Job Discussion Forums

[kylemcgee]

Hello -

I will be arriving in Muscat within the next few weeks. I would like to find a place in a nice area of Muscat. Any suggestions? I'm looking to rent a furnished place for up to OR350 preferably near the beach.

I have heard an area called Magreeb (sp?) is nice. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Kyle

[Opti]

Kyle - I'm assuming you've got a teaching job somewhere in Muscat, right? Have you ever lived in the Gulf before? Renting a place here is not as easy as in most western countries. There are few furnished flats - and those are usually small places in high rises for single businessmen. These buildings are usually located conveniently in business areas, not near the beach. I don't know how much they cost, but maybe 350 OR might be enough. You should just be patient and wait til you get here, check with your employer for housing info, and travel around to get a better idea where you'd like, and can afford, to live. If you want to rent a regular, unfurnished flat on your own, be aware that you may have to pay several months' rent in advance plus maybe a real estate agent's fee, in addition to buying all your own appliances and furnishings. 350 OR seems low for a place near the beach, unless it is quite small and old. You will also have to consider transportation to your job and other places, like supermarkets, etc. I've never heard of Magreeb. (maybe Seeb?)

The upshot is that there are too many variables for you to plan where to live before you get here and familiarize yourself with the area.

[veiledsentiments]

Actually most of the furnished flats that I encountered were either very up market and triple our allowances... or very down market and not where one would want to stay.

I have to say that in all of my years in Oman, I didn't know anyone who lived within even walking distance of a beach.

I agree that little can even be thought about until you get there. Most employers will give you assistance in your search.

VS

[localhero]

The only places near the beach which are affordable would be Al Hail, Seeb and maybe Azaiba, and maybe in your price range. There are a number of websites for estate agents too.

[kylemcgee]

[localhero]

http://www.taif.me.uk/
http://hilalprp.com/
http://hamptons-oman.inmobalia.com/english/listings/rent/curr/RO/
http://www.omanhomes.com/listings.php

There's also Cluttons and Al Harthy Homes. Service is varied - from awful to good.

All the best.

[kylemcgee]

[veiledsentiments]

Once you look at the websites you will see why it is rare for teachers to use agents. There isn't one flat advertised that a teacher could afford. They are from OR 800-2000 a month. The max teacher allowance that I have seen lately is about OR 350 a month.

Once you get there, you will need to do it the old fashioned way... hopefully your employer and people you work with will help you. You will probably need to drive around and look for rental signs on buildings and talk to the watchman.

VS

[kylemcgee]

[localhero]

True. Busy looking myself and cant find much in 400 price range. Either drive and look or try something a bit above your price range and then negotiate. Price have been dropping I've been told.

[kylemcgee]

[veiledsentiments]

See? I told you that you really have to be there!!

VS

[carnac]

Yes, certainly, prices have been dropping, but "near the beach" prices remain high, at least their "asking" prices. I'm lucky, a 5-minute drive to the beach for RO250, but generally, in Al Athaiba where I am, prices remain high, with landlords letting villas remain empty for two years now because nobody is willing to pay the prices and they won't come down.
Would not recommend Cluttons, Hamptons, Al Harthy or others of their ilk, at least not for teachers. They cater to people with big jobs from big corporations who can also afford Hummers.
However, talked with a guy yesterday with an Athaiba "penthouse" (read: walk up more stairs) 4-bedroom flat that used to go for RO1000, but now he's asking 600 and still willing to negotiate. Found him from a notice posted at a supermarket.
One big thing: If you are an expat with fair skin and possibly blue eyes, you'll be asked for more. Always. For everything. As soon as you are tagged as being Western, you walk around with a big target painted on you that says "stupid and rich". Trying to prove otherwise is not generally believed.
The better prices are in areas that are quite a bit away from things, which also means a big traffic fight getting to work.
Advice: Get a temporary place here. Watch the traffic flow at 6am and 1pm. Get a place in the opposite direction from the traffic. Saves a lot of time and frustration sitting in a ten-kilometer-long parking lot twice a day.
Being here is best for hunting.
Good luck!

[kylemcgee]

[veiledsentiments]

There are gems to be found. But you don't find them advertised on agency websites. How did you find this place?

Have you got wheels yet?

VS