Off-Plan Dubai from 2024 onwards firmly established itself as a leading player in the Saudi real estate landscape. We have partnered with local funds and developers to invest in the Kingdom through real estate, and we have witnessed the region’s growth in prominence across multiple continents as the world’s smart money moves there in anticipation of the upcoming boom in the real estate sector. We are fast approaching SAR 500m in just under 2 years in the market, that’s not in any way a gloat or showing off. Just a validation that we know the region and investment sector, and are continuing to provide value and insights into an internationally emerging investment destination.
If you’re considering investing in Riyadh real estate, here’s a well-rounded look at the current landscape as of mid-2025:
Why Riyadh Is Attracting Investor Interest:
Vision 2030 and Major Development Projects:
Riyadh sits at the center of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the economy beyond oil. This includes massive infrastructure and urban development initiatives that buoy real estate demand.
Key mega-projects include:
- Riyadh Metro: operational since December 2024, provides critical connectivity across the city.
- New Murabba: a futuristic downtown featuring the Mukaab skyscraper, is set for completion by 2030.
- King Salman Park: on track to be one of the world’s largest urban parks, is opening in 2026.
- King Abdullah Financial District: (KAFD) is a LEED-Platinum mixed-use district catering to businesses and residents.
Strong Market Performance & Growth Trends:
Residential and commercial sectors are seeing heightened activity:
- A 38% jump in real estate transactions in H1 2024, totalling SAR 127.3 billion.
CBRE reports an 18% rise in average rents for office spaces in 2024, with Q1 2025 showing a 21% year-on-year jump, driven by limited available space.
- Property values climbed by 5.1% in Q1 2025.
Market forecasts remain positive:
- JLL anticipates the real estate market’s value to hit $101.6 billion by 2029, with an 8% compound annual growth rate from 2024.
- Crown Continental projects rental yields of 8.5%–9.5% in 2025, property price growth of 3%–7%, and capital appreciation of 4%–8%.
- The residential sector remains robust, and hospitality, retail, and logistics are expanding as well.
Foreign Investment & Ownership Reforms:
- Since 2023, foreigners can now own freehold real estate in many parts of Riyadh, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
- Other incentives include relaxed ownership rules, long-term residency “Green Card” options, and streamlined regulations.
- Net FDI in Q4 2024 rose by 26%, with projections calling for $100 billion in FDI by 2030.
Legal Reform & Key Timelines:
Starting January 2026, Saudi Arabia will dramatically open its real estate market to foreign ownership—under a finely regulated, zone-based system. This represents a historic shift, enabling international investors, expats, and global firms to participate in the Kingdom’s real estate economy while maintaining protective controls. Legal guidance, awareness of zone-specific rules, and careful compliance will be essential as the policy rolls out.
- On July 25, 2025, Saudi Arabia officially published a groundbreaking law—the Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis—replacing the earlier 2000 framework.
- The law enters into force 180 days after publication, which places its effective date in January 2026.
- Detailed executive regulations defining eligible zones, ownership limits, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms will be published within that 180-day transition period.
Saudi Arabia – Premium Residency (Green Card) Real Estate Investment Visa:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Property Value: Own (or hold usufruct rights to) a residential property in Saudi Arabia valued at ≥ SAR 4 million (~USD 1.07 million).
- No Financing Allowed: The property must be fully developed, mortgage-free, and not financed at any point—meaning purchase must be made in cash without leverage.
- Valuation: It must be appraised by a valuator accredited by the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (Taqeem).
- Residency Duration: The residency remains valid as long as you retain ownership of the qualifying property or usufruct rights over it.
- Fees: A one-time government fee of SAR 4,000 (~USD 1,066), plus a processing fee (often around USD 170), is required for the application.
Benefits Include:
- Reside in Saudi Arabia with your family, including spouses, children under 25, and even parents.
- Visa-free exit and re-entry, and exemptions from expat and dependent fees.
Work and change employers freely in the private sector without needing a local sponsor.
- Own real estate, vehicles, and businesses, and invite relatives via visit visas.
- Use dedicated lanes at airports for faster processing.
Key Risks and Challenges to Be Aware Of:
Off Plan Dubai, as with all investments, especially emerging markets, it is essential to consider any potential pitfalls and obstacles that may present themselves. If we are aware of upcoming issues, we can best plan for them and mitigate them as effectively as possible.
- Regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles: Despite reforms, navigating local bureaucracy can be slow and complex, particularly for foreign investors. In truth, this is why we like working with multi-national developers. They have a process that has been fine-tuned across multiple markets and makes international investing as easy as possible.
- Value volatility: Property values remain tied to broader economic factors, notably oil prices. Saudi Arabia is aiming to thrive beyond the notion of oil dependency and become a functioning state in its own right.
