Saudi Property Market Opens Up for Investments from Overseas Buyers and Foreign Investors in 2026

Saudi Arabia opens its property market to foreign investors for the first time in the Kingdom's history, marking a watershed moment for Gulf real estate as the Non-Saudi Property Ownership Law takes effect on January 21, 2026.

The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) launched a new national platform called Saudi Properties to serve as the official gateway for all real estate ownership transactions by non-Saudis within the Kingdom.

Executive Summary

Foreign investors gain unprecedented access to Saudi Arabia's property market from January 21, 2026. The Capital Markets Authority eliminates the Qualified Foreign Investor concept from February 1, 2026, opening financial markets to all international investors. International investors already hold 590 billion riyals ($157 billion) in Saudi capital markets. The reforms represent the most significant liberalization of Saudi investment rules under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 economic transformation program.

New Property Ownership Framework

The updated Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, issued by royal decree on July 14, 2025, was designed to attract foreign investment and enhance urban quality of life. While the original law allowed non-Saudi residents to buy a single property for personal use, the revised legislation opens access to all property types within approved zones.

Foreign buyers can acquire property in designated zones across cities including Jeddah and Riyadh. Ownership in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina remains exclusive to Muslims, with stricter restrictions on foreign investment than elsewhere in the Kingdom.

Saudi Properties Platform Launch

REGA announced the Saudi Properties platform during its participation in the Cityscape Global exhibition hosted in Riyadh in November 2025. The platform aims to serve as the official gateway for all ownership processes.

Services include browsing real estate opportunities, communicating with developers, submitting applications, verifying eligibility, and connecting with relevant entities within an integrated ecosystem. The platform provides investors with a simple, seamless, and reliable digital journey to purchase property in the Kingdom.

Capital Markets Opening

Saudi Arabia's Capital Markets Authority announced plans to open financial markets to all foreign investors from February 1, 2026. The amendments eliminate the concept of the Qualified Foreign Investor, scrapping a rule that allowed only international investors with direct and consistent access to the Saudi capital market.