Saudi Property Law Update: Autumn 2025 – Key Developments for UK Buyers

October 6, 2025

Published: October 2025

As the effective date for Saudi Arabia’s landmark foreign property ownership law approaches, new information and signals from government agencies are steadily emerging. For UK buyers eyeing opportunities in the Kingdom’s growing real estate market, this is a crucial period to track regulatory updates, developer activity, and policy clarifications.

The Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis was approved in July 2025, published in the official gazette on 25 July 2025, and is scheduled to come into effect in January 2026. It will allow foreign individuals, companies, and non-residents to own property in designated zones across Saudi Arabia, marking a historic shift in the country’s real estate landscape.

While the headline announcement made global news over the summer, the real substance of the law is now starting to take shape through regulatory preparations, developer positioning, and legal briefings — all of which are particularly relevant for international buyers.

Regulatory Updates: Implementing Regulations Pending

The Implementing Regulations — the crucial set of rules that will define how the law works in practice — have not yet been published. However, several clear signals have emerged:

The Saudi real estate regulator has launched a dedicated online portal for the new law, indicating that the regulations, zone maps, and procedural details will be published there in the coming weeks.
Officials have stated that the law will take effect as planned in January 2026, with no announced delays.
Designated zones are expected to be rolled out in phases, starting with key economic and urban centres.

The Implementing Regulations will specify:

Which areas foreigners can buy in (zone maps).
Whether ownership will be freehold, leasehold, or mixed.
Eligibility criteria for individuals and companies.
Registration procedures and due diligence requirements.
Any restrictions on resale or foreign mortgage financing.

For UK buyers, these regulations are the next major milestone. Once they are published, investors will be able to assess the practical pathways for purchasing property.

We will be issuing full UK-specific guidance as soon as the regulations are released, so buyers can act with confidence from day one.

Makkah and Madinah: Still Waiting for Clarity

One of the most closely watched aspects of the new law concerns Makkah and Madinah, the two holy cities. At present, foreign individuals cannot directly own property there. However, in January 2025, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) allowed foreign investors to buy shares or convertible instruments in listed Saudi companies that own real estate in Makkah and Madinah. This created an indirect investment route through the capital markets.

The new property ownership law does not automatically extend freehold ownership rights to foreigners in these cities. Instead, the Implementing Regulations will determine whether and how foreign individuals may participate. Market insiders expect that any opening of Makkah and Madinah to direct foreign ownership will be carefully controlled, potentially allowing leasehold or structured ownership models rather than full freehold.

For UK Muslim buyers, this is an area of particular interest and sensitivity. Until the regulations are published, it remains prudent to rely only on verified, official information — which we will provide directly to our UK clients as soon as it becomes available.

Developers Positioning Themselves Ahead of January 2026

In parallel with the regulatory work, major Saudi developers have begun preparing their projects for the expected wave of foreign interest in 2026.

ROSHN, the Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed national housing developer, launched Phase 5 of its SEDRA project in Riyadh in September 2025, adding more than 2,000 new homes to the capital’s residential pipeline.
In Jeddah, ROSHN also released new units at its ALAROUS development, adjacent to the upcoming MARAFY canal district, signalling continued western-region growth.
Luxury coastal destinations such as The Red Sea Project and AMAALA have begun preparing to market branded residences to international audiences, particularly in Europe and Asia.
NEOM continues to release phased updates on its residential components, including Sindalah (a luxury island), Oxagon (a hub for innovation and industry), and Trojena (a mountain resort with alpine-style residences).

While foreign buyers cannot yet transact directly, developers are clearly laying the groundwork for January 2026.

Rather than registering interest directly with multiple developers, UK buyers can consolidate their strategy through our team, which will handle project tracking, early allocations, and regulatory compliance from one central point. This ensures you receive early information and access without navigating multiple channels.

Legal and Market Briefings Emerge

Major international and regional law firms have begun issuing briefings on the new law for their clients, many of whom are overseas investors. These briefings highlight several key points:

The new law fully repeals the previous foreign ownership framework from 2000, replacing it with a modern, zone-based system.
Non-residents will be able to own property directly in designated zones, not just through corporate entities.
The framework will likely include AML (anti–money laundering) and KYC (know your customer) checks similar to other international real estate transactions.
It remains to be seen how foreign mortgage lending will be regulated, but Saudi banks have signalled interest in expanding their product offerings for international buyers.

For UK residents, this confirms that the law represents a genuine opening. Our legal partners are preparing UK-friendly briefings and transaction pathways, which will be released as soon as the regulations are live.

Market Sentiment: Cautious Optimism

The Saudi property market has shown increasing confidence since the law was announced. Local developers view international participation as a new demand channel, particularly for premium developments in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Red Sea region.

Market analysts expect:

Initial activity to focus on new-build projects led by large, well-capitalised developers.
Pricing stability in the short term, with potential uplift as foreign demand materialises.
Institutional and individual buyers from the Gulf, Europe, and Asia to be among the early movers.

For UK investors, the sentiment is broadly positive — provided they have a trusted channel for accurate information and representation. That’s where our firm acts as your bridge into the Saudi market, giving you verified updates, curated project access, and transaction support tailored for UK compliance.

Practical Steps for UK Buyers Now

Even before the regulations are published, UK buyers can take proactive steps by working with our team to prepare for January 2026:

Register for tailored regulatory updates — We track official sources daily and issue UK-specific summaries.
Shortlist destinations and projects through us — We provide early access to credible developments that align with your investment or lifestyle goals.
Prepare documentation with guidance — We help you get your ID, proof of funds, and AML paperwork ready to avoid delays once sales open.
Receive currency and financing support — Our partners can help you optimise GBP–SAR conversions and explore financing options as soon as they become available.
Avoid speculative or unverified offers — By working through us, you avoid the risks of unofficial channels and gain structured, transparent access.

Looking Ahead: January 2026 and Beyond

The Autumn 2025 period is a transitional phase. The legal framework has been approved, developers are mobilising, and market interest is growing — but the Implementing Regulations are the missing puzzle piece. Once those regulations are published, the market will move quickly.

For UK buyers, the most strategic approach is to register with us now so that when the regulations go live, you’re not scrambling to catch up — you’re ready to move with clarity and confidence.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ownership law represents one of the most significant shifts in the country’s property market in decades. If implemented smoothly, it will create long-term opportunities for well-prepared international buyers.

Stay Updated

We’re tracking regulatory releases, zone maps, and developer announcements in real time.

👉 Register with us today to receive verified legal updates, early access to projects, and tailored support for UK buyers ahead of January 2026.

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