- High prices and affordability issues: Since the pandemic, prices have surged—home prices up 81%, apartments 56%, making ownership increasingly out of reach for many locals.
- White land tax initiative: A new tax (up to 10%) on underdeveloped land aims to curb speculation and encourage development, which may affect investment strategies in undeveloped zones.
- Rental inflation concerns: Anecdotal reports highlight rapid rent hikes, even for older properties. North Riyadh has experienced unprecedented annual jumps from SAR 12,000 to SAR 70,000, despite poor conditions in some buildings.
Prime Investment Areas & Property Types
Promising neighbourhoods for investment (especially for residential, rental, or Airbnb-style units):
- Al Malqa: Upscale villas, well-located.
- Sedra: Home to DAR Global and Roshn Luxury Villas, all centred around a natural Wadi. A crown in Riyadh Real Estate.
- Al Narjis, Al Yasmin: Family-friendly with strong rental demand.
- Al Narjis & Jasmine: Popular with upper-middle-class segments.
- KAFD: High-end residential and office developments.
Other emerging zones include Kairouan and Agate, which are well-connected via highways and business parks. Malaz offers stable, centrally located rentals.
Strategic Takeaways for Investors:
- Capitalise on transformation by investing in areas tied to infrastructure or mega-projects (Metro, New Murabba, Park, KAFD) to harness growth and appreciation.
- Prioritise locations with solid rental demand and institutional interest (e.g., family neighbourhoods, business zones).
- Understand local dynamics: Use regulated, licensed developers; be mindful of community fees, handover timelines, and transparency.
- Consider foreign ownership structures: Take advantage of new freehold ownership rules and residency incentives.
- Factor in policy and taxes: The white land tax may impact undeveloped land; monitor for future regulatory shifts.
DAR Global:
The leading developer in Saudi Arabia with an international presence is the London Stock Exchange-listed DAR Global.
Having launched 200 ultra-exclusive villas in partnership with Mouawad, along with a Trump tower in Jeddah, 2025 has been about acquisitions and the planning for future launches in Riyadh. We are expecting a Trump Tower in Riyadh by 2026, along with a multi-layered master plan featuring luxury Villas, Apartments, and a Trump International Golf Club on an unspecified, expensive plot.
Here’s what Dar Global currently has in the pipeline for Riyadh real estate, based on the most up-to-date information:
- SAR 880 Million (≈ $235M) Luxury Residential Project with MouawadDar Global has partnered with luxury jeweller Mouawad to deliver a highly branded residential project near the World Expo 2030 site in north Riyadh. The development comprises 200 luxury villas, merging contemporary design with Mouawad’s craftsmanship—positioned to become one of Riyadh’s most prestigious addresses.
Key strategic advantages:
- Taps into Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program, where buyers investing SAR 4 million (≈ $1 million) or more are eligible for residency benefits. Represents Dar Global’s market entry into Saudi Arabia, introducing internationally branded luxury residential standards.
- Land Acquisitions in Riyadh — $297 MillionIn March 2025, Dar Global invested $297 million to acquire 190 fully developed plots in Riyadh from its parent company, Dar Al Arkan. These plots are projected to yield a gross development value (GDV) of around $800 million.
Why it matters:
This significant land purchase positions Dar Global to launch additional residential-led developments in Riyadh, expanding beyond the Mouawad villas into broader luxury or high-end residential offerings. DAR Global is famous for its branded residences with Lamborghini, Pagani, Trump, Fendi, W, Missoni, Elie Saab, Mouawad and others among its elaborate list of branded options across the globe. Expect some of the most prominent designers and brands to enter the Saudi market in 2026 and beyond.
Strategic Context & Outlook
- Dar Global is establishing a strategic footprint in Saudi Arabia, leveraging its parent Dar Al Arkan’s local expertise and relationships.
- The company is pursuing a brand-driven approach, partnering with luxury names like Mouawad to differentiate its properties and appeal to wealthy, internationally mobile clients.
- Combined with the land investments, Dar Global appears poised to become a leading luxury developer in Riyadh, aligning with Vision 2030’s broader goals of economic diversification and global appeal.
Final Thoughts:
Riyadh is currently one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich real estate markets in the region, driven by infrastructure, broad reforms, and rapid economic diversification. With high yields, robust capital appreciation, and more open access for international investors, it’s a compelling time to consider strategic real estate ventures.
That said, success hinges on due diligence, selecting the correct location, understanding regulatory frameworks, and aligning with long-term secular trends rather than speculative fever.
Let me know if you’d like help diving into specific neighbourhoods, returned yields, developer reputations, or navigating foreign investment compliance.
Discover our range of Saudi Arabia Property Investments here
property@offplandubai.ae 
+44 7595 715 264