The Complete (New) Guide To How Foreigners Buy Property In Saudi Arabia


A few years ago, my British friend bought a brand-new villa in Saudi Arabia. However, he put the property title in the name of a trusted Saudi friend- a risky maneuver. At that time, the government had banned foreigners from owning property.  

However, as of May 2018, resident foreign nationals can purchase a business or residential property. 

I was curious to know more. So, I did some detailed fact findings with my Saudi friends, a real estate office, and helpful individuals at the Saudi Ministry of the Interior. 

A Step-By-Step Guide To Buying And Registering Land Or A Home In KSA

The following is a 10 step-by-step guide to buying and registering land or residential property for foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia.

It shows you exactly what to do, who to deal with, the documents needed, and outlines the whole procedure from start to finish.  

Author And His Boys In Masjid Al Nebawi-Madina, Saudi Arabia

So, How Exactly Do Expats and Foreigners Buy Land Or Property In Saudi Arabia? 

 First, you agree on a price for land to build on or property. Next, you conduct a title search and gather together the required documents. After you obtain licensing authority approval, you may apply for a mortgage or loan. Later, you register and submit the necessary papers at the Justice Ministry, pay, and finalize a title transfer with a notary public. Finally, you take the property title and get ownership. 

How Will You Benefit By Reading The Following Information?

The following article will show you in greater detail who exactly is allowed to buy land or a home and how you find a suitable property. 

It will also guide you to making a title search and tell you the documents you need.

It also shows you where to send them for licensing approval, how to get a loan or mortgage, and the procedures for submitting your application to finalize the title transfer to yourself or to your company. 

Abu Omar Explains How Foreigners Get Permission To Buy Property (Arabic Language)

10 Steps To Buying Land Or Property In Saudi Arabia For Foreign Nationals

  1. Search For And View Land or Property 
  2. Conduct Building Survey (optional)-Shaikh Al Aqar
  3. Negotiate And Agree On Price
  4. Conduct A Title SearchOpens in a new tab.
  5. Obtain Interior MinistryOpens in a new tab. and/or Ministry of Foreign AffairsOpens in a new tab. Approval (Apply Through AbshirOpens in a new tab.)
  6. Apply For And Obtain Mortgage & Pre Approval
  7. Prepare Documents & Ready Payment
  8. Register and First Visit To Notary Public Office (Ministry of JusticeOpens in a new tab.)  
  9. Transfer of Deeds & Final Visit To Notary Public Office (Ministry of Justice)
  10. Receive The Title Deeds In Your Name
Traditonal Aseer Home -Courtesy Saad Al Khornaifa

1. Search And View Land Or Property

Who Can Buy Property In Saudi Arabia?

The following is a definitive list of persons or entities with the right to buy or lease land or properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
EntityAsset (s)Condition (s)
1. Saudi Nationals/CompaniesCan Buy or Lease Building & Lands
2. Gulf Cooperative CouncilOpens in a new tab. (GCC) NationalsCan buy or Lease ONLY 1 Residential Home/Land3,000 m2 or lessHome to be completed 3-5 years after the registration date or penalties. 

(If not, the state can confiscate property, sell and reimburse the buyer) 
3. Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) Companies Can buy or lease building/land for business purposes onlyMecca & Madinah prohibited from buying/leasing property
4. Non GCC Foreign NationalsCan buy or lease ONLY 1 residential home
(Legal Residency Status ONLY)
a. Ministry of InteriorOpens in a new tab. permission required 

b. Mecca & Madinah prohibited from buying/leasing property

c. can inherit property In Mecca and Madinah
5. Non GCC Foreign CompaniesCan buy or lease
(2 years renewable) property for: 

a. Business

b. development

c. employee housing (projects)

d. employee housing (legal residents)
Must-Havea. Foreign Investment License

b. Ministry of Foreign AffairsOpens in a new tab. permission required.

c. $8 million (SR 30 million) or more for development (subject to amendment by Saudi Council of MinistersOpens in a new tab.)

d. Must complete development in 5 years

(If not, the state can confiscate property, sell and reimburse the buyer) 

e. Mecca & Madinah prohibited from buying/leasing property
6. GCC & Foreign Companies ONLY

