Where to buy or rent property in Oman

Apr 14, 2017

Where to buy or rent property in Oman

A guide for foreigners and expats leasing real estate in Muscat in areas such as Ruwi, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Shatti Al Qurm and Al Azaiba.

Image by Andrew Moore via Flickr

Very important information to read:

This article is intended as a preliminary guide only and refers to some but not all elements required to consider in detail prior to starting any property dealings or due diligence. Property dealings are often complex, especially in foreign countries and we highly recommend you seek independent professional advice... read more...

Selecting the right location to live in a new city can be difficult and depends on personal needs and preferences. This guide outlines some of the Muscat's most desirable residential areas.

Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos (MSQ)

Perhaps the most sought-out expat living communities in Oman, accommodation can be on pricier end of the scale. From classic villas with gardens to apartments with gyms and pools, the area is less than a kilometre from Mutrah Corniche beach.

Nearby schools include the British School of Muscat, The American British Academy, Scientific and Adnan Nurseries

RENT 4 bedroom, 3 bath detached house US$2200 per month (Nov 2016) (Taif Properties)

BUY 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, single story home plus 3-room annex US$430,000 (Nov 20916) (Taif Properties)

Shatti Al Qurm

This area is known for its white villas with gardens on a hill with spectacular views of the ocean. The Royal Muscat Opera House is here with opera, stage and ballet performances.

The Bareeq al-Shatti Mall has excellent shopping and is also a residential building.

Nearby schools include Muscat Private School.

RENT Rents here vary from approximately US$2600- US$15,500 depending on the accommodation type. 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with balcony US$1950 per month (Nov 2006) (Savills)

BUY 1 bedroom Apartment, centrally located, furnished US$195,000 (Nov 2016) (Engel & Volkers)

Qurm

Similar to Shatti Al Qurm but less expensive, Majan beach has some spectacular coral reefs for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Shopping Al Arami Complex, Sabco Center and the Capital Commercial Center.

Nearby schools include Montessori nursery school, and The Muscat International School.

RENT Qurm rents here vary from US$1800 - US$10,000 depending on the accommodation type. 2 bedroom, 3 bath apartment with balcony AED 130,000/year (Nov 2006) (Property Finder.ae)

BUY 1 bedroom Apartment with shared gym and pool, US$195,000 (Nov 2016) (Engel & Volkers)

Ruwi

This lower cost area is the business district of Muscat and has older buildings as well as new developments. It can be congested with traffic and noisy. Shopping for essentials is convenient, but there are no shopping malls in Ruwi.

Nearby schools include The Pakistani International School.

Local hospitals include The Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, the Hatat House Polyclinic and Al Nahda Hospital, and alternative medicine clinics.

Local places of worship include Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Church as well as the Church of South India.

RENT Rents vary from approximately US$390-$1800 depending on the accommodation type and many have spectacular views. 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment US$335 per month (Nov 2016) (Expatriates.com)

BUY 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment, new construction, US$124,500 (May 2015) (Mondinion)

Al Azaiba

Becoming popular with expats, Al Azaiba is half-way between the airport and Qurm. There are not many shops or restaurants, but they can be found in nearby areas.

Local schools include American International School of Muscat.

RENT Rents here range from US$1200 - US$5000 depending on the accommodation type. 5 bedroom, 5 bath house US$2400 per month (Nov 2016) (Engel & Volkers)

BUY 5 bedroom, 3 bath villa with beach views US$7,800,000 (Nov 2016) (Cluttons)

Al Ghubrah

Further away from the city centre, Al Ghubrah, located between Al Khuwayr and Al Azaiba, has a mixture of villas and apartments. There is a lot of construction currently underway of new malls, parks and shops.

Local schools include Indian and Arabic schools catering to non-western expatriates.

RENT Rents here vary from approximately US$780 - US$5200 depending on the accommodation type. 4 bedroom, 4 bath apartment, shared pool US$2600 per month (Nov 2016) (Savills)

BUY 4 bedroom, beachfront with private pool US$1,690,000 (Nov 2016) (Cluttons)

Al Bausher

Further away from the beach and central Muscat, Al Bausher has some spectacular views of desert dunes. It has largest Lulu Centre in Muscat as well as the Sultan Al Qaboos Sports complex.

Locals schools include Indian and Arabic schools catering to non-western expatriates.

The Muscat Private Hospital is also convenient to this area.

RENT 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath apartment, shared pool US$2285 per month (Nov 2016) (Taif Properties)

BUY 7 bedroom detached villa with private pool and covered parking for 2 cars, US$1,558,000 (Cluttons)

Al Khuwayr

Next to Madinat Qaboos and close to the beach, Al Khuwayr has good shops, restaurants and supermarkets. The area is very popular with Indian expats.

Local schools include College of Technology, The Al Injaz Private School.

This area is convenient to medical centers and small clinics.

RENT rent costs from US$1050 - US$5200, depending on if it’s an apartment or a villa. 3 bedroom apartment US$2600 month (Nov 2016) (Engel & Volkers)

BUY 3 bedroom, 3 bath apartment with mountain views, US$260,000 (Nov 2016) (Engel & Volkers)

Al Hail

Home to The Wave development, one of the most expensive residences in Muscat, Al Hail is far from the Muscat city centre with large villas and gardens.

Locals schools include The International School of Choueifat.

RENT Rents go from as low as US$1300 - US$3900 for a villa. 5 bedroom, 6 bath villa in Al Mouj, balcony over the beach US$9000 per month (Nov 2016) (Better Homes)

BUY 5 bedroom, 2 bath, pool, Jacuzzi, sea views located in The Wave, US$1,560,000 (Engel & Volkers)

Real Estate Agents in Oman