Saudi real estate, answered

Yes, within limits. Saudi Arabia’s updated law on real estate ownership by non-Saudis took effect in January 2026. It allows ownership in designated geographic zones, and legal residents can generally own a home for personal use. Eligibility depends on your residency status, the property’s zone and the published geographic scope. PrimeSpace checks all three before any offer is made.

You need a valid Iqama (residence permit) or company sponsorship, a Saudi mobile number and a bank account for payments. Every residential lease is registered on the government Ejar platform, which protects both tenant and landlord. Rent is usually paid annually, semi-annually or quarterly, plus a refundable security deposit.

Saudi citizens buying their first home can borrow up to 90% of the property value under SAMA rules, so the minimum down payment is 10%. Second homes and most non-Saudi borrowers typically need 30% or more. Banks also cap total monthly debt repayments as a share of salary (the debt-burden ratio), which our mortgage calculator checks for you.

Budget for the 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (Saudi citizens are exempt on the first SAR 1 million of a first home), a brokerage commission of up to 2.5% plus VAT, and bank valuation and arrangement fees if you finance. Our return calculator includes these costs, so your yield is worked out on the real all-in cost.

Market reports for early 2026 put average gross residential yields at roughly 8–9% in Riyadh, around 8% in Jeddah and around 6% in the Eastern Province. Net yields are typically 1–1.5 points lower after service charges, maintenance and vacancy. Riyadh rent increases on existing contracts are also restricted under the five-year freeze announced in September 2025, so factor that into any income forecast.

Yes. Brokers must hold a FAL licence from the Real Estate General Authority (REGA), and every property advertisement needs its own REGA advertising licence number. You can verify any broker on REGA’s FAL licence inquiry service before sharing documents or paying a deposit.

The Diplomatic Quarter, Al Olaya and KAFD suit professionals who want to live close to work. Families often choose gated compounds and villas in Hittin, Al Malqa, Al Nakheel and Al Yasmin for access to international schools. The best fit depends on your commute, school and budget, and we work through these with you in a consultation.

We handle the full real estate side of market entry. That covers shortlisting Grade-A offices in KAFD, Olaya and the northern business districts, negotiating lease terms, coordinating Ejar registration and fit-out, and finding housing for relocating staff. Your leadership deals with one advisor instead of many brokers.

Yes. Many clients start remotely. We run video viewings, send shortlists and due-diligence notes, and advise in Arabic, English, French and Russian, so your home or office is ready when you land.