(Mecca and Medinah)
Can buy or lease
(2 years renewable) property in Mecca or Madinah ONLY if it is: 

a. business or development for financing Saudi nationals

b. business, but must accord with SAMA rules 

c. business, but must accord with Capital Market Authority (CMA) rules


a. ONLY SAMAOpens in a new tab. licensed banks and real estate financing companies

b. listed companies

c. other entities specified by the Saudi Council of MinistersOpens in a new tab.  
7. Saudi Premium Residency HoldersOpens in a new tab.
(Foreign Nationals)
Can lease ONLY 1 Residential Home/Land In Mecca or Madinah of 3,000 m2 or less Usufruct RightsOpens in a new tab. for 99 years ONLY
8. Foreign MissionsOpens in a new tab.Can buy or lease property for:
a. chancery (embassy) premises
b. residences for mission members
a. other entities specified by the Saudi Council of MinistersOpens in a new tab.
b. Reciprocal exchange 
9. Economic CitiesOpens in a new tab.
Foreign Nationals or Companies  
Can buy or use property for:

Economic Cities 
Must:

Comply with Board of Directors of the Economic Cities AuthorityOpens in a new tab. rules 
10.  Real Estate Investment Traded Funds Opens in a new tab.(REITs) 

Non-resident foreign investors
Can trade 
units of REIT funds and shares
Must:

a. generate 75% real estate income 

b. pay 90% dividends

c. contribute to Saudi Vision 2030Opens in a new tab. & National Transformation PlanOpens in a new tab. (NTP)

d. attractive diversified portfolios & high dividends to Saudi investors 
https://youtu.be/w5NgokrXr60
Helpful Lawyer Khalid Al Habuwart Explains Which Foreigners Are Eligible (Arabic language)

Where Can You Find Property In Saudi Arabia?

There are several ways to find a property/land for purchase or to lease in the kingdom.

  • Talk to Sellers
  • Visit Estate Agents
  • Inquire At Estate Development Companies
  • Search Online Websites

Talk to Sellers

First, you can speak to house owners in the cities/towns/area (s) where you wish to purchase. Ask them for recommendations.

Likely, they will know other houses or landowners wanting to sell plots of land or residential property. 

Visit Brokers And Estate Agents

Second, you might visit brokers or real estate offices to see their listings. In Arabic, they are called Wakaala Al Aqaar or Estate Agent Offices.

They are numerous in Saudi cities and towns.

Saudi estate agents will show you their properties and provide legal and conveyancing services.

Also, after you agree on a sale with the owner, the agent will produce a sales agreement document.

Later, you use this document to register your new property.

Inquire At Estate Development Companies

Third, you might visit the estate development sales offices and arrange to view show houses and ask them for information about purchasing a home.

Search Online Websites

Fourth, you can search the popular websites for houses, apartments, commercial property, or land.

Some popular names include:
Down Town Riyadh Skyline

2. Conduct A Building Survey And Service Inspections

The Shaikh Al Aqar Evaluates Land Or Property

In Saudi Arabia, neither property owners nor estate agents determine the price of private, commercial property or land.  

It is the job of the office of the Property Shaikh called (Shaikh Al Aqar). Most people familiar with buying and selling the property will know where to locate him and how to get his services. 

Conducting A Survey And A Property Inspection

If you want to buy a house or land, you can invite the Shaikh to survey and inspect it first.

After conducting the survey, he will offer a written evaluation. He will note the location, the type, size, and standard of the property and detail any obvious and costly improvements or renovations that may affect the future property value. 

Getting The Property Valued

In his written evaluation, the Shaikh Al Aqar will also state a price for which the seller can reasonably sell the property. 

In the report, he will give two prices. The first is the current market price of the villa or the apartment. The other is the price of the land upon which the property sits. 

The survey and report cost between SR 500 and SR 1,000. It may be more for larger sized properties.

Retrospective Surveys 

If you have already purchased your land or property, the Shaikh Al Aqar can still survey it and produce a written report for you.

If you feel you have paid more than the property is worth or that you have encountered unforeseen problems with the purchase agreement, you can legally use the report to revise the original purchase agreement. 

Saudi people have a level of trust and respect for the Shaikh Al Aqar’s decisions concerning property evaluations. They view his word as an Amana characterized by a high level of honesty and integrity.

The Shaikh and his office are answerable to both the government and the property buying public. For this reason, his price evaluations must be accurate and fair. 

What Are The Property Prices In Saudi Arabia?

Land agents sell plots of land for building homes in sizes 500m2 to 600m2. 

A building or a house must occupy at least 25% of the plot size. You can use the remainder to make a garden and yard area.   

The Cost of Plots of Land For Building a Home

LocationCost Of PurchasePlot Sizes
Rural AreasSR 25-SR 60 per meter500-600plus
Urban AreasSR 50- SR 3,000 plus500 ㎡ 

Of course, the most expensive building plots are in city/town centers and established areas that already have services and utilities. 

Building plots in cities can cost between SR 50 per square meter up to SR 3,000 per square meter or more. 

The Cheapest Plots of Land 

The cheapest building plots are in more rural locations that do not yet have services and utilities available. (See above)

Saudi speculators buy such plots with the expectation of an increase in value as the areas develop in the future.

The lower land plot prices are also in the outskirts of the cities or towns. They cost between twenty-five and sixty Saudi ryals per square meter.  

The Cost of Individual Houses and Apartments 

LocationCost Of Purchase
Rural Houses/Villas
Rural Apartments
SR 300,000-2,000,000 plus
SR 250,000-8,000,00 plus
Urban Houses/Villas
Urban Apartments
SR 500,000-3,500,000 plus
SR 300,000- SR 1,000,000 plus

To get specific details and costs of houses and apartments, you can search the listings at the local Real Estate Agents or online websites. 

Traditional Saudi Housing-Museum Piece

3. How Do You Negotiate And Agree On Price With The Seller?

Lots Of Wiggle Room

There is a lot of wiggle room on the asking price for land, villas, and apartments. Real estate agents will usually advertise a property with a guide price that is 15-20% higher than the one the seller expects to receive.

They know those prospective buyers will make offers much lower than the price stated in the property advert. 

An investor will haggle unremittingly to obtain the bottom line price and will likely make multiple purchases.

You should do the same. 

Aim low, then work your way up to the minimum price an owner is willing to sell. You can make your offers to the seller through the agent managing the property sale.

They will know the market and can guide you to make sensible offers.

If you are buying land, you will negotiate an amount per square meter. If you are buying a house, you will negotiate the asking price of the house. 

You can buy land or property without paying for the services of the Shaikh Al Aqar. 

However, in price negotiations, you can comfortably base any of your offers on the price of the property calculated in the Shaikh’s written estimate. 

Note: Since the estate agent earns a fixed 2.5% fee on all property sales, he has a vested interest in arriving at the best price possible for his seller client. 

Fees to the agent for rental properties are 5%.

New Restaurants And Hotels On Fanateer Sea Front

4. Conducting a Title Search On The Property Deeds

Ensure The Seller Title Deeds Match With The Ministry Of Justice Records

After agreeing on a price with the owner and obtaining authority approval,Opens in a new tab. you will need to check that the title deeds for the land or the advertised property correspond with those held at the Ministry of Justice notary agency. 

For this, you will need permission to conduct a Real Estate Deeds Property Search from the seller. 

He/she must give you:

  • A unique property search number
  • A registration date

You can also conduct an alternative search using:

  • A unique property search number
  • The seller’s national ID number

Then, you enter these details at the Ministry of Justice electronic Validation of Real EstateOpens in a new tab. portal or Inquiry About Real Estate Deeds.   

The search will deliver a detailed report and show any (encumbrances) mortgages, assets, or additional property claims on the property.

You should note any discrepancies and act on them.

The title deed shows the property status, type, location that includes the city, district, a specific area, and a unique property number.

A title deed search is free of charge, and you will be able to print the report.

Saudi Ministry of the Interior-Courtesy Wikipedia

5. How Do Foreign Buyers Obtain Permission From The Saudi Ministry Of The Interior Or The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs? 

Foreigners Need Ministry Approval BEFORE They Can Buy Land or Property

Foreign nationals must obtain approval to buy land for building a home or a residential property from the Saudi Ministry of The InteriorOpens in a new tab. before the sale can be registered and agreed upon at the Ministry of Justice. 

Likewise, foreign-registered companies need both a Foreign Investment License and the approval to buy land or property for business and residential use from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign AffairsOpens in a new tab..

