The report gives an overview of the Bahrain real estate market across residential, commercial and retail sectors. Top line findings are that significant growth is expected through to 2012 across residential and commercial sectors, with the Kingdom remaining a highly competitive market ripe for investment across both. Growth is also predicted for retail real estate, though the report emphasises the danger of over-supply in this sector. Bahrain’s residential real estate sector is set for a successful year fuelled by strong local demand, relaxed foreign ownership regulations, strong levels of liquidity in the regional market and improved financing options.

Although more than 90 per cent of those buying property in Bahrain are Bahrainis, the report highlights an increase in non-national investors, mostly from Saudi Arabia. This trend is matched with increased monthly rental prices, with prime monthly rents in the Seef area ranging from BD850 a month for a two bedroom apartment to BD1,800 per month for a four bedroom villa.