Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Saudi Arabia is transforming at a pace rarely seen in a real estate market. Driven by the Vision 2030 plan, the country is gradually opening its doors to foreign capital, modernizing its legislation, and launching multi-hundred-billion-dollar giga-projects. For an expatriate, investing in real estate in Saudi Arabia is therefore no longer an exotic curiosity: it’s a real, though highly regulated, opportunity that requires a good understanding of the local landscape.
This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date guide, based on the latest data and reforms, to understand where, how, and under what conditions an expatriate can invest in residential real estate in Saudi Arabia.
A Booming Market Within the Framework of Vision 2030
Saudi real estate is at the heart of the Vision 2030 strategy, the vast plan unveiled in 2016 to wean the economy off its dependence on oil. The real estate and construction sector is already estimated to account for around 12% of GDP according to some sources, with a stated goal of further strengthening its contribution.
The momentum is impressive: the value of the Saudi real estate market is estimated to reach between $130 billion and over $200 billion by 2030 according to studies, with an average annual growth rate of between 6.5% and 8% over the decade. Residential real estate alone is projected to be worth over $70 billion by 2026 and should exceed $100 billion in the first half of the 2030s.
The number of additional housing units to be built in Saudi Arabia by 2030 to meet demand, according to the authorities.
Vision 2030 also sets a strong policy objective: to raise the homeownership rate among Saudi households to 70%. In practice, ownership has already risen beyond 60% in just a few years thanks to programs like Sakani and public funding, but many of these purchases are still outside traditional credit, as mortgage penetration remains low (less than 20% of homeowner households have a loan).
For a foreign investor, this context means two things: a structural demand for housing, particularly in the mid-range and affordable segments, and a clear political will to ease financing and attract international capital.
Giga-Projects Redrawing the Country’s Map
The country has launched over 18,000 projects, including a dozen iconic giga-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, and New Murabba. The overall budget exceeds $900 billion to $1.1 trillion for real estate and infrastructure initiatives linked to Vision 2030 alone.
These projects are creating both new urban centers and special economic zones where investment rules are more flexible and often very favorable to foreigners. NEOM, for example, aims to eventually host 9 million residents, with about 300,000 new housing units. The Line project, a 170 km linear city, aims to house one million people by 2030 in a car- and emission-free city.
This isn’t just public relations: these developments are already driving demand for housing, offices, logistics, and hospitality in regions previously little-known to investors, particularly the northwest (Tabuk, Umluj, Al Ula) and parts of the Red Sea coast.
What the New Laws Change for Expatriates
Until recently, real estate ownership for non-Saudis was extremely limited. Things are changing rapidly.
Before and After 2026: A Progressive Opening
Historically, the general rule was as follows: only a foreign resident with a permit (Iqama) could buy a property for personal use, typically a single home, in well-defined areas, with a near-total ban on buying vacant land and an inability to own property directly in Mecca and Medina.
Starting from 2024–2025, several key reforms change the game:
– a new Law on Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis was adopted by the Council of Ministers and published in the official gazette, with an effective date scheduled for January 2026;
– this law replaces the old 2000 text and broadly redefines the concept of “non-Saudi” (including individuals without Saudi nationality and foreign entities, including NGOs and companies);
– crucially, it authorizes non-residents to purchase properties in designated geographical areas, without requiring an Iqama.
Concretely, from 2026, an expatriate living in the Kingdom or abroad will be able, under certain conditions, to acquire a residential or commercial property in certain areas of Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or in special zones like NEOM, without necessarily having a standard resident status.
The diagram below summarizes the evolution:
| Period | Foreign Investor Status | Possibility of Direct Purchase | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 2021 | Non-resident | Virtually none | Very limited exceptions, mostly via investment vehicles |
| 2021–2025 | Resident with Iqama | Yes, max 1 residential property in authorized zones | No vacant land, no direct ownership in Mecca/Medina |
| From 2026 | Non-resident or resident | Yes, in designated geographical areas | Mandatory registration, control by REGA, specific restrictions on holy cities |
The holy cities remain under a separate regime: direct acquisition there remains largely prohibited for foreigners, but it is now possible to invest indirectly via listed companies that own real estate in Mecca and Medina, up to 49% of the capital or via convertible instruments.
Designated Zones and Types of Rights
The new law doesn’t just talk about full ownership. It also opens the possibility for non-Saudis to acquire:
– classical ownership rights;
– very long-term leases;
– usufruct rights (use and enjoyment without land ownership);
– easements.
The types of assets targeted are broad: housing, office buildings, commercial premises, agricultural land in some cases, industrial assets. Furthermore, the law formally recognizes the possibility of buying digital (tokenized) fractions of real estate assets, paving the way for regulated co-ownership or crowdfunding platforms.
The exact areas where foreigners will be able to purchase will be listed in a “geographical perimeter document” published by the General Real Estate Authority (REGA). It is already known that major metropolitan areas – Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam/Al Khobar – and major tourism and economic projects (NEOM, Red Sea, Diriyah, King Abdullah Economic City, etc.) are at the forefront.
Rights and Limits Based on Investor Profile
The law distinguishes several categories.
For non-Saudi resident individuals, the situation is twofold.
– they will be able to purchase in the designated zones, like non-residents;
– they will often retain the possibility of owning a personal home outside these zones, provided it is used for their residence and is not in the holy cities.
For foreign companies and investment funds, purchase is authorized for assets necessary for their operations and housing their employees within the defined perimeters. Certain specific operations may even be conducted in Mecca and Medina, but within a highly regulated framework.
Saudi companies with foreign ownership are not classified as “non-Saudi” under this law: they fall under the general regime and can hold real estate (including in the holy cities) for their operational needs. This opens the door to holding strategies via local structures.
Finally, diplomatic entities and international organizations benefit from a specific regime, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, typically based on reciprocity.
Procedures, Taxes, and Penalties
Any acquisition by a non-Saudi must be registered in the national real estate registry to be effective. REGA is the competent authority and the government has heavily digitized the process: the national access platform and dedicated portals allow for submitting applications, attaching deeds, and verifying the validity of documents.
In terms of costs, the transaction bears all associated fees and expenses related to its execution and processing.
– the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) of 5% of the value, already in effect for all property transfers;
– an additional transfer fee of up to 5% on acquisitions by non-Saudis, which in some cases brings the total tax burden to around 10% of the price.
Registry fees (in practice 1% of the value or assessed value) and agent fees (often 2.5%) are added on top. Depending on the structure, the overall transaction cost is typically between 6% and 10% of the price, which remains competitive compared to some European markets.
The framework also provides for penalties: in case of fraud, false declarations, or purchase outside authorized perimeters, the fine can go up to 5% of the property’s value, capped at 10 million riyals. In severe cases, the state may order a forced sale of the asset. Decisions can be contested before the administrative court.
For an expatriate, the challenge is therefore to be rigorous in regulatory compliance, to verify that the property is in an open zone, and to rely on professionals well-versed in the new framework.
Where to Invest: A Tour of Major Cities and Flagship Projects
Saudi Arabia is a highly segmented market geographically. Riyadh is not like Jeddah, Dammam compares neither to the holy cities nor to emerging tourist zones.
Riyadh: Economic Capital and Value-Appreciation Engine
Riyadh concentrates nearly half of the country’s non-oil GDP. Its current population of about 8 million is set to almost double in the medium term, with projections of 12 million by 2035 and a political target around 15 million as part of Vision 2030. An investment plan of around $800 billion is dedicated to the city, including projects like New Murabba, Diriyah Gate, King Salman Park, and the completion of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
In residential, recent figures show strong pressure: since 2019, apartment prices have jumped over 80% and villa prices by about 50%. In 2025, the average price per square meter for an apartment in Riyadh is around 6,100 SAR, with peaks up to 9,000 SAR in the most sought-after neighborhoods; for villas, the average is around 5,400–5,500 SAR/m², with prime segments reaching up to 15,000 SAR/m².
Gross rental yields there are among the highest in the country, around 8.9% on average, driven by strong demand from young Saudi households, expatriate executives, and staff working at the regional headquarters of international companies (over 180 corporations have recently relocated their regional HQ to Riyadh).