To get permission, you need to register, then apply online on Abshir Opens in a new tab.or the at the Saudi government portal.Opens in a new tab. 

The following are the documents that you as a buyer need to prepare and then submit to the Saudi government to get approval.

You can scan and send them electronically. 

They will take two weeks to a month to reply and to give you the approval you seek. 

However, be warned. Not everyone will get approval. They will only grant permission to foreigners with SAGIA Foreign Investment Licenses Opens in a new tab.and to those residents working in certain professions.

You should:

  1. Have A Valid Saudi Residence Permit (Iqama)
  2. Be Financially sound
  3. Be well established in the kingdom 10+.
  4. Have your family established Here
  5. Use the property to live in with your family
  6. Want to invest your salary in KSA
  7. Provide Abshir Opens in a new tab.with the Property Number, Owner ID Number, PDF Copy of Title Deeds, PDF Copy of Sales Contract (Stamped By Estate Agent) & PDF Copy of Construction Clearance

How To Get Permission To Buy A Property In Saudi Arabia

  1. Log into your AbshirOpens in a new tab. account (Business or Individual)
  2. Choose My Services
  3. Then, choose Public Services
  4. Later, click on Request to own A Property For Non Saudis
  5. After that, complete for Property Request Form
  6. Then, upload the Requested Documents (See above)
  7. Finally, check the Terms and Conditions box and Submit.

Note: For Property Requests made by to a Foreign Business, other documents are needed. (See full list of requirements below)

They will take a few weeks to reply you. In the meantime, log into Abshir Opens in a new tab. to the same area and click Inquire Request to get any updates on the application.

Tech Solutions Shows You How To Use Abshir Opens in a new tab.To Request Permission To Own A Property In KSA (Arabic Language)

Individual Foreign Buyers- Documents Needed

DocumentParticulars
Cover LetterList Property TypeArea Specific Address
Copy of Current PassportCopy of First Passport Used On Entry To Saudi ArabiaScanned Copy of Each
Copy of Applicant’s And Spouse’s Residency Permit (IqamaScanned Copy of Each
Copy of the Birth Certificate of Each Child In The Family  Translations into Arabic and stamped (if required) using Translation Services Office. Cost: SR 50- SR 80
Employment Verification Letter With Salary Employment Character ReferenceAvailable at HR
Certificate from the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSIThe certificate details the applicant’s insurance contributions. 
Stamped Bank StatementThe statement details at least 6 months worth of salary transfers. 
Copy of Property DeedsThe Property You Wish To Buy 
Copy Of Building PermitThe Permit For Building On A Plot 
Copy of A Survey Report(Shaikh Al AqarFor The Property/Land You Wish To Buy
Building Plan 

A plan detailing property dimensions, municipality building number, (provide a clickable link),  area and street names and obvious landmarks.  

The following are the documents you will need if you are buying  land for building or residential property as a foreign owned company. 

Foreign Company Buyers- Documents Needed

DocumentParticulars
If Power of Attorney (Third Party) Authorization Letter 
(No more than 5 years old)
If Buyer is a foreign company buyerApproval Letter Ministry
of Foreign AffairsOpens in a new tab.
Payment a. Certified Check Or
Notice of Deposit of reserved funds

b. Notice of payment Pre Approval 
Payment Must Be FULL Amount In
ONE Single Transfer 
(No cash payment allowed) 
Checks on Company Purchasera. Company Articles

b. Company Articles of Association

c. Any Article Amendments Should Be Notarized
Commercial RegistryValid and Accessible for Checking
ContractSales or Purchase MUST Be Stipulated 
Confirmation Letter MUST include:

a. Agency Name
b. Legal Capacity Details
Copy of Commercial RegistrationRegistration Number and Particulars
Joint Ownership With Foreign Partner (s)The registered company owns and can dissolve the company.

Written permission needed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Old Jeddah- Courtesy Mohammed Abdul Salem

6. How Do You Get A Mortgage Or A Loan For Land Or Property?

No Money? You Need A Loan Pre Approval

Bank loans are available to Saudis aged 18 -21 years of age and above and those who have been employed for at least six months in an approved job.

Banks also require a minimum salary of between SR 3,500 and SR 6,000. 

Non-Saudis can also apply for home loans with the same conditions provided they show either the Interior or Foreign Ministry approval. 

