The General Authority for Regulating the Real Estate Sector in Qatar has begun implementing the provisions of Law No. (6) of 2014 concerning the regulation of real estate development.
The law consists of forty articles divided into six chapters, covering definitions, licensing, procedures for off-plan sales, escrow accounts, penalties, and final provisions.
It prohibits engaging in real estate development activities without a license, regulates sales before construction completion, outlines conditions for opening separate escrow accounts for each project, and mandates the formation of specialised committees for licensing and dispute resolution, along with imposing fines and penalties for violations.
The Authority aims to organise and stimulate the real estate sector in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. Its goal is to achieve integration between governance and regulation, address sector challenges, and safeguard the rights of all parties involved in the real estate system.
In collaboration with relevant partners, the Authority develops regulatory frameworks and policies to advance the real estate sector and ensure compliance. It also oversees the licensing of real estate developers, development projects, and companies operating in this field to enhance investor confidence and enforce regulations governing real estate development professions and related awareness.
His Excellency Engineer Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Obaidly, Chairman of the Authority, announced the commencement of the implementation of the law’s provisions during a press conference held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. He indicated that the registration of real estate developers has begun, along with the establishment of licensing and dispute resolution committees, and the issuance of escrow account instructions in coordination with the Qatar Central Bank.
He explained that developers and projects would be licensed based on clear standards, with project execution monitored for compliance with technical specifications and timelines.
The law requires developers to submit regular reports on completion rates and financial flows. Projects will be subject to field inspections, review of progress reports, and oversight of escrow account activity.
Al-Obaidly stated that the Authority had signed memorandums of understanding with GMG Holding Group and the Commercial Bank, as part of institutional efforts to regulate the market. He confirmed during the conference that all off-plan projects would be registered and that real estate advertisements and platforms would be monitored.
He also noted that the Authority is working on electronic integration with government entities to provide verified data on the real estate sector using artificial intelligence. These data will be made available via the Authority’s digital platform. He added that current transaction data reflect only properties with title deeds, whereas including off-plan sales will reshape market transaction figures.
Al-Obaidly indicated that the Authority is collaborating with government bodies and local banks, including Qatar Development Bank, to study proposals related to citizen housing finance, including offering various options through banks and developers.
The implementation of this legislation introduces new regulatory obligations for real estate developers, redefines their relationships with buyers, banks, and regulatory entities, and places the market under direct oversight through structured reporting, escrow management, and contract registration.
Activating the law requires commitment from all parties, a review of operational practices, and compliance with regulatory texts. Real estate data will be available, oversight will be enforced, and stakeholders in the sector must begin adapting to the new framework without delay.