Examples of price ranges by property type in Riyadh:
| Property Type | Indicative Price Range | Average Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Apartment | 4,971–6,175 SAR/m² (up to ~9,000 SAR/m² for luxury) | 8–9% |
| Standard Villa | 5,824–6,567 SAR/m² | 7–8% |
| High-end Villa | Up to ~15,000 SAR/m² | More variable, heavily location-dependent |
The northern neighborhoods – Al Malqa, Al Yasmin, Al Narjis, Al Sahafa – concentrate a large part of the new supply and off-plan programs. The Al Rawabi district to the east illustrates the upscaling of areas long considered secondary: over 7.6 km², a strong road network (proximity to the Eastern Ring Road and Exit 14), land prices around 4,300–4,600 SAR/m², and a high resident satisfaction index (4.1/5 on the Aqar app).
Discover ultra-luxurious developments in Saudi Arabia, offering prestigious market niches for expatriates with a substantial budget.
Flagship project northwest of Riyadh, creating a luxury residential environment highly sought after by the expatriate community.
This corridor houses exclusive housing programs, forming a high-end niche for international residents.
Prestigious offerings such as ‘Etoile by Elie Saab’ and ‘Neptune Interiors by Mouawad’, synonymous with luxury and exclusivity.
Example of an ultra-luxury residential program within these mega-projects, defining a new standard of living.
Jeddah: Red Sea Capital and Gateway to the Holy Cities
Jeddah, a coastal metropolis of about 4.5 million inhabitants, is both a major commercial center and the logistical gateway to Mecca and Medina. Its waterfront, the Corniche, is at the heart of major redevelopment projects (Jeddah Central, luxury hotels, serviced residences).
Prices there remain significantly lower than in Riyadh, making it a more affordable market for a first investment, while offering good appreciation potential thanks to the growth of beach and religious tourism.
Some price benchmarks:
| City | Apartments (per m²) | Villas (per m²) | Average Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah | ~4,200–4,500 SAR/m² | ~5,700–6,560 SAR/m² (up to 14,000 SAR/m² waterfront) | ~7.9% |
Neighborhoods like Al Shati, Al Rawdah, Al Naeem, or the northern Corniche extensions particularly attract expatriates and international investors through large pre-sale projects. An iconic example is Trump Tower Jeddah, a 47-story residential tower on the Corniche, with over 300 apartments, deliverable by the end of the decade, and launch prices often exceeding the equivalent of £450,000 in the high-end segment.
Growth in traffic at King Abdulaziz International Airport and the development of Red Sea cruises strengthen the potential of the short-term rental market (Airbnb-type) and serviced residences.
Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran: Oil Heartland and Gulf Gateway
The Dammam metropolitan area, which includes Dhahran and Al Khobar, is the nerve center of the oil industry, with Saudi Aramco’s headquarters located in Dhahran. It’s also the land gateway to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway.
The real estate market there is more affordable than in Riyadh or Jeddah, while offering attractive yields (generally 6–7%). Apartment prices are often between 3,700 and 3,900 SAR/m², with upscale villas around 9,500 SAR/m² in high-end areas.
Areas like the Al Khobar Corniche and zones such as Half Moon Bay concentrate demand for seafront residences, secondary homes, and weekend villas; some assets there have gained over 30% in three years.
The construction of King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), a massive energy industrial park, is expected to generate over 100,000 jobs and strengthen rental demand from expatriate executives and skilled workers.
The Holy Cities: Makkah and Madinah
Mecca and Medina are a special case, dominated by religious tourism. Every year, over two million pilgrims travel for the Hajj, and millions more come for Umrah. The state aims to multiply these flows by 2030.
Annual yields exceeding 12% are mentioned for some rental real estate assets near the sacred mosques, especially during peak pilgrimage periods.
For foreigners, the main route to these markets remains indirect investment: shares in listed companies, stakes in specialized REITs, or bonds (sukuk) backed by religious hospitality portfolios. Since 2025, the Capital Market Authority has clearly authorized foreign investors to hold up to 49% of companies owning real estate in Mecca and Medina.
NEOM, Red Sea, and New Tourist Destinations
Besides NEOM, several areas are being transformed into international tourist destinations: the Red Sea Project, Amaala, Al Ula, Asir, Taif… These regions focus on natural, cultural, and wellness tourism, with a very limited accommodation supply for now – meaning scarcity and potentially high price levels.
The official strategy is to develop a quality rather than mass offering, with a strong environmental requirement. The Royal Commission for AlUla, for example, oversees Al Ula’s development, ensuring the valley is not saturated with construction to preserve the landscape and heritage character. For the investor, this means a limited but more resilient supply, especially in the luxury segment.
What Types of Assets for an Expatriate?
The range of assets accessible to a foreign investor is now quite broad, even if Anglo-Saxon countries or some European markets remain more open legally.
Residential: Apartments, Villas, Branded Residences
Apartments are the backbone of urban rental investment. In 2023–2025, apartment sales grew faster than villa sales in Riyadh (e.g., +8% vs +5% in 2023), and the “apartments & condominiums” segment is the fastest growing nationally, with an annual rate of about 7.6%.
Entry prices for a new apartment in Riyadh often start around 750,000 SAR, with gross yields between 5.6% and over 8% depending on the neighborhood. In planned communities like Sedra, historical yields for landlords have ranged between 6% and 7%.
Nearly 70% of villa occupants cite privacy as the number one criterion in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Branded residences – Etoile by Elie Saab, Neptune Interiors by Mouawad, Trump Tower Jeddah, etc. – target a wealthy clientele, Saudi or international, often looking for secondary homes or “trophy asset” investments. Their value relies as much on location as on architectural quality and services (concierge, spa, designer finishes).
Commercial, Logistics, Land
This discussion focuses mainly on residential, but an expatriate investor can also target offices or retail, often via collective vehicles (REITs on Tadawul) or partnerships with local players. Commercial leases being longer, these assets can offer interesting income visibility.
A tax, called the ‘White Land Tax’, was introduced to discourage speculative holding of vacant land. Its rate varies from 2.5% to 10% of the estimated value, depending on location and urban density. Foreigners’ direct access to such land remains restricted, although the new law authorizes certain uses like agriculture, industry, or special zones.
Indirect Investment: REITs, Sukuk, Digital Fractions
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) listed on Tadawul have developed in recent years, under the supervision of the Capital Market Authority. They allow an expatriate to invest in a basket of assets (offices, retail, hospitality, residential) with a limited initial outlay, stock market liquidity, and favorable taxation (no capital gains tax for individuals).
Saudi Arabia is also working on creating a national real estate tokenization infrastructure: some platforms should allow the purchase of digital shares of properties, which is particularly convenient for non-residents wishing to limit operational management constraints.
Financing: What’s Actually Possible for an Expatriate
Contrary to what is seen in the Emirates or some European countries, bank financing for foreigners in Saudi Arabia remains relatively restrictive, although the situation is evolving.
Bank Loans for Expatriate Residents
In theory, an expatriate holding an Iqama can access a real estate loan from Saudi banks. In practice, several conditions combine:
– an employment contract with a recognized employer (often public, semi-public, or large company sector);
– a minimum monthly salary varying by bank (from 5,000 SAR in some cases to 10,000 or 15,000 SAR for expatriates in others);
– a tenure of a few months to a year with the employer;
– a total debt-to-income ratio below 40%.
Loans are almost systematically structured according to Islamic finance principles, although, for expatriates, some institutions are beginning to offer products closer to conventional mortgages.
The main structures are:
Murabaha is a contract where the bank buys a property and immediately resells it to the buyer with a fixed profit margin, repayment being made in several installments. Ijara, on the other hand, is a lease-to-own contract: the bank retains ownership of the property and leases it to the occupant, who typically has a purchase option at the end of the contract.
Effective rates for 20-year loans vary around 2% to 6% depending on the period and risk profile, but the rise and then gradual decline of the central bank’s (SAMA) repo rate – lowered to 5% in late 2024 – impacts variable rates.
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is generally between 70% and 80% for a resident expatriate; in other words, a down payment of 20% to 30% of the price is required. Saudis benefit from higher LTVs and subsidies via Sakani or the Real Estate Development Fund, which is not necessarily the case for foreigners.
Non-Residents: Cash or Developer Payment Plans
For a non-resident foreigner, local banks have practically no offers. Except for ultra-wealthy profiles depositing significant collateral, the domestic credit market remains closed.
The most realistic alternatives are then:
Two main options exist: cash purchase, often preferred for cultural reasons and caution regarding debt, and staged payment plans for ‘off-plan’ projects. These plans typically involve a 10-20% down payment, followed by payments spread over several years, linked to construction progress and often with no explicit interest.
These plans make the developer the de facto financier over 3 to 5 years, with an implicit cost sometimes lower than a conventional bank loan. They are regulated by the Wafi program for off-plan sales and must go through escrow accounts, with the developer required to maintain a percentage of the project cost in reserve.
For illustration:
| Financing Type | Target Audience | Typical Down Payment | Term | Implicit Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Bank Loan (Murabaha/Ijara) | Resident (Saudi or expatriate) | 20–30% | 10–25 years | 2–6% per year depending on profile and market |
| Developer Off-Plan Payment Plan | Often non-residents or residents without credit | 10–20% | 3–5 years | Often 0% interest, margin built into sale price |
| Cash Purchase | Investors with available funds | 100% | – | Possible negotiation of 10–15% discount |
For an expatriate wishing to build a long-term portfolio, a common strategy is to purchase a first asset in cash, then refinance it later when the value has increased and the mortgage refinancing system (via the Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company and Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities) is more mature.
Taxation: A Generally Favorable Environment
From a tax perspective, Saudi Arabia stands out for the absence of several taxes common in the West, while applying some targeted taxes on real estate and businesses.
For an Individual Investor
Individuals, whether Saudi or foreign, pay no income tax on employment, no annual property tax, no wealth tax, no inheritance tax, and no stamp duty. Real estate capital gains realized by an individual are not subject to capital gains tax.
The main tax burden related to buying/selling is therefore the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) of 5% on the sale price. Legally, it falls on the seller, but in practice, the allocation is often negotiated in the contract. This RETT combines with other fees (registration, notary, agency commission), hence the overall estimate of 6 to 8% of the price for transaction costs.
VAT of 15% generally applies to goods and services. However, most purchases of residential housing are exempt. It remains due on certain related services, such as construction or commercial management.
Rental income received by a non-resident may, however, be subject to withholding tax or tax on Saudi-sourced income, typically around 5% of gross rent for non-residents under certain regulations. For resident individuals, the treatment depends on the structure and any commercial activity.
For Companies and Structured Investors
Foreign companies pay a corporate income tax of 20% on net profits realized in Saudi Arabia (excluding oil sectors, taxed much more heavily). Structures wholly owned by Saudis or GCC nationals are subject to Zakat (2.5% of certain net assets) rather than corporate income tax.
Derogatory regimes offer reduced tax rates, sometimes 0% for several decades for certain projects, as well as customs exemptions and facilities for profit repatriation. The Regional Headquarters (RHQ) program even grants a 30-year exemption to companies setting up their regional headquarters in Riyadh.
For an expatriate, the challenge is therefore to choose the right holding structure: direct personal investment, local company, qualified foreign vehicle… combining tax optimization and compliance with foreign ownership caps (e.g., limitation to 50% of capital for certain purely real estate companies under previous laws).
Special Cases for Americans and Other Tax Residents
U.S. citizens remain subject to U.S. tax on their worldwide income, including income related to a Saudi property. They must therefore declare their rental income and capital gains, fill out specific forms (FBAR, FATCA, Form 8858, etc.), and, where applicable, benefit from tools like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or the Foreign Tax Credit. However, the absence of income tax in Saudi Arabia limits the use of the foreign tax credit.
Generally, an expatriate must always combine the analysis of Saudi taxation with that of their country of tax residence. The absence of local tax does not mean absence of overall tax.
Purchase Process: Steps, Platforms, Documents
The purchase process in Saudi Arabia is highly regulated but increasingly digitized. The typical journey for a resident expatriate unfolds in several steps:
The acquisition of a property by a foreigner in Saudi Arabia follows several key steps. Property search is typically done via real estate portals like Bayut-KSA, local platforms, or agencies. It is then crucial to verify that the area complies with rules permitting foreign ownership. Thorough legal due diligence on the title deed (authenticity, absence of mortgages or encroachments) should be conducted, ideally by a local lawyer. After negotiation, the parties sign a sales agreement (Akad Bait) and the buyer deposits a down payment. The final transaction is concluded by the official registration of the transfer with the Ministry of Justice or via the electronic real estate registry.
