Job Discussion Forums

Merlin33 · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: New Zealand

Hi,
New to the forum, just wanted to say Hi to everyone.

Not in teaching trade but in Construction, hubby is a Quantity Surveyor and has been offered a job in Qatar. (We currently live in NZ)
Problem we seem to be having is finding suitable accommodation.
The plan we have is for my husband to go out next month, and I will follow with our youngest 2 in school holidays, whilst our eldest will stay here in NZ to finish his chef's studies.
After 12 months in Qatar, we may decide to stay longer and sort our kids schooling out there.Have been living in NZ for four years (from UK) and are completely bored with NZ now and want a change (and a challenge)
Enjoy reading all I can about Doha and also Dubai as that was also a possibilty with having also secured a job there too.
Just got to get the flights and accommodation sorted now. Easy?? (not) Shocked

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

Hi Merlin

There seems to be a shortage of housing, a few people I know who have just arrived in Qatar have been telling me how difficult it is to find a house/apartment and are crashing out at people's houses- sad but true. Sad

Rent is still VERY VERY high.

I actually spoke to a guy who works in real estate and contrary to what people say, he says that rent will continue to increase even after the Asian Games. Crying or Very sad

Qatar will certainly be a change and a challenge from NZ Laughing

it's NOT Dubai but it is chilled out, laid back and a good base to travel from...

In any case, has your husband been offered an allowance or accomodation? How much is the allowance? Let us know andf then maybe some of us here could give you some info/ideas

Richard_Gao · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 71 Location: Doha

rent is very very high. look for at least 12K housing budget either cash in hand to you, or provided by company with that much budget.

Merlin33 · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: New Zealand

Hi,
Yes NZ it certainly wont be eh? (Glad of that!) lol
The company has come back with temporary accommodation on arrival next month for my hubby, as yet they haven't said much else.The allowance is 11,000 per month for utilities, rent, car, phone etc but that seems now not to be enough, the salary is 16,000 per month.
I am intending to fly out with our 2 youngest lads once the house has sold and we have downsized, buying just a small home here as a base for our eldest and alos ensuring we do not come off the property ladder like we did in the Uk before coming to NZ. Fatal!
It looks like we shall have to negotiate a higher rate with the company? A Canadian PQS firm with offices in Oman, Bahrain and Dubai also.
Be glad of any advice you can give.
Thanks

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

It depends what you are after but 11000 QR per month could get you a smallish villa- But I think you are more likely to find a furnished 2/3 bedroomed apartment. The salary 16000 QR for a family of 4 (in my opinion) is also kind of low- is there no possibility of negotiation??One more Q are they paying school fees or no??

Richard_Gao · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 71 Location: Doha

For a family with two kids, I would not want anything other than villa. Besides trying to find a four bedroom apartment would be tough, if not even more expensive then a villa. I saw an ad for a single apartment for 24,000 QAR/ month near Al-Sadd area,

I mean what the beep?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

What's a 'single' apartment? one bedroom? efficiency(only one room)

VS

Richard_Gao · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 71 Location: Doha

single apartment, one bedroom, one living and kitchen.