When the real estate markets of the Middle East are mentioned, Dubai is always mentioned and the success of its real estate market is well documented. However, one market that is catching up quickly is Bahrain. Out of all the real estate markets in the Middle East, the Bahrain real estate market has the greatest possible potential.

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. The country was once named by the ancient Sumerians, considered an island paradise where there was no disease, death or suffering, and where the gods resided. Although modern Bahrain has not retained such mythical status, many still frolic on its heavenly shoreline and the country is still perceived by many as a blissful respite from indulgent Islamic countries. Bahrain occupies a strategic position between East and West. The Kingdom has always been considered a place of unity where east meets west, renowned for its warmth and hospitality. A good balance of traditional values ​​combined with refined modernity make Bahrain an attractive country in which to live and work.

Despite its size, Bahrain has a well-established property market. In recent times, changes in Bahraini law, foreign citizens are now allowed freehold of property, have created a huge surge in investor interest in the country. Unlike countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain has made efforts to diversify its economy away from oil by focusing on business areas such as tourism, information technology, telecommunications, education, and healthcare. This strategy has attracted several multinational companies to establish their headquarters in Bahrain.

About a third of Bahrain’s population are foreign expatriates looking for that ideal mix of stability and prosperity. Perhaps this influence has shaped modern Bahrain, which is now rapidly modernizing, filled with shopping malls and restaurants. Expats living in Bahrain generally enjoy an extraordinary standard of living mainly due to their substantial tax-free income. The types of accommodation that expats seek have established the style of real estate that is normally available for sale or rent in the Kingdom and financing property in the Kingdom is quite easy.

The movement of an increasing number of expatriates to Bahrain has resulted in a huge boom in the real estate sector. Most of these expats are taking advantage of changes in legislation that allow them to own freehold property and this is increasing the need for quality accommodation. The increase in demand for accommodation is probably the reason why rental rates have increased in recent years. However, rental rates are still significantly lower than in Dubai. These factors have made the Bahrain real estate market investment ready with the realization of capital appreciation quite easy to achieve due to an enthusiastic market for whole resale property.

Taking these factors into account, Bahrain is possibly the best real estate market to invest in. For investors looking for better capital appreciation than Dubai has, Bahrain is the market to enter.