Documents generally required for a foreign resident include:
– valid passport and copy of the passport used for first entry into the Kingdom;
– Iqama (residency permit) for the buyer and spouse;
– employer letter confirming income and good conduct;
– bank statements for the last six months;
– copy of the property title, building permit, and property survey report;
– detailed building plan and written declaration that the property will be used for residential purposes, if applicable.
The Absher platform allows residents to submit an electronic property application, while other portals linked to REGA manage applications from non-Saudis in designated areas. Processing time depends heavily on the completeness of the file and the clarity of the title.
One of the main risks remains related to old titles, sometimes handwritten and fragmented by complicated inheritance. In recent years, a massive effort to digitize and consolidate the registry has been undertaken, but it remains prudent to meticulously verify the ownership history and any potential easements.
Culture, Customs, and Property Value
Investing in a country governed by Sharia law also involves understanding some cultural specificities that directly influence property values.
Proximity to a mosque, for example, can increase a home’s price, as many families wish to be able to walk to it. In some neighborhoods near the Grand Mosque in Mecca (Shamiya, Shubaika), this logic has contributed to spectacular rises in property values.
In many residences, the separation of spaces between men and women, with separate entrances and sometimes separate reception areas, is an important feature. Developers use these layouts, as well as the correct orientation of private prayer rooms towards the qibla, as key marketing arguments.
Finally, the search for privacy – high walls, no overlooking, inner gardens – explains why enclosed villas and certain secure compounds command high rents, particularly from expatriate families.
The rise of home automation and “smart homes” is another value driver: about 70% of Saudi buyers actively seek smart homes, a criterion reinforced by the smart cities dynamic (NEOM, The Line, etc.).
Off-Plan: Opportunity or Risk?
Off-plan sales have become a central instrument of Saudi real estate growth. The number of licensed off-plan projects increased by over 50% in the first half of the 2020s, and authorities have strengthened regulation to reassure buyers.
This is the percentage increase in price frequently observed for a new property between the program launch and handover.
But risks exist: construction delays, financial fragility of some developers, evolving regulations, and even the risk of oversupply in certain sub-markets if too many programs concentrate in the same area.
To limit these risks, the government has implemented: prevention and awareness measures.
Dubai’s Wafi program illustrates a robust regulatory framework for the real estate sector. It mandates licensing for ‘off-plan’ projects and the isolation of buyers’ funds in escrow accounts. Developers must also maintain a reserve of at least 20% of the project value during construction, plus an additional guarantee (5% or a bank guarantee) for one year after delivery. In addition, a real estate arbitration center allows some disputes to be resolved within weeks, offering effective recourse to the parties.
For an expatriate, the key is to select established developers (ROSHN, DarGlobal, major local players or entities linked to the PIF), to have contracts reviewed by independent legal counsel, and to favor projects aligned with strong infrastructure (metro, road axes, proximity to employment hubs).
How to Position Yourself as an Expatriate?
In summary, real estate investment in Saudi Arabia for an expatriate is based on a few guidelines.
First, one must accept that the market is in full transformation: key laws, like the one taking effect in 2026, can change the opportunity map by opening new areas to non-residents and bringing more clarity on property rights. Staying informed about implementing regulations, zoning plans published by REGA, and programs linked to Vision 2030 is therefore essential.
The Saudi real estate market has distinct profiles by city: Riyadh is the most dynamic but with strong price pressure; Jeddah and the Red Sea coast combine tourism, culture, and affordability; Dammam and the East offer a lower entry ticket but are more sensitive to oil cycles; the holy cities and certain tourist zones are niche markets where indirect investments (REITs, stocks) are often more relevant.
On the operational side, an expatriate will benefit from relying on property management companies and local advisors for tenant relations, maintenance, and administrative compliance. The real estate asset management market is also growing rapidly in the Kingdom, with about fifty structured players, mainly based in Riyadh.
It is essential to consider the anchoring of Sharia in contracts, the importance of the Hijri calendar in deeds, the particularities of inheritance rights, and the weight of local customs (such as regarding mosques, separation of spaces, or home automation) in valuation.
For the expatriate willing to do this work of understanding and to commit to a medium or long-term horizon, Saudi Arabia today offers a rare combination of demographic growth, economic transformation, monetary stability (riyal pegged to the dollar), and a relatively light tax environment for real estate. In other words, a promising yet demanding investment terrain where information and preparation make the difference.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
