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Real Estate in Afghanistan | Expat Exchange
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Real Estate in Afghanistan

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Oct 08, 2023

Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in Afghanistan should start by researching the local real estate market and contacting a reputable real estate agent. It is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding foreign ownership of property. Houses in Afghanistan typically include basic amenities such as running water, electricity, and a kitchen. Depending on the location and price range, some homes may also include air conditioning, a garden, and a garage. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Afghanistan, but there are certain restrictions. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own land, and they must obtain permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before purchasing a property. Additionally, foreigners are not allowed to rent out their property.

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How do I find a place to live in Afghanistan?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Finding a place to live in Afghanistan can be a challenging process. However, one option is to use the official government website e-Tazkera to look for available housing. There are also numerous websites dedicated to Afghani classifieds which can provide helpful information on apartments and houses for rent in different parts of Afghanistan. Additionally, people may also wish to visit local real estate or property agents to get information on available space in certain neighborhoods. It is important to note that rental prices and availability can vary significantly depending on the location and type of housing," said one expat who made the move to Afghanistan.

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Afghanistan?

"Typical expat homes or apartments in Afghanistan tend to be heavily protected, often behind thick walls and spiked gates with security guards on duty. Expats also tend to live in compounds with other expats, with many containing staff housing, a dining hall, and leisure complex. The apartments themselves are often modern, luxurious and well equipped, containing multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen and sometimes even a private garden. Living in an expat home or apartment in Afghanistan provides a safe and secure living space, allowing expats to fully immerse themselves in the culture and explore without worrying about safety," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Afghanistan.

What is the average cost of housing in Afghanistan?

If you are thinking about moving to Afghanistan, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Afghanistan can be quite varied. Generally, it can range from very affordable to quite expensive depending on where it is located and the type of home. The cost of living in main cities like Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar is generally quite high, but locations in the rural areas may be more affordable," said one person in Afghanistan.

Should I buy or rent a home in Afghanistan?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Afghanistan, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"When considering whether to buy or rent a home in Afghanistan, it is important to evaluate safety and cost. Buying a home will give you a long-term investment, but it comes with the added responsibilities of maintaining and repairing the property. Renting a home is a more flexible and cost-effective option. If there are issues with the property, it is often the responsibility of a landlord to fix them. In terms of safety, it is important to research areas before committing to living there, as some areas may be more volatile than others and may not be safe. Ultimately, it is a decision that should be made based on your personal needs and the available options," said one expat in Afghanistan.

What do I need to know when buying property in Afghanistan?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Afghanistan, they said:

"1. When considering buying property in Afghanistan, it is advisable to seek independent legal advice and have a reliable negotiator who understands both local and international laws. 2. Before purchasing property, you should familiarize yourself with the laws that relate to real estate in Afghanistan, including restrictions on foreign ownership and transfer of funds. 3. It is also important to research and consider the processes involved in registering property, mortgages, and other financial arrangements. 4. It is highly recommended to thoroughly inspect any potential property before signing a contract. 5. Be aware of the risk of conflict and insecurity in Afghanistan when buying property. 6. Investing in property in Afghanistan can be risky, due to various factors such as political instability and lack of property rights protection. It is best to thoroughly examine all property legal documents before proceeding with a purchase," explained one foreigner living in Afghanistan.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Afghanistan?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Afghanistan, they said...

"Foreigners are not allowed to own property in Afghanistan. According to the Afghan Constitution, only Afghan citizens are allowed to own land and property in the country. Foreigners are only allowed to lease property for a limited period of time. Additionally, foreign companies are not allowed to own land in Afghanistan, but they can lease it for up to 50 years," said one foreigner living in Afghanistan.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Afghanistan what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Afghanistan, rental properties typically include basic kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator, an oven, and a stove. They can also include other appliances such as washing machines and dryers, air conditioners, and heating systems. Depending on the location, some rentals may also come equipped with a water heater or a generator," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Afghanistan.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Afghanistan:

We asked foreigners in Afghanistan what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats looking for homes in Afghanistan can search online for listings of available properties. They can also contact local real estate agents to get more information about the housing market in the area. Additionally, expats can ask other expats who have already moved to Afghanistan for advice and recommendations on where to look for housing," said one person in Afghanistan.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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