KUWAIT CITY, Dec 10: Standardized models and low-cost “modular” designs are rapidly spreading in vacant land as the antiland monopoly law approaches implementation in early January 2026. Kuwait’s real estate market is witnessing rapid and unprecedented changes in development and construction trends, as the anticipated fees have prompted landowners and developers to fundamentally reconsider their real-estate investment strategies. This has opened the door to the spread of rapid construction technologies, most notably precast concrete systems and prefabricated homes. Al-Seyassah surveyed experts and specialists to explore the scenarios facing landowners and assess the validity of concerns about potential declines in rental prices. Real estate expert Fahad Al-Mu’min explained that prefabricated concrete construction is now widely used in many countries around the world, particularly in commercial towers and complexes that require rapid completion within a specific timeframe.

He explained that this system is characterized by its light weight and speed of implementation, while still providing high strength and safety when carried out by specialized companies. These companies typically offer warranties ranging from 20 to 25 years on the quality of the concrete and on any defects that may appear in the future. This system is safe, globally recognized, and effective. Some owners of vacant land in Kuwait have recently begun experimenting with it. Al-Mu’min said he believes it is an excellent option for completing larger residential units within short timeframes, especially in light of the need to address the issue of vacant land monopolization. He predicted that real estate developers will adopt this method in the future due to its speed and quality, but individuals will remain more hesitant to use it for building their homes because of their attachment to traditional construction methods.

Al-Mu’min affirmed that the introduction of prefabricated units will positively impact the real estate market by enabling the construction of a large number of villas and residential units within short periods, thereby contributing to development and helping revitalize the market. He said this approach represents a qualitative shift in real estate development and will pave the way for providing suitable units for various segments, especially those seeking ready-made villas without having to go through the traditional construction process. Al-Mu’min indicated that the availability of a large number of rental units could lead to stable or slightly lower rental prices, though this ultimately depends on the type of units offered.

However, Al-Mu’min stressed that demand for rentals in Kuwait remains very high, with approximately 8,000 marriages taking place annually, in addition to the ongoing need for alternative housing among a large segment of the population due to the long waiting periods for housing applications. He explained that current Kuwait Municipality regulations restrict the construction of multi-apartment buildings, requiring the ground and first floors to be fully occupied, while the third floor may only be divided into two apartments. This limits the availability of small units, which could lead to a slight decrease in rental prices for full floors, while apartment rents remain relatively stable. This limited decline in rental yields may affect property values, but it also helps stabilize the market and prevents significant increases in private housing prices.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff