The Effects of Zoning Regulations and Land Use Planning on Property Values in Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

This research seeks to analyse the impact of zoning regulations and land use planning on property values in the Sultanate of Oman. Zoning is a significant legal tool for regulating land use, building densities, and environmental standards. While zoning can boost house prices by limiting supply and curtailing the development of inappropriate land use, too rigid policies could hamper land use efficiency. This study is about how zoning affects property values by supply, amenity, scarcity, and external impacts. For example, the limitation of the population density increases prices because of the decline of the stock of housing and the increase in demand. Preserving green space and neighbourhood appeal and, thereby, property values is another area in which zoning can also be used. Real estate costs are compared across Muscat, Sohar, and Sur, all of which are characterized by different urban, industrial, and rural attributes, before examining how infrastructure development determines the zoning outcome. The objective of the study is to find out if zoning laws in three districts may decreasing real estate value. Solving these would attract investment, balance property prices, and promote good growth from an economic and financial perspective. The research is based on the use and analysis of academic literature and combines data collection, case studies, and interviews to identify how effective zoning strategies can be developed within Oman to promote urban comfort and investment potential in real estate development in line with Oman’s Vision 2040.