Saudi Arabia has opened real estate ownership to non-Saudis under its new law which was implemented on January 22nd, 2026.
Applications can be processed through the official Saudi Properties digital platform for residents, non-residents, and foreign companies.
Ownership is permitted in Riyadh and Jeddah across designated regions and with special rules for Makkah and Madinah.
This new law aims to boost transparency, attract investment, and support the growth of the real estate sector.
Opening Real Estate Ownership
The Saudi real estate law has officially taken effect, making a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s property market evolution.
On January 22, Saudi Arabia implemented this groundbreaking legislation as part of its national real estate legislative framework. Under the new Saudi real estate law, non-Saudi individuals, companies, and organizations can now enjoy real estate ownership privileges across various regions of the Kingdom.
With Saudi Arabia targeting a 70% homeownership rate by 2030 and current figures reaching approximately 65% as of 2024, this law represents a strategic move toward achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious development goals.
New Ownership Rights and Permitted Uses
The law allows multiple forms of ownership, including full ownership, long-term leaseholds, and usufruct rights.
Foreign residents are permitted to purchase one residential property for personal use outside designated zones, while foreign businesses may acquire real estate needed for operations and employee housing.
All transactions must be officially registered to be legally valid, with transfer fees of up to 5% potentially applying.
Restrictions and Regulatory Oversight
Certain restrictions remain in place under the new framework. Ownership in Makkah and Madinah is limited to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether based inside or outside the Kingdom.
REGA will oversee implementation and enforce compliance, with penalties of up to SAR 10 million for violations. These safeguards aim to balance market openness with cultural, religious, and regulatory considerations.
Saudi Properties Digital Platform
The Saudi Properties platform serves as the exclusive digital gateway for all non-Saudi real estate ownership applications.
All procedures are completed electronically, from eligibility checks to final registration, with direct integration into the national real estate title registration system. This centralised system replaces fragmented legacy processes, enhancing transparency and protecting property rights.
Application Pathways for Ownership
Residents with valid iqama permits can apply directly through the platform, with eligibility verified automatically. Non-residents must first obtain a digital identity from a Saudi embassy abroad before submitting applications.
Foreign companies without a local presence must register with the Ministry of Investment via the Invest Saudi platform and obtain a Unified Number before proceeding.
Ownership Zones and Geographic Controls
Geographical zoning is a core component of the law that determines where non-Saudis may own property. REGA, in coordination with the Council of Ministers, will designate specific zones, initially focusing on high-demand urban markets such as Riyadh and Jeddah.
Foreign ownership outside these approved zones will generally not be permitted, except in limited cases.
Special Status of the Holy Cities
Makkah and Madinah retain a distinct legal status under the new law. Ownership in the two holy cities remains restricted to Muslim individuals and Saudi companies, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving their religious and demographic character.
Further clarification will be provided through the Geographical Zones Document, expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Supporting Vision 2030 Goals
With Saudi Arabia targeting a 70% homeownership rate by 2030 and current figures reaching approximately 65% as of 2024, this law represents a strategic move toward achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious development goals.
Shaping Saudi Real Estate Landscape
Saudi Arabia’s new real estate law represents a turning point for the Kingdom’s property market, opening carefully regulated access for international investors.
Through the Saudi Properties digital platform, applications are streamlined, transparent, and fully electronic, reducing barriers to entry.
By aligning foreign investment with Vision 2030 goals and maintaining protections for sensitive regions, the reform supports sustainable growth, market modernisation, and economic diversification.
Major Real Estate Projects in Riyadh
Dar Global and Mouawad’s Villa Project
Dar Global, an international real estate developer, has partnered with luxury jeweler Mouawad to unveil a $235 Million Villa Project in North Riyadh, close to the World Expo 2030 site.
The development will include 200 exquisite villas, similar to the prestigious Bulgari Residences, and aims to boost Riyadh’s reputation as a top luxury destination.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, this project represents Dar Global’s debut in Saudi Arabia and Mouawad’s entry into the real estate market.
The Avenues Riyadh
The highly anticipated Avenues Riyadh project, valued at $4.58 billion, has reached 44.5% completion and is scheduled to open in early 2026.
Situated in northern Riyadh, this iconic development, inspired by Salmani architecture, will cover 390,000 square meters and host one of the Middle East’s largest malls.
It will also feature three luxury hotel towers: Waldorf Astoria, Canopy by Hilton, and Conrad. This project supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of making Saudi Arabia a leading global tourist destination.
New Murabba
The most recent video demonstrates significant advancements in the construction of the New Murabba, the largest contemporary downtown in northwest Riyadh.
A remarkable 5 million cubic tonnes of soil have already been removed, and the project is making notable headway.
This ambitious venture covers an area of 19 square kilometers and will include the distinctive cube-shaped Mukaab at its heart, capable of holding 20 Empire State Buildings.
Elie Saab Branded Residences
Dar Al Arkan, a prominent real estate company in Saudi Arabia, has recently introduced the inaugural Elie Saab Branded Residences in Riyadh.
These residences, known as Etoile by Elie Saab, are situated within the SEDRA community in northern Riyadh, in close proximity to King Khalid International Airport.
SEDRA stands out as one of Riyadh’s highly sought-after developments, spanning an expansive 20 million square kilometers.
It is an integral part of the ROSHN Giga project, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). ROSHN has a strategic goal of increasing the homeownership rate among Saudi citizens to 70% by the year 2030.
With these transformative projects, Riyadh, one of theworld’s top 15 fastest-growing cities, is transforming into a city known for its accessibility and quality of life to become among the world’s top 10 cities with an investment of $1 trillion over the next seven years.
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