IMPORTANT BUYER INFORMATION
Can you buy a property in Saudi Arabia with confidence and what is the Law of Saudi Arabia concerning foreigners owning property?
Regulation of Ownership and Investment in Real Estate by Non-Saudis issued Under:
Royal Decree No. M/15 dated 17/04/1421H Article (2) Non-Saudi natural persons enjoying normal legal residency status in Saudi Arabia may own real estate for use as a personal residence, subject to obtaining a permit from Ministry of Interior Article (5): With the exception of transfer through inheritance, Non-Saudis may not obtain the title, easement or use of the real estate located within the city limits of Mecca and Madina. Non-Saudi Muslims may, however, lease real estate property inside the boundaries of Mecca and Medina for a period not exceeding two (2) years. Such leases are renewable for similar periods.
IPD comment - unless you are a resident actually residing in Saudi Arabia as a Saudi National or as an Expat already present and working in Saudi Arabia the current Law is restrictive to buyers who live in other countries who are seeking to purchase a property in Saudi Arabia. 'Title' and permisssion to purchase property the property is hard to obtain but may be possible through the Saudi Embassy either in your own country or directly through application through the Saudi Ministry of Interior. We suggest buyers explore this before starting to look at property for sale.
IPD Advice
Buyer Note : If you are looking for a property in the Middle East with more relaxed ownership rights but still close to Saudi Arabia for personal or investment purposes please review IPD's Middle Eastern Property buyers section here.
There are, in the future, projects that are intended to be open to full tile ownership irrespective of the buyers location or nationality but these projects are not available currently.
Looking for a FREEHOLD property with resident title in the Middle East - view Middle East Property here.