Planning to buy land in Saudi Arabia? Being a foreigner not an obstruction anymore; real estate sector to boom

RIYADH: Foreigners will now be able to buy land in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government has approved a property rights law in this regard. The law will come into effect from the beginning of 2026. Foreigners will be able to buy land in certain areas in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.

The Real Estate General Authority is responsible for determining the areas where foreigners can own land. The authority will identify the geographical areas where foreigners can buy and issue detailed executive regulations. The executive regulations will include the application process and eligibility criteria for purchasing land.

There will be special restrictions on land purchases in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The details of the law, including executive regulations, will be published for public comment through Saudi Arabia's "Istitla" platform within 180 days of its publication in the Official Gazette. The law will then be given final approval. The law is part of the economic diversification plans outlined in "Vision 2030" by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia’s goal

 Real estate sector growth

 Foreign investment

 Economic development

“The law is part of a broader real estate reform agenda. It also includes regulations to protect Saudi citizens.”

- Majid Al-Hogail,

Minister of Municipalities and Housing