Question 1

Can foreigners buy property in Muscat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, inside designated Integrated Tourism Complexes such as Al Mouj, Muscat Bay, Muscat Hills, Telal Al Qurm and AIDA at Yiti, where non-Omanis take full freehold title in their own name. Outside an ITC the position is more restricted, and any project marketed as freehold from a non-ITC site should be verified in writing.

Question 2

How much does property in Muscat cost?

Accepted Answer

From $106,900 for a studio at Uptown Muscat to more than $8 million at AIDA by DarGlobal. Per square foot the range runs roughly $118 to $387 depending on district.

Question 3

Which part of Muscat is best value?

Accepted Answer

Sultan Haitham City, on a per-square-foot basis — villas at Al Ahlam work out at about $118 per foot, the lowest in the governorate. The coastal ITCs at Muscat Bay and Yiti are the most expensive per foot, at $248 to $387.

Question 4

Does buying in Muscat give Omani residency?

Accepted Answer

Only above the threshold. Golden Residency requires a property inside a designated ITC and an investment of OMR 200,000, about $520,160. Most Muscat stock sells below that, so entry-level purchases do not qualify.

Question 5

What is the cheapest property in Muscat?

Accepted Answer

Uptown Muscat at Knowledge Oasis, from $106,900. Note that this site sits outside the ITC framework and its freehold basis should be confirmed in writing — Alef Qurum Residence, inside a licensed ITC, starts $4,900 higher.

Question 6

How big is Muscat?

Accepted Answer

The governorate had 1,532,234 residents at the end of 2025, about 28.6% of Oman's population, across six wilayats — Muscat, Muttrah, Bowshar, As Seeb, Al Amerat and Quriyat — at 383 people per square kilometre.

Question 7

What are the buying costs in Muscat?

Accepted Answer

About 8% — 5% VAT on the first sale of a new home plus a 3% transfer fee for foreign buyers. There is no annual property tax in Oman and no personal income tax on rent.

Question 8

Is Muscat better than Dubai for property investment?

Accepted Answer

Different propositions. Muscat is a smaller, less liquid market with lower entry prices and far lower transaction volumes; Dubai offers depth and exit liquidity Oman cannot match. We compare them directly in our Oman versus Dubai analysis.

Question 9

Which Muscat district has the best resale market?

Accepted Answer

Al Mouj, by a clear margin — it is inside the city, has delivered for over a decade and has a year-round resident population. Elsewhere you are largely selling into continued primary demand.

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