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ARTICLE · 30 JULY 2025

Saudi Arabia Opens Door To Foreign Property Ownership: A Transformational Shift

Hamad in association with Youssry Saleh & Partners (AHYSP)
Explore more from Hamad in association with Youssry Saleh & Partners (AHYSP)

As part of a landmark move, Saudi Arabia has announced that foreigners will be permitted to own property in several areas within major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, with special conditions imposed for Makkah and Madinah.

Saudi ArabiaGovernment, Public Sector
AHYSP Law Firm
AHYSP Law Firm
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As part of a landmark move, Saudi Arabia has announced that foreigners will be permitted to own property in several areas within major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, with special conditions imposed for Makkah and Madinah. The newly enacted regulation is to take effect starting January 2026; meanwhile, the detailed guidelines will be issued through the official "Istithlaa" platform in the next few months.

Why This Matters

The decision is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, wherein the economy shall be diversified, foreign investment attracted, and the non-oil sectors strengthened. Foreign residents comprising almost 40% of the total population will now be able to set up more permanent roots in the Kingdom, a factor that analysts speculate will trigger a whirlwind in the real estate market.

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