Bahrain Expands Residential Land Area by 208,000 sqm in November 2024
TDT | Manama
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The Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA) has reported a significant increase in the area of land classified for residential use in November 2024. Data reveals a 208,000 square meter expansion, bringing the total residential land area to 79 million square meters, up from 78.8 million square meters in October. This represents 11.86% of the total land area in the Kingdom.
This increase comes as the Bahraini government accelerates land planning across the country. The real estate market is anticipating the full implementation of a new regulation requiring developers to cover infrastructure costs when selling new land plots. Concerns remain about potential price increases or a reluctance to release land into the market due to this new regulation.
The Northern Governorate held the largest share of residential land in November, accounting for 24.8 million square meters (36%) of the total. The Southern Governorate followed with 22.3 million square meters, while the Capital Governorate recorded 20.4 million square meters. Muharraq Governorate had 11.3 million square meters of residential land. Land allocated for Ministry of Housing projects remained stable at 20.4 million square meters.
Investment land totaled 19.9 million square meters (2.99% of total land). Commercial land measured 3.4 million square meters (0.52%). Special-purpose land, the largest category, covered 32.4 million square meters (32.42%). Protected areas, the second largest category, comprised 25.3 million square meters (25.34%). Recreational areas and parks covered 17.1 million square meters (2.57%), and industrial areas totaled 4.2 million square meters (4.22%).
The UPDA is currently overseeing a detailed planning project encompassing 96 plots. To date, 82 plots have been planned, with 70 already approved. The remaining plots are undergoing approval procedures, which are expected to further boost the real estate market with diverse investment opportunities for both citizens and residents.
This increase comes as the Bahraini government accelerates land planning across the country. The real estate market is anticipating the full implementation of a new regulation requiring developers to cover infrastructure costs when selling new land plots. Concerns remain about potential price increases or a reluctance to release land into the market due to this new regulation.
The Northern Governorate held the largest share of residential land in November, accounting for 24.8 million square meters (36%) of the total. The Southern Governorate followed with 22.3 million square meters, while the Capital Governorate recorded 20.4 million square meters. Muharraq Governorate had 11.3 million square meters of residential land. Land allocated for Ministry of Housing projects remained stable at 20.4 million square meters.
Investment land totaled 19.9 million square meters (2.99% of total land). Commercial land measured 3.4 million square meters (0.52%). Special-purpose land, the largest category, covered 32.4 million square meters (32.42%). Protected areas, the second largest category, comprised 25.3 million square meters (25.34%). Recreational areas and parks covered 17.1 million square meters (2.57%), and industrial areas totaled 4.2 million square meters (4.22%).
The UPDA is currently overseeing a detailed planning project encompassing 96 plots. To date, 82 plots have been planned, with 70 already approved. The remaining plots are undergoing approval procedures, which are expected to further boost the real estate market with diverse investment opportunities for both citizens and residents.
The UPDA's mandate includes implementing national urban planning and sustainable development policies, and preparing master and detailed plans for various regions of the Kingdom. The authority employs a system for optimal land use classification, including residential areas (RA and RB), and connected residential areas (RHA, RHB, and RHC) allowing for the construction of connected housing units.
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