Re: One more Riyadh compound thread
 

Al Bustan comes highly regarded from those in the know I have spoken with. There aren't really the same type of apartment complexes in Riyadh as in Dubai or elsewhere.

There are two schools - American Int'l School (AISR), which sits within the same block also.

Re: One more Riyadh compound thread
 

To keep the thread alive, here is an update with some of my observations and pricing:

Al Bustan - probably the best compound in Riyadh. Direct access to American School.
3BR villas - 337 to 428K per year depending on the footage
4BR villas- 462K
1BR apt - 215K
2BR apt - 245K

Al Nakhla - I don't know what all the fuss is about. Sure, the facilities are nice but the houses are so CRAMPED.
2BR apt 220-230K
2BR villa 290K
3BR villa 320K
4BR villa 510K (this one is actually a decent size)

Andorra is really nice and is really way out of town. Unless you work by the airport brace yourself for a 50-60 min commute each way.
3BR villas 238-278K
4BR villa 310K

Re: One more Riyadh compound thread
 

Continuing the thread:

Wadi Quortuba - looked nice on pictures and is new, but I never visited since it was far from my work.
3BR villas - 303-312K pa depending on the size
4BR villas - 303-403K pa (303K is the same size villa as 3BR, just with smaller bedrooms)

Al Hamra - decent facilities, houses feel a bit tired/small for the price:
2BR apt - 200K pa
4BR apt - 300K pa
3BR villa - 340-380K pa
4BR villa - 475K pa

Eid Villas - old but priced for value
2BR - 150K pa (140-160m2)
3BR - 175K pa (190m2)
4BR - 200K pa (240m2)

Arabian Homes - centrally located but VERY old (think the 80s, with furniture and appliances from those times), decently maintained, smallish rooms (eg 2BR townhouse is 100m2)
1BR - 125K
2BR - 165K

Granada - very old but priced for value, newer shared facilities (gym, pool, squash courts etc.)
2BR - 115K
3BR - 160-180K
4BR - 200K

After living in Riyadh for a while my strong advice is to consider commute time when choosing the compound. Spending 1 hour one-way to get to work quickly gets old. Weigh it against more family comfort which farther compounds in the North usually provide (since they are newer).

Re: One more Riyadh compound thread
 

I'd be interested to hear, as I recently saw one but it was very small and 120k. Have a 2br for the same price, just a little further north but conveniently out of traffic for my daily commute.

Re: One more Riyadh compound thread
 

I recently contacted Granada compound and received the following prices:

2-bedroom apartment 140 sqm 120k
3-bedroom villa plus maid's room 252 sqm 180k
4-bedroom villa plus maid's room 285 sqm 220k

My sources tell me that although it is close to the new BISR site, Granada compound is very old (although adequately maintained) with no restaurant and a small gym with very old equipment (and which is closed on Mondays). Other than that the facilities appaently just comprise a small shop, football, basketball and tennis courts and four small pools. There is a wave pool but it is only open in the height of summer and then for limited hours on the weekend. Also electricity and satellite TV are not included in the rent and the compound puts on zero social events for residents (despite the claims on their website).

I have also found the attitude of the compound admin staff to be poor - other than sending me the price list and reservation form they have ignored my emails asking questions. If they treat prospective tenants like that I'm wary of how they will treat their actual tenants.

Re: One more Riyadh compound thread
 

Habibi, welcome to Saudi.

I went for a viewing at an arranged time. Showed up, guy didn't reply to my messages, I left..I got one two hours later "are you still here?"

Re: One more Riyadh compound thread
 

I had a similar experience with Granada compound when I emailed them about availability and prices. They replied that they were 100% full and then ignored all further messages still asking for prices and about a waiting list.