Several Qatari businessmen have called for more housing projects targeting low and middle income segments, as the one launched by the Barwa Real Estate Company, to address the spiralling house rents in the country. Industry leaders feel that the Barwa project will have an impact on the market, when the nearly 2,000 housing units of are finally handed over to the prospective tenants. The company recently announced names of the winning candidates who were selected through a rigorous screening process. Abdul Aziz Al Emadi, vice chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) said, " The Barwa project is a good step but the 2,000 houses will not solve the problem. We need thousands of houses and many more projects. The demand for houses is growing every day with the inflow of more foreign professionals to the country." He said a comprehensive strategy is required to address the issue. "Distribution of land to nationals is necessary to support housing projects and boost supply. The problem will be resolved gradually, when the shortage of houses is effectively addressed," he added. Abdul Rahman Al Muftah, a prominent Qatari businessman said the Barwa project would help stabilise the rents to some extent. "It will not solve the problem as long the shortage of houses is not addressed. Rents still remain high in the market." He, however, hoped that the situation would improve when several new housing projects, which are in various stages of implementation, are completed. Hassan Al Nama, a real estate owner said, "The Barwa project is a welcome step but private companies can not sustain on such projects due to the high costs involved. Companies and individuals drawing high salaries are competing to hire new housing units, leading to a high demand in the market." Real estate sources said, some 2,000 houses are expected to be made available for new customers, being evacuated by those who have won the Barwa houses. “This can have a positive impact on the market provided the houses will not be subletted by their current occupants. Barwa should make sure the tenants are returning their houses to the landlords before they occupy their new houses,” said a real estate agent. The Pen

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