Saudi Arabia’s opening of its real estate market to non-Saudi ownership represents another significant step in the Kingdom’s economic transformation under Vision 2030. The new regime, which came into effect in 2026, establishes designated areas in which international individuals and companies can acquire property and introduces a broader framework covering freehold ownership, usufruct and other property rights. With designated areas spanning major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, as well as major developments and economic zones, the changes create new opportunities for international investors and businesses looking to establish a presence in the Kingdom.
However, the new opportunities also come with important considerations around eligibility, location, ownership structures, transaction costs and due diligence. In this article for Gulf Construction, Moad Giebaly and Eileen Duncan of Trowers & Hamlins provide a practical guide to the new non-Saudi property ownership regime, outlining who can acquire property, what rights are available and the checks investors should undertake before entering into a transaction. For UK businesses and investors considering opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing real estate market, the article provides a useful overview of the regulatory framework and the issues that should be considered before committing to an investment.
Read the full article [here]
