Saudi Arabia to allow expats to buy property from 2026? What we know

Dubai: If you're an expat living in Saudi Arabia or the UAE and have always wondered if you could own property in the Kingdom — the answer is now yes. But starting only from January 2026.

Saudi Arabia has just passed a new law that will allow foreigners to own property in certain parts of the country. This is a big change and part of the country’s plan to open up its economy and attract global investors. Here’s what this means in simple terms.

Who can buy?

Foreign individuals and companies — meaning expats and overseas investors — will be allowed to buy real estate in Saudi Arabia.

You won’t need Saudi citizenship, but the rules will apply only in approved zones, which are still being finalized.

Own property where?

You will be able to buy in:

• Riyadh

• Jeddah

• Other designated zones to be announced

However, Makkah and Madinah will have special restrictions because of their religious and cultural importance. The government hasn’t shared full details yet, but you’ll likely need special approvals to buy in these holy cities.

When does this start?

The law officially takes effect in January 2026.

Before that, the Saudi government will publish a detailed list of rules and locations where property ownership will be allowed.

These rules will be made available to the public within 180 days on a Saudi consultation website called “Istitaa”. People can review and comment before final rules are confirmed.

Why is Saudi doing this?

This move is part of Vision 2030 — Saudi Arabia’s plan to grow its economy beyond oil and make it more investor-friendly.

Officials say the new law will:

• Attract international property investors

• Increase housing and commercial supply

• Support major development projects in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and even NEOM (Saudi’s futuristic city project)

The government also said that procedures will be in place to protect local Saudi citizens while still making it easy for foreigners to invest.

What Saudi sectors will benefit?

Allowing expats to buy property is expected to boost:

• Real estate and housing demand

• Construction and development companies

• Banks and mortgage providers

• Cement and infrastructure businesses

In fact, after the announcement, Saudi real estate company shares jumped, with some rising more than 5% on the Tadawul stock exchange.

What should expats do now?

• Wait for the official rules and locations to be published later this year

• Keep an eye on the “Istitaa” platform, where public feedback will be collected

• Watch out for property developers in Saudi Arabia looking to build in the designated areas

Bottom line?

Saudi Arabia is following the path of Gulf cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, which have allowed expats to buy property in specific zones for years. That model has attracted billions in foreign investment — and it worked.

Dubai’s real estate market, for instance, boomed after opening up to foreigners in 2002. It’s now one of the world’s top destinations for global property buyers.

If Saudi Arabia takes a similar approach, it could trigger a new wave of foreign investment, making cities like Riyadh and Jeddah the next big hotspots for real estate.

For expats and overseas investors, this could be a golden opportunity — not just to live in Saudi Arabia long-term, but to build wealth through property ownership in one of the region’s fastest-growing markets.