BRESI OVERVIEW: The Saudi luxury real estate market is now open to foreign property investors.
Saudi Arabia has launched a new real estate ownership framework for non-Saudi nationals, marking a fundamental shift in the Kingdom’s property market structure. The law, which came into force on January 22, 2026, now allows foreign individuals, companies, and entities to own property across the Kingdom through a regulated digital platform.
The General Real Estate Authority announced that applications are now being processed through the official “Saudi Properties” portal, with different registration pathways for residents, non-residents, and corporate entities.
The move represents one of the most significant property market reforms in the region and positions Saudi Arabia as an increasingly attractive destination for international real estate investment.
Saudi Luxury Real Estate Market Scale and Opportunity
The timing of this regulatory change coincides with Saudi Arabia’s emergence as one of the largest real estate markets within the G20. Annual property transactions in the Kingdom approach $100 billion, creating a market that industry leaders say cannot be ignored.
Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “any investor who overlooks the Saudi market in the next ten years will undoubtedly be a loser.” His firm has committed SAR 38 billion (approximately $10 billion) to Saudi developments, primarily through partnerships with the Trump Organization.
The Saudi luxury real estate market’s growth is driven by substantial infrastructure spending, major international events, rapid expansion in aviation and tourism, and increasingly investor-friendly policies.
Unlike many Western markets struggling with housing affordability and regulatory challenges, Saudi Arabia has implemented a structured approach that distinguishes between local and foreign ownership while maintaining market stability.
How To Own Luxury Real Estate in Saudi Arabia as a Foreigner
The ownership framework operates through three distinct pathways depending on applicant category.
Residents within Saudi Arabia can apply directly through the “Saudi Properties” portal using their residency number. The system automatically verifies eligibility requirements and completes the entire process electronically without requiring physical documentation or in-person appointments.
Non-residents must first obtain a digital identity from Saudi embassies and diplomatic missions abroad before accessing the portal to complete their ownership application. This step ensures proper identity verification while maintaining process efficiency.
Foreign companies and entities without an existing Saudi presence face an additional requirement. They must first register with the Ministry of Investment through the “Invest Saudi” platform to obtain a Unified Number, then proceed to the Saudi Properties portal to complete ownership procedures.
This integrated approach connects foreign investment registration with property ownership in a single regulatory framework.
Geographic Framework and Religious Considerations
The new law grants broad ownership rights across the Kingdom, with particular focus on Riyadh and Jeddah as major economic centers. However, special provisions apply to Makkah and Madinah.
A “Geographical Zones Document” will be announced in the first quarter of 2026, establishing specific parameters for ownership in the two holy cities. In these locations, ownership is restricted to Muslims, whether inside or outside the Kingdom, and to Saudi companies wholly owned by Saudi nationals.
This balanced approach maintains the religious significance of these cities while still enabling qualified foreign investment.
Outside designated zones, legally resident non-Saudis may own one residential property. Companies established under Saudi law with non-Saudi shareholders can own property within designated zones, including in Makkah and Madinah, for business operations and employee housing.
Listed companies, investment funds, and special purpose entities licensed under Saudi regulations have similar rights, subject to Capital Market Authority rules.
Regulatory Maturity, Investor Protection to Drive Saudi Luxury Real Estate Growth
The Saudi approach stands out for its regulatory clarity. By establishing minimum thresholds for foreign investment and clear zoning between local and foreign ownership, the Kingdom has created a framework that protects domestic buyers while attracting international capital.
The General Real Estate Authority plays a central role in organising the sector and safeguarding investor interests. While regulations may appear stringent for developers, they provide long-term stability and market fairness.
The integration of the ownership portal directly with the real estate title registration system provides legal certainty that strengthens foreign investor confidence.
The new ownership law serves multiple economic objectives beyond simply attracting capital. It aims to stimulate real estate sector growth by increasing project diversity and quality, while creating employment opportunities for Saudi nationals in development and property-related services.
By enabling foreign ownership, the Kingdom is building more dynamic and diverse communities. This directly enhances urban quality of life and fosters competition that raises standards for residential and commercial projects.
The expected influx of international developers and specialised companies will localise real estate expertise and stimulate related sectors including housing, trade, industry, and tourism.
Branded Residences, Major Developments and Investment Activity in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi luxury real estate market is already seeing substantial investment and luxury real estate development. Dar Global has launched several large-scale projects in partnership with the Trump Organization, with a combined value of approximately SAR 38 billion.
Current projects include two developments in Riyadh and one in Jeddah. Saffar Valley in Riyadh spans 2.6 million square meters and will feature exclusively palaces, surrounded by a Trump-branded golf course and hotel and mansions for sale. In Jeddah, Trump Plaza follows the Trump Tower Jeddah development with a mixed-use project on King Abdulaziz Road featuring Grade A offices, retail space, serviced apartments, and residential units.
Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects are incorporating branded residences as key components of their master plans. Diriyah Gate, the cultural and heritage destination being developed on the outskirts of Riyadh, includes multiple branded residence projects from international luxury hotel groups.
The development will feature residential offerings from brands including Armani, Baccarat, and other premium hospitality names, integrating branded living into a UNESCO World Heritage Site context.
Red Sea Global, the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations, under Red Sea Residences, offers branded residential properties within its luxury tourism developments along Saudi Arabia’s western coast.
The Red Sea Residences portfolio includes multiple hotel-branded residential offerings from internationally recognised hospitality groups and world class luxury brands, such as Four Seasons, SLS, Jumeriah and Ritz-Carlton.
Branded Residences Driving Saudi Arabia’s Luxury Real Estate Market
These mega projects are combining resort amenities with private residential ownership, targeting both Saudi nationals and eligible foreign buyers seeking second homes in exclusive coastal locations.
The branded residences being developed in Saudi Arabia, provide owners with access to homes in stunning locations with the world’s resort facilities and management, including spas, dining venues, beach clubs, private owner clubs, water sports, rental management, private chefs and much much more.
The integration of these branded residential components into Saudi Arabia’s flagship tourism projects, and the new foreign ownership rule changes, demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to attracting high-net-worth international buyers as part of its broader Vision 2030 objectives.
With the new foreign ownership laws now in force, steady economic expansion and clear regulatory frameworks, the Kingdom has removed one of the final barriers to international participation in this world class luxury real estate destination, and we expect branded residences to drive Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector for many years to come.
DISCOVER THE BEST BRANDED RESIDENCES FOR SALE IN SAUDI ARABIA
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