How Do Expats Obtain Mortgages In Saudi Arabia?

To get a mortgage as an expat in Saudi Arabia, you should ensure that you have a down payment available of between 5% and 15% of the total cost of the land or party you want to buy. 

You should also calculate your monthly income and outgoings. The monthly deductions should not exceed a specified percentage of your salary.

For example, if your salary is between SR 10,000 and SR 15,000, your monthly outgoings should not exceed 33.33%.

When you apply for a mortgage or a financing loan, the lender will determine these figures and inform you of your eligibility. 

Where Can Expats Get Home Mortgage in Saudi Arabia?

A total of 17 banks offer a variety of personal loans or mortgages. Currently, there are 43 loan products on offer.  (See below)

The following resourceOpens in a new tab. offers a list of 40+ home loan options that are for Saudi nationals. 

However, increasingly they are being made available for foreign nationals provided that they have the Saudi Ministry of the Interior approvalOpens in a new tab. to purchase a home in the kingdom. 

You can begin your search hereOpens in a new tab.. First, enter your monthly salary in the field in the left column.

Then, use the mortgage calculator at the top of the page to see what mortgages are available.

The calculator will return a list of banks and institutions offering loans for expats and your salary level and payment duration. 

Tip: The advertisements state that only Saudi nationals can apply for loans.

However, I know that the banks will consider mortgages for expats. You just need to inquire at the bank concerned.     

Where Can Expats Get Personal Loans in Saudi Arabia?

You might also want to consider applying for a personal loan. You can use this type of loan to buy your property in the kingdom. The loan amounts and lending terms are different from a mortgage loan. 

The following resourceOpens in a new tab. offers a list of 73 personal finance loan options for Saudi nationals. However, you can filter your selection for ‘expats’. 

The results may say that loans are not available for non-Saudis. However, some banks will consider loans after ministry approval.  

Later, you can click through the links to the specific bank or loan company websites to get more details or learn about new loans.   

How Much Home Finance Can You Get?

Generally, the banks offer loan amounts of SR 1,500,000 for home purchases. The minimum salary banks require is between SR3,000 and SR 5,000.

Some can demand much more and others less. 

Service charges are between 1%-9% depending on the type of loan and the lender.  

For example, Al Rajhi BankOpens in a new tab. loans are 58 times your monthly salary for 20 years and 82 times your salary for 30 years. 

If your salary is SR 15,000 X 58=SR 870,000, then a 20-year loan is available.

If your salary is SR 15,000 X 82= SR 1,230,000 then a 30-year loan is available.

TipAl Rajhi Bank offers personal and home finance to foreign nationals. Click to see their website (above).

The following factors determine the size of the loan available to you.
  • Your monthly salary 
  • Your credit report
  • Your monthly outgoings
  • Your ability to repay
  • Value of the property
  • The loan period

(5 years for personal finance and up to 30 years for a mortgage)

How Long Does It Take To Get An Expat Mortgage?

The banks will provide home loans within a week up to a month as long as you have all the necessary documents.

What Documents Do I Need To Apply For A Home Mortgage? 

DocumentParticulars
Application Form Online or paper
Employment Verification Letter
(With Salary) 
Signed and sealed by Chamber
of Commerce or employer
Approval By Ministry of The Interior or Foreign AffairsApplication made via AbshirOpens in a new tab.
(2 weeks to 1 month wait)
Copy of Residency Permit(Iqama)Attested
Salary Assignment Letter (or)
Customer Account (or)
SAREA Form 
In favor of an ARB
Showing Approval
Copy of the Title Deed2 sides
Price quotation for Land/PropertyBroker or Estate Agent (Aqar)
Copy of Building Permits2 sides
Architect’s Plan of Land or PropertySketch and showing location
Pictures of the Land or PropertySketches and photos
If Land Dimensions Differ between Title Deeds and Plan A Letter from the Municipality (Baladeya) is required

Subsidized Home Finance- For Saudis Only

The Saudi government operates a generously subsidized loan scheme for eligible Saudi nationals registered with the Housing Ministry.

Banks loan 90%-100% of the total price of the property purchase. They will lend SR 500,000 and up to SR 5,000,000, repayable in 5 up to 25 years.

Loan service fees are usually 1% of 500,000 or SR 5,000 depending on which is lower.

