Saudi Arabia Opens Property Market to Foreign Buyers in Landmark Reform
A new ownership law takes effect, allowing non-Saudis to purchase real estate in designated areas as Riyadh seeks to attract overseas investment under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia has formally opened significant portions of its property market to foreign buyers, as a long-awaited legal framework permitting non-Saudi ownership came into force on January twenty-first, marking a major shift in the Kingdom’s economic policy.
The Law on Non-Saudisb’ Ownership of Real Estate, approved by royal decree and published last year, replaces the country’s previous, more restrictive regime and establishes clear rules governing where and how foreign individuals and entities may acquire residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural real estate within designated zones.
Under the new system, non-Saudi residents can purchase one personal residence outside the designated zones — excluding the holy cities of Mecca and Medina — while non-residents will be able to own property only within officially identified areas that are expected to include key urban centres such as Riyadh, Jeddah and parts of the Eastern Province.
Outside these zones, direct foreign ownership remains curtailed, with restrictions kept in place in the holy cities and subject to regulatory conditions.
The legislation also introduces updated financial and compliance obligations, including transfer taxes and additional fees on property transactions involving non-Saudis, and imposes penalties for non-compliance.
The Real Estate General Authority will oversee implementation and enforcement, with all acquisitions required to be registered in the national real estate registry.
The reform forms a central component of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to attract global capital, diversify its economy beyond oil and stimulate long-term investment under its Vision 2030 agenda.
It follows sustained momentum in the real estate sector, supported by substantial development pipelines — including giga-projects and urban expansion initiatives — that have driven demand across residential, office, retail and industrial segments.
Investors and developers have welcomed the clarity provided by the new law, which is expected to open fresh opportunities for international participation in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving property market while balancing regulatory safeguards to protect national priorities.
The Law on Non-Saudisb’ Ownership of Real Estate, approved by royal decree and published last year, replaces the country’s previous, more restrictive regime and establishes clear rules governing where and how foreign individuals and entities may acquire residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural real estate within designated zones.
Under the new system, non-Saudi residents can purchase one personal residence outside the designated zones — excluding the holy cities of Mecca and Medina — while non-residents will be able to own property only within officially identified areas that are expected to include key urban centres such as Riyadh, Jeddah and parts of the Eastern Province.
Outside these zones, direct foreign ownership remains curtailed, with restrictions kept in place in the holy cities and subject to regulatory conditions.
The legislation also introduces updated financial and compliance obligations, including transfer taxes and additional fees on property transactions involving non-Saudis, and imposes penalties for non-compliance.
The Real Estate General Authority will oversee implementation and enforcement, with all acquisitions required to be registered in the national real estate registry.
The reform forms a central component of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to attract global capital, diversify its economy beyond oil and stimulate long-term investment under its Vision 2030 agenda.
It follows sustained momentum in the real estate sector, supported by substantial development pipelines — including giga-projects and urban expansion initiatives — that have driven demand across residential, office, retail and industrial segments.
Investors and developers have welcomed the clarity provided by the new law, which is expected to open fresh opportunities for international participation in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving property market while balancing regulatory safeguards to protect national priorities.
