Saudi Vision 2030: The Impact on Property Markets
Home ownership targets, a five-year rent freeze in Riyadh and a new law for foreign buyers. How Vision 2030 is reshaping Saudi real estate — and what's still being decided.
- Saudi home ownership passed 66% in 2025; the Housing Program targets 70% by 2030.
- Riyadh rents are frozen for five years from 25 September 2025, for new and existing leases.
- Non-Saudis can buy in designated zones from 21 January 2026, with implementing rules still being issued.
Housing as a national goal
Raising home ownership has been a pillar of Vision 2030 from the start. By 2025, more than 66% of Saudi households owned their home, according to Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail. The Housing Program's third phase aims for 70% by 2030 and to support more than 367,000 further beneficiaries.
Delivery runs through programmes such as Sakani, which helps citizens access homes and financing, and large master-planned communities such as those of ROSHN, the national community developer backed by the Public Investment Fund.
Riyadh's 2025 housing reset
Rapid growth in the capital pushed up rents and land prices, and in 2025 the government responded with some of its most direct interventions yet.
- Land release (March 2025): more than 81 square kilometres in northern Riyadh opened for development.
- Affordable plots: 10,000–40,000 serviced residential plots a year for five years, priced at no more than SAR 1,500 per square metre, for eligible citizens.
- Rent freeze (September 2025): no rent increases on residential or commercial property within Riyadh's urban boundary for five years, for new and existing contracts.
- Ejar registration: all leases must be registered on the Ejar platform, with automatic renewal on the same terms unless notice is given.
Opening to foreign buyers
Royal Decree M/14 (July 2025) replaced Saudi Arabia's 2000 framework for foreign ownership and took effect on 21 January 2026. Non-Saudis can buy in zones designated by the Council of Ministers on REGA's proposal; resident foreigners may also own a home outside those zones with approval. Makkah and Madinah remain largely restricted.
| Cost or rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Transaction Tax | 5% of the price |
| Foreign buyer fee | Up to 5% for non-Saudis (details in implementing rules) |
| Premium Residency via property | Qualifying property worth SAR 4 million or more |
| Registration | National Real Estate Registry |
What to watch
- Which zones are designated for foreign ownership, and how the foreign buyer fee is applied.
- Whether rent controls extend beyond Riyadh.
- Delivery of large communities and giga-projects, many of which are still in development.
- Demand linked to Riyadh's hosting of Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.