Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa February 2016 | Page 41

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Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka should be top of the list for anyone who is
buying property for the first time. While property
prices here are high in comparison to other cities (the
average apartment price in Dhaka is about 7,784,588
BDT or US$100,350, compared to 4,428,000 BDT or
US$57080 in the seaport city of Chittagong), Dhaka
is the most in-demand location with house-hunters.
This is largely because developers have focused their
attention on the Bangladeshi capital, offering propertyseekers the widest choice available. The city is also the
country’s commercial hub and is the first choice for
many job-seekers. It is home to the top shopping malls,
schools, universities, hospitals and restaurants, as well as
the best infrastructure and other amenities.

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Accra, Ghana

Accra, the capital of Ghana, is located on the
country’s coast and has been ranked one of the
fastest growing cities on the continent by the African
Development Bank. The city is full of contrasts, with
lively neighborhoods to cater to the young at heart and
serene areas for those looking for some peace and quiet.
With a range of affordable and luxury homes on offer,
as well as world class retail and entertainment centers,
Accra is the place to live for any couple looking to buy
their first home.

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Machakos, Kenya

Machakos City is one of the best places in Kenya
to find an affordable home. Areas in the city that
are in demand include Syokimau, Kitengela, Mlolongo
and Athiriver. Kitengela is the most searched area
in Machakos for houses, with property here costing
between eight and 15 million Kenyan shillings (about
US$80,000 to $150,000), according to Lamudi data.
For those looking to rent, a three-bedroom townhouse
in this area will cost Kes. 45,000 per month (about
US$450).

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Kampala, Uganda

In the northeast of Kampala and about 12km
from the city center, the suburb of Kiwatule is
Lamudi’s top pick for first-home buyers. With the
expansion of the city, this area has experienced rapid
growth. The town is popular with house-hunters
because it offers affordable housing and amenities such
as hospitals, schools and shopping centers. Rental prices
in Kiwatule range from 500,000 to one million Ugandan
shillings (US$147-350) for a self-contained house. The
area also has a convenient transportation system, with

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the Kampala Northern Bypass offering easy access
to the city. Because of the fast growing nature of the
town, Kiwatule has attracted several business centers,
transforming it into a lively and highly sought-after
neighborhood.

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Doha, Qatar

This is the still fastest growing city in Qatar, as
well as the economic center of the country and
one of the emerging financial centers in the Middle
East. While Doha’s neighborhoods are quiet during
the day, its streets come alive at night. Expatriates
can buy property in specific large-scale developments
in Doha, such as The Pearl-Qatar, West Bay, Lagoon,
And Al Khor Resort Project. Going rates in The Pearl
vary between QR 12,000 to QR 15,000 (US$3300 to
$4100) per square meter, between QR 5500 to QR 6500
($1510 to $1785) per sq m in Najma and Mansoura, and
between QR 7500 to QR 8500 ($2050 to $2330) per sq
m in Al Sadd.

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Amman, Jordan

Jordan’s capital city abounds in educational,
tourist and health institutions, with new projects
continually transforming the city’s skyline. Amman is
the eighth most visited city by tourists and business
travelers in the Middle East and Africa, as well as the
region ninth highest recipient of international visitors.
The city also boasts one of the best healthcare systems in
the Middle East, with both private and public medical
facilities providing a high standard of care. Apartment
rates on the west side of the city are between 450 and
1200 Jordanian dinar (about US$635-1990) per square
meter, and between JOD 250 and 450 (US$350-635)
per sq m in th HX\