Step-by-Step: How to Buy Property in Saudi Arabia as a Foreigner

Before You Start: Checklist

Before engaging with any property in Saudi Arabia, confirm:

• You have a valid passport
• The property is in a REGA-designated zone (check rega.gov.sa)
• You are not trying to buy in Mecca or Medina as a non-Muslim
• You have access to funds in SAR or USD (the SAR is pegged 1:3.75 to USD)
• You have a Saudi-registered lawyer or trusted representative if buying remotely

Step 1 — Find a Property

Online platforms:

• Aqar.sa — largest Saudi real estate listing site
• Bayut.sa — international-facing, English-friendly
• Property Finder KSA

In person: Real estate agents (maktab aqari — مكتب عقاري) are present in every city. REGA-registered agents are preferred.

What to look for:

• Title deed type (صك — Saak) — ensure it’s a freehold title, not a long-term lease
• Zone designation — is it in a REGA-approved foreign ownership zone?
• Building age and condition
• Service charge (if applicable for apartments)

Step 2 — Verify the Title Deed

This is the most critical due diligence step. A clean title means:

• The seller is the registered owner
• There are no outstanding mortgages or liens on the property
• No boundary disputes or court orders affecting the property

How to verify:

1. Ask the seller for the original title deed (صك الملكية)
2. Use the Ministry of Justice’s Najm platform to verify online (your lawyer can do this)
3. Confirm the property’s GPS coordinates match the physical location

Step 3 — Negotiate and Sign a Preliminary Agreement

Once you’ve found a property and verified the title:

1. Negotiate the price — 5–10% below asking price is common starting point
2. Sign a Sale Agreement (عقد بيع ابتدائي) — sets out price, conditions, and timeline
3. Pay a deposit (عربون) — typically 5–10% of the agreed price. This is non-refundable if you withdraw without valid reason.

Important: Have a bilingual lawyer review the agreement before signing. Ensure it specifies:

• Full purchase price
• Payment schedule
• Completion deadline
• What happens if either party defaults

Step 4 — REGA Approval (If Required)

Depending on your buyer category and the specific zone, REGA approval may be needed before the transfer can be registered. Your lawyer will advise. If required:

• Submit application via rega.gov.sa
• Provide ID, sale agreement, and property documents
• Approval typically takes 2–4 weeks

Step 5 — Prepare for Transfer

Before attending the notary:

• Transfer the purchase funds to your Saudi bank account (or the seller’s escrow if specified)
• Prepare all documents: passport/Iqama, sale agreement, REGA approval (if obtained), title deed copy
• If attending by proxy: ensure your Power of Attorney is notarised, apostilled, and translated to Arabic

Step 6 — Final Transfer at the Notary (Ministry of Justice)

Both buyer and seller (or their representatives) attend a Ministry of Justice notary office. The transfer:

1. Both parties sign the final sale deed (عقد البيع النهائي) in Arabic
2. 5% RETT (Real Estate Transaction Tax) is paid — typically via bank transfer at point of registration
3. The notary registers the transfer in the national real estate registry

This step usually takes 1–3 hours in person.

Step 7 — Receive Your Title Deed

After registration, you receive a digital title deed (صك الملكية) registered under your name. This is your proof of ownership. Keep a certified copy.

Off-Plan Purchases: Additional Steps

If buying from a developer before completion:

1. Verify the developer’s REGA licence — mandatory for all developers selling to the public
2. Verify the Escrow Account — all off-plan deposits must be held in a REGA-approved escrow account (protects your funds if the developer fails)
3. Review the construction schedule — Saudi law allows buyers to cancel if construction is significantly delayed
4. Snagging inspection before handover — conduct a physical inspection before signing the handover certificate

See Also

• Costs & taxes →
• Non-resident guide →
• Iqama holder guide →
• Law breakdown →