In the heart of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, a surprising trend is emerging: the luxury real estate market is thriving. Despite the country’s economic challenges and reliance on humanitarian aid, high-end properties are drawing attention from affluent buyers, fueled by newfound stability under the Taliban administration.
One standout property is a lavish nine-bedroom, nine-bathroom villa adorned with white-and-gold accents and the Arabic inscription “Mashallah” (meaning “God has willed it”) on its roof. Priced at $450,000, the home reflects a broader demand for opulent residences in a city where cash is king, mortgages are rare, and more than half the population struggles for basic necessities.
“It’s a myth that Afghans don’t have money,” says Omidullah, a Kabul-based real estate agent. “There are big businessmen here with successful ventures abroad, and some homes are worth millions.”
The city’s newfound security has played a pivotal role in the real estate surge. Improved conditions have encouraged Afghans living abroad to return, bringing their wealth and investing in homes. Many are escaping deportation crackdowns in neighboring Iran and Pakistan, further boosting demand for premium properties.
The property market has also benefited from reduced corruption and more efficient bureaucracy under the Taliban. “Before the Taliban, people were afraid to invest because of violence and corruption,” explains Ghulam Mohammed Haqdoost, another prominent real estate agent. “Now, house prices have risen by 40%.”
Haqdoost credits the current administration for simplifying the process of buying land and properties. Gone are the days of bribing local officials or dealing with warlords.
For Afghan buyers, luxury goes beyond just aesthetics. Properties often feature expansive gardens, gyms, saunas, swimming pools, and multiple kitchens to accommodate Afghan traditions of hospitality. “Afghans love entertaining at home,” notes Haqdoost.
Interestingly, women play a key role in purchasing decisions. Despite Afghanistan’s conservative culture, Haqdoost highlights that “women are the ones who decide whether to buy a house or not.”
Afghans returning from abroad are also influencing interior design trends. Traditionally, homes in Afghanistan lack furniture like dining tables and beds, with people dining and sleeping on the floor. But modern buyers now favor amenities such as central heating, double-pane windows, and elevators, particularly in upscale apartment buildings.
As Kabul’s population surges from 500,000 at the turn of the millennium to over 5 million today, its housing market is adapting. While the city undergoes beautification projects like repairing roads, installing streetlights, and planting trees, congestion remains an issue in many neighborhoods.
Affluent buyers often turn to the suburbs, such as the scenic Qargha Reservoir area. Here, elaborate homes sit alongside one of Kabul’s most cherished beauty spots.
One such property, listed at $800,000, offers breathtaking views of the reservoir and the Paghman Mountains. Its sprawling 43,000-square-foot estate includes cherry trees, gardens, and even cranes, which are included in the sale. For many Afghans, gardens are a nostalgic connection to their rural roots.
“Gardens are a reminder of where many Afghans come from,” says Arash Asad, the property’s broker. His uncle, the current owner, prefers turning the estate into a business but continues to field offers from interested buyers.
Despite widespread misconceptions about Afghanistan’s economic condition, agents like Asad and Haqdoost see a thriving market. “People think this country has no jobs or economy,” says Asad, “but Afghans have made money—legally or illegally—over the years. You wouldn’t believe it.”
Luxury properties, with their mix of cultural tradition and modern amenities, are a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of Kabul’s elite. As stability takes root, Kabul’s high-end real estate market is proving that even in challenging times, there’s no shortage of ambition or opportunity.
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