West of Basra

Property market booms in Khor Al-Zubair following status upgrade

KHOR AL-ZUBAIR, BASRA — Real estate prices in Khor Al-Zubair area, west of Basra, have seen a notable rise after the area was upgraded to sub-district administrative status was announced with “anticipated” infrastructure development projects. Real estate agents report a 10% increase, particularly in areas slated to become fully developed residential cities following the official distribution of land plots to employees.
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Khor Al-Zubair was upgraded to “sub-district” status early this year. In Iraq’s administrative system, the distinctions between districts and sub-districts are significant in terms of governance and administrative responsibilities. Districts are larger administrative units within Iraq’s governorates, each encompassing multiple sub-districts. Sub-districts have limited autonomy and rely heavily on districts for their budget and legal authority. Mainly a district is considered a center city of a governorate.
Significant price hikes are evident in regions such as “Al-Kurayya,” “Al-Hindiya,” and “Al-Asmidha.” The price of a 250-square-meter house in these areas now reaches up to 160 million IQD  ($122,080). Similarly, land prices in the southern Al-Najm area have jumped from 10 million IQD ($7,630)  per plot to 40 million IQD ($30,520) due to land distribution to factory employees and the completion of official demarcations, which will transform it into a complete residential complex.
Murtadha Nouri, owner of Al-Muhami Real Estate Office, told 964media, “Khor Al-Zubair is economically significant due to its port and proximity to the vital Umm Qasr port. It hosts numerous government factories and private companies.”
Prices are climbing based on the location’s importance and available services. For example, commercial streets enhance the appeal for home buyers.
“In areas like ‘Al-Kurayya’ and ‘Al-Hindiya,’ property prices range from 90 million to over 150 IQD ($68,670  to $114,450). In ‘Al-Asmidha,’ which has a large market and good services like schools and paved roads, prices for a 250-square-meter plot can reach 160 million IQD ($122,080) or more, depending on the location and cleanliness,” Nouri added.
All mentioned prices were 10% lower before Khor Al-Zubair’s upgrade to a sub-district. Nouri also noted that “the demolition of illegal houses and shops” has contributed to the price increase.
The most significant price surge occurred in agricultural lands in the southern Al-Najm area, distributed to employees of iron and steel, fertilizer, and petrochemical plants. These lands, now officially demarcated and included in service project plans, have seen prices leap from 1 million IQD (763 $)  per plot to 40 million IQD ($30,520). Further increases are expected as these lands are set to become part of a fully integrated residential city.
Last May, residents and tribal leaders in Khor Al-Zubair gathered demanding essential infrastructure improvements after the area was upgraded to sub-district status earlier this year. The meeting, attended by members of the Basra Provincial Council and civil activists, addressed the lack of critical services and institutions. Despite its new status, Khor Al-Zubair lacks a district directorate, police station, civil defense unit, and other necessary infrastructure.