a job in Denmark, if they haven’t been fortunate enough to line up something for when they arrive? What sectors are they most likely to find work in, and what are some need-to-knows about Danish workplace culture? My guest to answer all of these questions and more is Kate Dahl, a career consultant for internationals in Denmark.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_WxdwaxP4LIg

Expat Careers In Denmark

Expat Focus 25 September 2023 11:00 am

Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang. Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang.

Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_2iutaBgsCRk

Moving From Malaysia To Mexico

Expat Focus 15 August 2023 3:23 pm

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible? My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia. Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible?

My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia.

Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_62EMRLnSni4

Growing Up As A Third Culture Kid In Australia

Expat Focus 26 July 2023 6:48 pm

Load More... Subscribe
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Important: No API Key Entered.

Many features are not available without adding an API Key. Please go to the YouTube Feed settings page to add an API key after following these instructions.