Are you an expat planning to own a property in Saudi Arabia?
Here’s all you need to know about the new property law
Good news for you if you are a foreigner looking to buy a property in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, has approved a new law regulating property ownership by non-Saudis.
What does this mean?
From January 2026, non-Saudis will be allowed to buy property – but only in designated areas. This new property law marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and grow its real estate sector.
While full details are still being finalised, officials confirmed that non-Saudis will be allowed to own property in key cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. However, ownership in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah will be subject to specific regulatory conditions.
As reported in Gulf Business, these measures aim to balance openness to investment with national and cultural considerations.
Under the law, the Real Estate General Authority will oversee the process, identifying areas suitable for foreign ownership and establishing rules, which are expected to be published on the Istitlaa platform within 180 days in the official Umm Al Qura Gazette for public feedback and suggestions.
The new property law aligns with existing regulations governing premium residency and current rules that allow GCC nationals to own property for residential or investment purposes.
These rules will outline:
- Who qualifies to own property
- Procedures on how to apply for and register purchases
- Geographic zones open to foreign ownership
- Conditions and protocols for ownership in Makkah and Madinah
What will happen next?
The new law is set to take effect in January 2026, and executive regulations will be shared within six months.
Images: Unsplash / Getty
