export_ofoct.com (1)

[00:00.70] Haqdoost is happy with how easily and quickly things are getting done under the new administration.

[00:10.80] “House prices have risen by almost 40 percent,” he said.

[00:15.04] “In the last three years, we have sold almost 400 properties.

[00:21.15] It wasn’t like that before.”

[00:24.07] Business is good for Haqdoost.

[00:27.00] He employs 1200 workers, including women who only deal with female buyers.

[00:35.51] Haqdoost said most purchasers bring their wives along because women often make decisions when it comes to real estate purchases — even in a nation that critics say oppresses women.

[00:52.51] “They decide whether to buy the house or not,” he said.

[00:57.30] Afghans often host visiting friends or family in their homes.

[01:03.13] So wealthy buyers want houses with a garden, gym, swimming pool, rooms for visitors and at least one kitchen.

[01:13.50] Since most of Haqdoost’s buyers are from overseas, their tastes are influencing the homes.

[01:22.27] They want houses with central heating, double-pane windows and elevators, and things like dining tables and beds.

[01:32.09] Kabul’s population was around 500,000 in the year 2000.

[01:39.00] Now it is more than 5 million.

[01:42.72] To make Kabul more livable, city officials are busy building and repairing roads, putting in streetlights, planting trees and removing trash.

[01:55.73] They are also developing plans for less costly housing and increased home ownership.

[02:03.43] Just outside of Kabul, Arash Asad is trying to sell his uncle’s property, which sits on around 4,000 square meters of land.

[02:16.18] He wants to sell the property for $800,000.

[02:21.77] “People think this country has no jobs and no economy,” Asad said.

[02:28.13] “But Afghans have made their money, illegally or legally, over the years. You wouldn’t believe it.”