The value of real estate transactions in Kuwait rose by nearly half, year on year in the first three months of 2012, according to a report from Kuwait International Bank (KIB). Total values reached $3.2 billion, and increase of 49 percent compared to the same period last year and the number of deals was 2,657, up 69 percent compared to the first quarter of 2011. January saw the highest number of sales, recording 1,022 deals worth $1.279 billion, the report also shows and the majority of sales in the housing sector were in Sabah Al-Ahmad city, followed by Abu Ftaira, Funaitees, Khairan and Salam. "These figures reflect interest of medium income investors in new districts where prices are generally affordable," the report said. Islamic lenders already offer home financing packages but conventional lenders are restricted from doing so, putting them at a disadvantage. "Mortgages are something that is a big problem here in Kuwait. Conventional banks are upset and not happy and we aim to put pressure on the government," said Aly Mahmoud Shalaby, head of consumer banking at Gulf Bank, Kuwait's second largest lender by market value. The lack of mortgage options has left a number of buyers struggling to secure financing to purchase their own home. A government lending scheme offers first time buyers a loan of $254,684 and many nationals apply for a 15 year personal loan to top this up. But Shalaby said this is usually not enough to cover the price of buying and building a reasonable villa.
