The Saudi Arabia real estate reform is moving ahead on schedule, with officials confirming that foreign buyers will be allowed to purchase a broad range of properties starting January 2026. This marks the most extensive Saudi Arabia real estate reform to date, opening access to residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial assets.
Saudi Arabia Real Estate Reform Expands Ownership Across Key Cities
According to the Real Estate General Authority, the Saudi Arabia real estate reform will let non-Saudis acquire land for development as well as completed properties. Zones for foreign ownership in Riyadh, Jeddah and the holy cities of Mecca and Madinah are still undergoing review and will be announced soon together with the full regulatory framework.
Officials say these designated areas will be wide and will include several mega projects. Foreign ownership levels are expected to be capped between 70 and 90 percent, depending on the zone. Buyers in the two holy cities will need to be Muslim, but restrictions beyond that are minimal.
Saudi Arabia Real Estate Reform Supports Vision 2030 Investment Goals
Fahad Bin Sulaiman, executive director for non-Saudi ownership at the regulator, said the updated rules represent a major shift from previous laws. The Saudi Arabia real estate reform was approved earlier this year to help attract global investors and bolster the Vision 2030 diversification strategy.
The real estate sector has become a priority as Saudi Arabia competes for companies, talent and long-term investment. Regulators are also easing capital market rules and preparing to allow majority foreign ownership of listed stocks.
As part of the reform rollout, REGA launched the Saudi Properties portal to guide foreign buyers. The platform will soon publish eligible properties and the geographic zones approved for non-Saudi investors. Authorities aim to design the zones in a way that reduces investment risk while maintaining market stability.
Bin Sulaiman said the overarching goal behind the Saudi Arabia real estate reform is simple: open the market fully, welcome foreign buyers and expand the country’s property ecosystem under Vision 2030.
