Can Foreigners Buy Property in Saudi Arabia? (2026 Guide)
The short answer
Yes. Since January 2026, foreign investors can buy and own freehold property in Saudi Arabia in their own name. Ownership is perpetual, transferable and inheritable, the same bundle of rights a Saudi national holds in the approved zones.
This is the first time in the Kingdom's history that property ownership has been opened to foreign buyers at scale, and it is why UK and international investors are paying attention now.
What changed in January 2026
Saudi Arabia updated its real estate ownership rules under a reform commonly referenced as Royal Decree M/14. In plain terms, the change allows non-Saudis to acquire residential, commercial and agricultural property in designated investment zones, with the transaction registered on a title deed called a Sak.
The reform is part of Vision 2030, the national programme to diversify the Saudi economy, attract foreign capital and grow home ownership and institutional investment in real estate.
Where foreigners can buy
Ownership is zone-based rather than nationwide. Eight zones are open to foreign freehold ownership, covering the locations most investors actually want:
- •Riyadh, including KAFD and the diplomatic quarter
- •Jeddah, including the corniche and Al Shati
- •NEOM and The Line
- •Red Sea Global destinations
- •Qiddiya, the entertainment city near Riyadh
- •Al Ula, the heritage tourism region
- •Diriyah, the historic Riyadh district
- •Dammam and Khobar in the Eastern Province
What you cannot buy
Two zones remain restricted, Makkah and Madinah. Properties there are not available as foreign freehold. Some agricultural and security-sensitive land is also excluded. Everything marketed on this platform sits inside zones legally open to you.
What ownership actually means
- •Perpetual: no time limit, no leasehold cliff
- •Transferable: you can sell to anyone legally allowed to buy
- •Inheritable: passes to your heirs under your will
- •Registered: your name goes on the government title deed (Sak)
Costs, taxes and yields
For comparison, UK stamp duty on a second home runs 5-12% plus 2-14% capital gains when you sell. The Saudi structure is deliberately investor-friendly to attract capital in the opening years.
| Item | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase tax | 5% of price | Once, at completion |
| Annual property tax | 0% | There is none |
| Tax on sale profit (individuals) | 0% | When you sell |
| Typical gross yields | 6-11% | Depends on zone and asset |
How to start
The practical first step is a private investor briefing. We qualify your goals, model real numbers on real listings and introduce you to the legal team that handles checks, contracts and registration. Browse verified properties or book your briefing below.
Ready to see live opportunities?
Book a private briefing, or run your numbers first with our free calculators.