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n Kabul, a city that has endured decades of war and destruction, a new era of peace is driving up property prices in the high-end real estate market. Omidullah, a local real estate agent, is selling a stunning nine-bedroom villa for $450,000 – a price that might seem astronomical to many Afghans who rely on humanitarian aid.

    However, Omidullah insists that there are many wealthy businessmen in Afghanistan who have made their fortunes abroad and are now investing in the country's property market. The Taliban's transition from insurgency to authority has created better conditions for business, with reduced violence and a more stable government.

    As a result, people who spent years living and working abroad are returning home, eager to take advantage of the improved security and stability. Many are buying properties in cash or using the "geerawi option," where they provide a fixed sum to a landlord in exchange for living on their property until the money is repaid.

    Real estate agent Ghulam Mohammed Haqdoost notes that house prices have risen by almost 40% in the last three years, with his company selling nearly 400 properties. He attributes this growth to the Taliban's efforts to regulate legal and commercial matters, reducing corruption and making it easier for people to do business.

    Haqdoost's clients are mostly overseas buyers who want modern amenities like gardens, gyms, and swimming pools. They also want to accommodate their families and friends in style, reflecting Afghanistan's strong tradition of hospitality. The demand for luxury properties is driving up prices, but there is also a need for affordable housing, with the city's population having grown from 500,000 at the start of the millennium to over 5 million today.

    Outside the city, affluent Afghans are building elaborate homes on the edge of Qargha Reservoir, which offers stunning views and landscaped gardens. Arash Asad is trying to sell his uncle's property, a 4,000-square-meter plot with unobstructed views across the reservoir and to the Paghman Mountains. The asking price: $800,000.

    Asad notes that Afghans place great importance on gardens and green spaces, which remind them of their past and provide a sense of connection to nature. Despite the challenges facing Afghanistan, there is a growing economy and a thriving property market – one that is driven by peace, stability, and a desire for luxury living.