Saudi Arabia to Let Foreigners Buy Property from 2026 under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is set to make a historic shift in its real estate market, allowing foreign investors to purchase property starting January 1, 2026. This policy change, announced at the LEAP technology conference and confirmed through discussions with Cityscape’s Rachel Sturgess, marks the first time non-Saudis will be permitted to own real estate in the kingdom, mirroring Dubai’s model of pre-build sales for condominiums and villas in key cities like Riyadh and Jeddah [1]. The move aligns with broader efforts under Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and attract global capital, building on recent infrastructure and logistics advancements, such as the delivery of 50 million parcels in Q2 2025 [2].

The KAFD project in Riyadh, a cornerstone of the kingdom’s financial infrastructure, has already demonstrated its potential to attract global financial services, housing banks, legal firms, and financial advisors. Now, the inclusion of foreign real estate ownership aims to further integrate Saudi Arabia into global markets. While the primary focus remains on residential developments, the policy reflects a strategic pivot toward leveraging foreign capital to accelerate urbanization and boost liquidity in a sector long restricted to domestic buyers [1].

Analysts note that the timing of this reform coincides with broader geopolitical recalibrations in the Middle East. As sovereign wealth funds and investors reassess strategies amid rising protectionism and deglobalization risks, Saudi Arabia’s openness to cross-border partnerships could mitigate domestic constraints while accelerating development timelines [3]. Recent high-profile agreements, such as the $6 billion investment deals with Syria—spanning infrastructure, logistics, and urban projects—highlight the kingdom’s willingness to collaborate with regional partners to expand its economic footprint [1]. While the exact allocation of these funds to real estate remains unspecified, the pattern of prioritizing large-scale ventures suggests a parallel strategy for attracting foreign participation in its property market.

For global investors, the policy shift presents both opportunities and challenges. The removal of ownership barriers could drive demand for high-profile developments in Riyadh and Jeddah, mirroring Dubai’s success in marketing luxury and mixed-use projects. However, implementation risks persist, particularly given the lack of detailed regulatory frameworks and the potential impact of regional political dynamics on cross-border projects. The absence of concrete data on how much of the $6 billion Syria agreement will directly fund real estate ventures underscores the need for caution [1].

The reforms also signal Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a magnet for international capital, competing with other Gulf states and emerging markets. By adopting a Dubai-like model of pre-sale marketing and large-scale branding, the kingdom aims to attract investors seeking exposure to its rapidly evolving economy. Yet, the success of this strategy will depend on the transparency of regulatory processes and the ability to balance foreign ownership with domestic economic priorities.

As January 1, 2026, approaches, the real estate market will likely see increased activity from developers launching flagship projects. However, the absence of public guidance on taxation, residency rights for property owners, and land use policies leaves many questions unresolved. Investors are advised to monitor forthcoming announcements for clarity on practical implementation, as early adoption of the policy could offer significant advantages in a market poised for transformation [1].

Source:

[1] [Syria and Saudi Arabia sign more than $6 billion in investment deals](https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/article/syria-and-saudi-arabia-sign-more-than-us6-billion-in-investment-deals/)

[2] [Saudi Arabia delivers over 50 million parcels in Q2 2025](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-delivers-over-50-million-parcels-in-q2-2025-signals-logistics-leap/articleshow/122853818.cms)

[3] [Middle East sovereign investors recalibrate strategies amid geopolitical uncertainty](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/middle-east-sovereign-investors-recalibrate-strategies-amid-geopolitical-uncertainty-and-market-shifts-umoqae8v)