New Chapter for Saudi Real Estate Market as Foreign Ownership Allowed

Asharq Al-Awsat

10-07-2025

Saudi Arabia has approved a new law allowing non-Saudis to own real estate across the Kingdom, a move officials say will stimulate foreign investment, increase the quality and availability of housing stock, and help bring balance to the property market.
The decision, announced by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, marks a shift in the structure of the real estate sector and aligns with the Kingdom's broader strategy to diversify investment and improve urban development under its Vision 2030 reform agenda.
Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Minister Majid Al-Hogail said the new framework is expected to attract foreign developers and investors, increase competition in the domestic market, and ultimately help stabilize prices while improving housing options for Saudi citizens.
'A Strategic Restructuring'
'This step will encourage real estate supply and raise the quality of developments,' Al-Hogail said in a statement. 'It supports the economic momentum and investment movement we are witnessing under Vision 2030.'
Khalid Al-Jasser, head of Amaken Group and a real estate specialist, said the updated system prioritizes Saudi citizens' interests and will include mechanisms to regulate the market and achieve planned targets—chief among them, property market balance.
He added that the move would introduce global real estate standards to the Kingdom and draw capital to improve housing infrastructure, while creating jobs and lowering property prices.
'This is more than just an investment measure—it's a structural shift,' Al-Jasser said.
Focus on Mega Projects and New Cities
Khaled Almobid, CEO of Menassat Realty Co., said the measure would allow foreign investors to buy properties in major development zones such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project—areas central to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic diversification efforts.
Almobid said the law is intended to protect Saudi homebuyers from being priced out of the market, while enabling high-value foreign investment that brings hard currency and supports large-scale development.
'The focus will be on strategic areas,' he said. 'We expect foreign ownership will be restricted in districts designated for Saudi housing, with safeguards against speculation.'
He noted that details would become clearer once executive regulations are released.
Riyadh Housing Reforms
The foreign ownership law follows a series of housing reforms launched in March by Crown Prince Mohammed, aimed at curbing soaring land and rental prices in Riyadh.
As part of the measures, the government lifted bans on land sales, divisions, and permits, and instructed the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to develop 10,000 to 40,000 new residential plots annually over the next five years - priced at no more than 1,500 riyals ($400) per square meter - for eligible citizens.
Eligibility is limited to married Saudis or individuals over 25 years old with no prior property ownership.
The government also pledged to amend regulations governing undeveloped land fees and tenant-landlord relations within 60 to 90 days to boost supply and protect all parties' rights.
The Real Estate General Authority and the Royal Commission were also tasked with monitoring Riyadh property prices and submitting regular reports.