Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality has reduced the minimum plot size for subdividing land for private villas to 400 sq m, the state-run Qatar News Agency (QNA) reports.

The new rules allow larger plots to be divided into smaller ones, making it possible to build several villas instead of a single property. A plot of 400 sq m with a frontage of at least 15 metres is sufficient for one villa. For two semi-detached villas, the minimum requirements are 600 sq m and 20 metres of frontage, respectively.

With the changes, local authorities aim to make more efficient use of land, increase housing supply and make homes more affordable.