New 2026 law — foreigners can buy
In July 2025 KSA passed a landmark law, effective January 2026. Foreigners can buy apartments and villas in designated zones. RETT cut from 10% to 5%. Renting is allowed. Purchase from 4M SAR (no mortgage) grants Premium Residency eligibility.
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Trap: designated zones
You can ONLY buy in designated zones — not everywhere. Exact list at rega.gov.sa. Buying outside = no Title Deed + fine up to 10M SAR.
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RETT 5% — who pays
By law the SELLER pays. But often shifted to the buyer via contract. 5% of 1M SAR = 50,000 SAR. Clarify BEFORE signing!
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Mecca & Medina — Muslims only
Non-Muslims cannot own property in Mecca and Medina. Muslims — for personal use only.
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No notary — Najiz instead
Deals go through the digital Najiz platform. It checks legal status but NOT zone eligibility or hidden risks. A lawyer is essential.
Cities and zones
| City | Open districts | Price SAR/m² |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | Al-Malqa, Al-Nakheel, KAFD, Al Olaya, Hittin | 5,000–15,000 |
| Jeddah | Corniche, Al-Naeem, Al-Rawda, Al-Hamra | 4,000–12,000 |
| Dammam / Al-Khobar | Al-Khobar, Dhahran, center | 3,000–8,000 |
| NEOM | Entire project open | Special prices |