Dashen Luxury · For residents

Living in Jeddah? Rent smart, or own your home.

A new ownership law in force since January 2026 makes it easier for residents of Saudi Arabia to own the home they live in, and widens where they can buy. This guide explains your rights, what homes cost to rent and to buy, how financing works and how to avoid the common mistakes.

Updated October 2026
Talk to an advisor on WhatsAppBook a free consultation
1 homeResidents may own one home for personal use, even outside the designated zonesOwnership law, 2026
SAR 38–58KTypical yearly asking rent, 2-bed in Al-Rawdah, Al-Salamah, Al-NaeemListings, Sep–Oct 2026
~30%Typical down payment asked from non-Saudi residents by banksBank terms, 2026
5%Real Estate Transaction Tax when you buyZATCA
EjarEvery residential lease must be registered and paid through EjarREGA

Your rights in 2026

What a resident can own today

The non-Saudi ownership law came into force on 22 January 2026, and its regulations and zones were approved on 23 June 2026. For people who live in the Kingdom, the key points are:

Iqama holders

Own the home you live in

  • Buy inside the designated zones in any city
  • Plus one residential property for personal use outside the zones
  • The outside-zone home right does not apply in Makkah and Madinah
  • In Makkah and Madinah, ownership is limited to Muslims
  • Apply directly with your residency ID on the Saudi Properties platform
Premium Residency

Same rights, plus stability

  • Same ownership rights as iqama holders
  • Buying a home does not affect your Premium Residency benefits
  • In Makkah and Madinah, holders can get a usufruct right of up to 99 years
  • A mortgage-free home worth SAR 4M+ can itself qualify you for Premium Residency
Your family

One home per family

  • A non-Saudi spouse and children count as dependents of the head of the family
  • So the family owns one home for living, not one each
  • This changes if the marriage ends or a child turns 25

Before you pay anything: confirm your eligibility and the property’s status on the official Saudi Properties platform (call centre 920017183). We do this check with you as part of every purchase.

Rent or buy?

Which makes sense for you

There is no single right answer. It depends on how long you plan to stay, your savings and how stable your income is.

Renting is better if…

  • You may leave Saudi Arabia within 3–5 years
  • You don’t yet have a 30% down payment plus about 7.5% for tax and fees
  • You want to try a neighbourhood before committing
  • Your contract or employer may move you to another city

Buying is better if…

  • You plan to stay long-term and want stability for your family
  • Your rent is close to what a monthly finance payment would be
  • You have stable income and a clean credit record
  • You want an asset you can later rent out or sell

Where residents live

Jeddah neighbourhoods and rents

Typical yearly asking rents for 2-bedroom apartments (villas where noted), based on listings from September–October 2026. Signed rents are often lower after negotiation.

NeighbourhoodYearly rent rangeMedianGood for
Al-ZahraSAR 30,000–53,000SAR 40,000Value, central-north location
Al-NaeemSAR 38,000–51,000SAR 42,000Quiet family streets, good prices
Al-SalamahSAR 42,000–55,000SAR 46,000Families and professionals, schools nearby
Al-FaisaliyahSAR 36,000–58,000SAR 48,000Central, close to business districts
Al-RawdahSAR 40,000–58,000SAR 51,000Popular with expat families, newer buildings
Al-HamraSAR 48,000–65,000SAR 54,000Near the Corniche and city centre
Al-KhalidiyahSAR 54,000–60,000SAR 58,000Established, premium location
Al-ShatiSAR 72,000–85,000SAR 79,000Seaside living, premium
North Obhur (villas)SAR 71,000–95,000SAR 83,000Space and sea access; 30–45 min to centre
South Obhur (villas)SAR 95,000–150,000SAR 120,000Larger villas and compounds

Also budget for electricity: about SAR 600–1,200 a month in summer for a 2–3 bedroom flat. Newer, well-insulated buildings cost less to cool.

Home finance

Getting a mortgage as a resident

Several Saudi banks now finance homes for non-Saudi residents. Each bank decides on its own, but typical published terms in 2026 look like this:

Down payment

Around 30% of the price for non-Saudi residents at major banks. Plus about 7.5% for tax (5%) and brokerage (up to 2.5%).

Salary

Examples: from SAR 19,000/month for most nationalities and SAR 10,000 for GCC nationals at one major bank. Salary transfer to the bank is often required.

Age & term

Typically ages 25–60, with terms up to about 20 years. Loans up to SAR 3–5 million depending on the bank.

Rate & credit

Rates for residents have been quoted around 4.1%–5%, mostly Islamic (Murabaha). A good SIMAH credit score is required.

Calculator

Your rent vs. a monthly finance payment

A quick comparison. It is an estimate only — your bank’s offer will differ.

Cash needed upfront (down payment + 5% tax + 2.5% brokerage)
Amount financed
Estimated monthly payment
Your current rent per month
Payment minus rent (per month)
Excludes insurance, valuation, bank fees and maintenance. When you later sell, a non-Saudi owner pays a 2% REGA fee in Jeddah. This is an estimate, not financial advice.

Renting the right way

What every tenant should know

Ejar contract is a must

Residential leases must be registered on Ejar through a licensed broker. It protects your rights and is needed for many government services.

Pay only through Ejar channels

For residential contracts, rent paid through Ejar’s digital channels (mada / SADAD) is the valid proof of payment. Avoid cash or direct transfers.

Negotiate payment terms

Many Jeddah landlords still ask for the full year upfront. Two or more instalments are often possible — ask before you sign.

Inspect before you sign

Check AC units, water pressure, leaks and parking, and photograph the unit’s condition on handover.

Check the running costs

Electricity, water, building service fees and internet can add a lot. Ask for recent bills if possible.

Read renewal terms

Leases renew automatically unless either side gives notice at least 60 days before expiry. Jeddah rents follow the market, so agree renewal terms in writing.

Step by step

Owning your home with Dashen

Free consultation

We look at your residency, income, family needs and preferred areas, and tell you honestly whether buying makes sense now.

Eligibility & pre-approval

We confirm your ownership eligibility and help you get a finance pre-approval, so you know your real budget.

Shortlist & visits

Homes that fit your budget and daily life — schools, work, commute. We arrange the visits.

Checks & valuation

We verify the title deed, building condition and licences, and the bank arranges an accredited valuation.

Contract & transfer

Sale contract, 5% transaction tax and electronic transfer of the deed into your name.

Move in

Handover inspection, utilities transfer and after-sale support. We stay with you after the sale.

Looking for a home in Jeddah?

Tell us your budget, family size and preferred area — we will send options that fit.

WhatsApp +966 50 311 6665