Rising Residential Rents and Housing Shortage Raise Concerns Among Kabul Residents

Kabul residents have expressed concerns over rising residential rental prices and a shortage of suitable housing, urging officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to address the issue.

Ghulam Sanai, a resident of Mirwais Meidan, said his landlord doubled the rent for his two-room home from 6,000 afghanis to 12,000 afghanis monthly, adding that he is unemployed. Abdul Razeq, a laborer, described paying 7,000 afghanis in rent as burdensome amid scarce job opportunities.

Real estate agents attribute the surge in rents and house prices to the return of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries and economic challenges faced by property owners. Baryali, who manages a Kabul real estate agency, noted that mortgaged two-room houses previously costing 400,000 afghanis now fetch 1 million afghanis, with monthly rents reaching 10,000 afghanis. Nizamuddin, from another agency, said most returning citizens have increased demand, while some owners registering properties face financial difficulties.

The Ministry of Justice of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stated it has examined hundreds of real estate agencies in Kabul during the months of Qaws, Jadi and Dalwa in the year 1404, closing 55 offices for violations and illegal activities. Barkatullah Rasuli, the ministry spokesman, said the inspections aimed to supervise real estate transactions.

Residents continue to voice complaints amid the ongoing rise in rental costs and housing scarcity.