Dashen Luxury · For overseas buyers

Buying in Jeddah from abroad — every step, coordinated.

Under a new law in force since January 2026, people who do not live in Saudi Arabia can own property in designated zones. Here is what you need, where you can buy, what it costs, and how we handle the process while you are overseas.

Updated October 2026
Jan 2026Non-residents allowed to own property in designated zonesOwnership law in force
55Numbered development zones in Jeddah open to non-Saudi ownership, plus Jeddah CentralApproved June 2026
5%Real Estate Transaction Tax on the purchase priceZATCA
2%REGA fee when a non-Saudi later sells in JeddahRegulations, 2026
3.75Riyals per US dollar — the riyal is pegged to the dollarSAMA

Before you buy

What you need as a non-resident

The process is largely digital and runs through REGA’s official Saudi Properties platform. Before you can buy, you will need:

1

A Saudi digital ID

Issued by the Ministry of Interior; non-residents start the process through Saudi embassies and missions abroad. It lets you use the government platforms to own property.

2

A Saudi bank account

In your own name. Purchase payments and later rental income go through it.

3

A Saudi phone number

A local number in your name, linked to your digital ID, for verification and notifications.

4

A property in a permitted zone

Non-residents can buy only inside the designated zones. The exact plot — not just the district — must be inside a zone.

Makkah and Madinah: ownership there is limited to Muslim individuals and Saudi companies. Jeddah has no religious condition — only the zone requirement applies. Buying through a company? Foreign companies first register with the Ministry of Investment.

Where you can buy

Jeddah’s designated zones

On 23 June 2026 the Council of Ministers approved the zones. In Jeddah they cover Jeddah Central and 55 numbered development zones across the governorate — a wider list than Riyadh’s.

Check the plot, not the district

The zones are drawn as areas on a map, not by neighbourhood names. A building in a “popular” district may sit just outside a zone. We check every property’s deed and location on the official map before you pay anything.

New projects inside zones

Many new developments, including off-plan projects, are inside the zones. Buy only REGA-licensed off-plan projects with an escrow account — your payments are protected there.

Living vs. investing

If you plan to move to Saudi Arabia later, residents gain the right to one home outside the zones. Until then, focus on zone properties that are easy to rent and to resell.

Costs

What you pay — and when

StageCostNotes
Buying5% Real Estate Transaction TaxOn the purchase price, paid at transfer
BuyingBrokerage, maximum 2.5%Capped by REGA; agreed in writing
BuyingValuation, bank and transfer costsUsually small; title registration fees are nominal
OwningNo annual property tax on homesWhite land fees apply only to large undeveloped plots (5,000 m²+). A vacant-property fee (up to 5% a year) may apply to long-empty buildings once announced for the city
OwningService charges, maintenance, managementDepends on the building; management is essential from abroad
Renting outEjar registrationEvery residential lease must be registered on Ejar
Selling2% REGA disposal feeFor non-Saudis in Jeddah; the 5% transaction tax is usually borne by the buyer, by agreement

Calculator

Your budget in your own currency

Enter a price in riyals and see the total cost and expected rent in your home currency. The default rate is the US dollar peg (3.75).

Total cost (price + 5% tax + 2.5% brokerage)
Total cost in your currency
Estimated net rent per year
Net rent in your currency
Estimated net yield on total cost
Estimate only. Excludes bank transfer costs, valuation and furnishing. Exchange rates for currencies other than USD change daily. Not financial advice.

Step by step

How we coordinate your purchase from abroad

Video consultation

Your goal (investment, future home, residency), budget and timing. We explain what is realistic and what it will cost.

Your setup

We guide you through getting the digital ID, the Saudi bank account and phone number, so you are ready to buy.

Shortlist & zone check

Properties inside permitted zones only, with video walk-throughs, rental comparables and resale outlook.

Due diligence

Title deed and liens, off-plan licence and escrow where relevant, and an accredited valuation.

Purchase & transfer

Ownership request on the Saudi Properties platform, payment of the 5% tax and electronic transfer of the deed into your name.

Rent & manage

We find tenants, register the lease on Ejar and manage collection and maintenance, with regular reports to you.

Good to know

Financing, residency and risks

Financing

Saudi banks mostly lend to people with Saudi residency and local income. Most overseas buyers pay cash or use financing from their home country. Expect a larger down payment if a Saudi bank does lend.

Premium Residency

A mortgage-free residential property worth SAR 4 million or more, valued by an accredited valuer, can qualify you for Real Estate Owner Premium Residency — the right to live in the Kingdom with your family.

Currency

The riyal is pegged to the US dollar. If your income is in another currency, exchange-rate moves affect your real cost and returns — plan your transfers.

Avoid old advice

Rules changed in 2026. Older guides that mention iqama-only ownership or other outdated steps no longer apply.

Use official channels only

Ownership requests and payments go through the official platform and your own bank account. Never pay deposits to unverified individuals or accounts. Giving false information to obtain ownership can lead to a fine of up to 5% of the value (max SAR 10M) and a forced sale.

Remote management

A rental you cannot visit needs a reliable local manager, an Ejar contract and clear reporting. Factor management into your returns.

Planning to buy from abroad?

Tell us where you live, your budget and your goal — we will map out your steps and send matching properties inside permitted zones.

WhatsApp +966 50 311 6665