New Saudi foreign property ownership rules have been announced
This is what you need to know
Earlier this year, it was announced that Saudi Arabia would now allow expats to buy property in the Kingdom. Since then, full details have been announced, and the new Saudi foreign property ownership rules have been made public.
According to the new Saudi foreign property ownership rules set to take effect in January 2026, expats will only be allowed to own registered properties and must disclose all required information, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) stated, as reported by Gulf News.
As per the new rules, there will now be a combined 10 per cent in fees and taxes on foreign ownership. Possible violations of the existing terms could result in fines of up to SR10 million, and properties bought under false pretences will be auctioned publicly.
The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) is expected to release detailed maps and guidelines soon, covering cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and other governorates. Foreigners and foreign companies may buy property for residential or business use in designated zones, but ownership will remain subject to fees, restrictions, and regulatory procedures outlined in the law’s executive regulations.
Who’s eligible?
- Foreign individuals
- Foreign companies
- Saudi companies with foreign shareholders
- Non-profit entities
- Diplomatic missions (given that the same applies vice versa)
A person legally residing in the Kingdom may own one residential property outside the designated zones, except in Makkah and Madinah. In Makkah and Madinah, ownership will be limited to Muslims.
