Courtesy: Qatar Tribune
Doha, Jul 2: The first expatriate to get a property registered in his name happens to be an Indian Nelson D’Souza for whom Qatar has been a home away from home for the last 25 years.
Though D’Souza has bought the property from a Qatari owner, he got it registered in his name by the Doha Municipality a few days back.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, D’Souza said, “I like Qatar very much and would like to stay here for many more years.
The new Qatari law allowing the expatriates to own property in the country has come as a godsend as acquisition of property here will make it possible for me to continue to live in Qatar.
I’ m the first person to be registered as I had paid the whole amount in cash whereas others have had to wait for the bank to finance their purchase.” Nelson D’ Souza, a public relations officer with Gulf International Enterprises, feels that it is a great opportunity for all the expatriates in Qatar to invest in the real estate as this sector has great potential for growth and development.
He said that prices, though dull at present due to the global economic crisis, will pick up soon.
He has paid QR 1.3 million for a two- bedroom flat in the Al Saad area near Millennium Hotel.
He has already let out the property and getting a good return on his investment by way of rent. Asked about the formalities involved in the registration of the property, D’Souza said that it was an easy exercise.
“The authorities are very helpful and cooperative.
The entire procedure was smooth and took just a few days.
There was no complication or any legal hassles.” Formerly an employee of the Ministry of Defence, D’ Souza, who worked there as a communication operator, feels that his was a wise decision.
“I’m sure to get good returns on my investment,” D’ Souza exulted.
Nelson is the son of Late Joseph D'Souza and Juliana Rosa D'Souza, Kinnigoli. His wife name is Anita and he has 2 daughters: Nicole and Abigail. He is the nephew of Maxim D’Mello, the incumbent president of Mangalorean Association of Canada!