Starting January 2026, foreign nationals and companies will be allowed to buy real estate in Saudi Arabia. This is a historic shift in policy, supporting the country’s Vision 2030 goal to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
The change opens the door for expatriates, global firms, and international investors looking to enter the Saudi property market.
Who Can Buy Property and Where?
Anyone without Saudi citizenship—including individuals and foreign-owned companies—can purchase property in approved areas. While a full list is pending, Riyadh and Jeddah are already confirmed as eligible zones.
The complete map of permitted locations will be released before the law takes effect.
What About Mecca and Madinah?
Foreign ownership in Mecca and Madinah will come with special restrictions due to their religious significance. Property may still be available, but only under strict government permissions that will be outlined in upcoming regulations.
When Does the Law Take Effect?
The new ownership rules officially begin in January 2026. A full guide, including zone maps and specific conditions, will be published within the next six months.
All updates and draft rules will be shared on the government’s public consultation portal, “Istitlaa.”
Why This Matters for Vision 2030
This reform is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to modernize and grow its non-oil sectors. By allowing foreign investment in real estate, the Kingdom aims to:
- Boost housing and commercial property supply
- Encourage urban growth in cities like NEOM, Riyadh, and Jeddah
- Support jobs and innovation in the construction and finance sectors
Officials have confirmed that safeguards will protect local citizens’ interests, even as the market opens to outside investors.
Sectors Set to Benefit from the New Law
Several industries are expected to gain from the decision to open real estate in Saudi Arabia to foreigners:
- Real estate development and property firms
- Construction and infrastructure companies
- Banks, lenders, and mortgage providers
- Cement and building material suppliers
Following the announcement, real estate stocks on the Tadawul exchange surged by over 5%, showing strong investor confidence.
What Should Expats and Investors Do Now?
If you’re planning to invest in real estate in Saudi Arabia, here are a few steps to take:
- Follow updates via the Istitlaa portal for official rules
- Wait for the release of designated investment zones
- Start engaging with local developers and property consultants for early insights
This new policy marks a bold step toward opening up Saudi Arabia’s real estate market to the world. With clear rules, designated zones, and Vision 2030 backing the move, foreign investors and expats now have a real chance to own property in one of the region’s fastest-growing economies.
As the Kingdom continues its transformation, this could become a defining moment in the Middle East’s real estate evolution.