Down payments are between 5% and 10%.

Borrowers can pay back loans at any time. Banks deduct monthly installments from your salary. 

The age of borrowers can be from 21 up to 60-77 for government and private company workers. The minimum salary required is SR 3,000 to SR 5,000.

The following national banks fund the housing scheme:

  1. The Saudi National Bank
  2. The Riyadh Bank  
  3. The Arab National Bank 
  4. The Development Bank
  5. The Alimna Bank
  6. The National Bank 
  7. The Bank Al Bilad
  8. Al Rajhi Bank
  9. Bank Saudi Fransi

Loans are available for:

  • Self Build Homes
  • Completed Properties
  • Off Plan Properties
  • Mortgage-Backed Financing
  • Saudi Military Personnel
Author Thinking About Mortgage Loans

7. Which Documents Do You Need To Prepare & Is Your Payment Ready?

Individual Foreign Buyers And Foreign Companies

The following is a list of documents you need to complete a title deed transfer.

Individual Buyers-Documents Needed For Title Transfer

DocumentParticulars
Residency Permit (Iqama) (or)
If Saudi -National ID Card 
 Original and Copy Required
Land or property title deedsIf transferring name to deeds
Ministry of Interior ApprovalApply Via Abshir Opens in a new tab.or
The Ministry of the Interior Opens in a new tab.
Sales Agreement LetterDrawn up by estate agent or broker
Preapproved Certified Banker’s Check Apply for a Bank LoanOpens in a new tab. (If required)
Plot Plan  (If land)
Building Architect’s Drawings
Municipality Plot Number,
location,
dimensions,
pictures,
details, etc
  

Foreign Company Buyers- Documents Needed For Title Transfer

DocumentParticulars
Residency Permit (Iqama) (or) If Saudi -National ID Card Original and Copy Required
Land or property title deedsIf transferring
Approval LetterApply via Abshir Opens in a new tab.or
Ministry of Foreign AffairsOpens in a new tab.
Sales Agreement LetterDrawn up by estate agent or broker
Foreign Investment License 
Preapproved Certified Banker’s Check Choice of Loaning BanksOpens in a new tab.
Plot Plan  (If land)
Building Architect’s Drawings
Municipality Plot Number,
location, dimensions, pictures
and details etc
If Power of Attorney (Third Party) Authorization Letter 
(No more than 5 years old)
If Buyer is a foreign company buyerApproval Letter Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
Payment By Check
(No Cash allowed) 
a. Certified Check Or Notice of
Deposit of reserved funds

b. Notice of payment Pre Approval 

c. Payment Must Be FULL Amount In
ONE Single Transfer 
(No cash payment allowed) 
Company Purchaser Checksa. Company Articles

b. Company Articles of Association

c. (Article Amendments Should Be Notarized)
Commercial RegistryValid and Accessible for Checking
Sales Agreement ContractSales or Purchase Stipulated 
Confirmation Letter Must Include:
a. Agency Name
b. Legal Capacity Details
Copy of Commercial RegistrationRegistration Number and Particulars
If Joint Ownership With Foreign Partner (s)The registered company owns and can dissolve the company.

(Also, written permission needed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Opens in a new tab.)
Islamic Courthouse Building In Madinah

8. First Visit To Notary Public Office (Ministry of Justice) And How To Register

Transferring Land Or Property Ownership  

In Brief

You can transfer ownership of the land or property at the notary public office at the Saudi Ministry of Justice.   

The Steps

  1. Buyer and seller meet the Notary Clerk At The Ministry Of JusticeOpens in a new tab..  
  2. Both the buyer and seller submit their documents. The notary clerk prepares and signs the new title deed. 
  3. The Notary Public official then checks the documents and approves the transfer of the deed document. 
  4. The buyer pays the seller using the certified banker’s check.
  5. The notary public signs and stamps the new title deed and gives it to the seller.

First, both the buyer and seller must attend to sign the transfer documents and to make payment. 

To do this, you first make an appointment online to visit the notary office. 

After online registrationOpens in a new tab., you and the seller will immediately get an appointment to visit a public notary after a few days to make the deed transfer.

Step 1

On the day of the scheduled appointment, the seller and the buyer meet the first notary clerk at his or her window. 

Here the notary clerk takes the documents and checks that they are correct and that there are no discrepancies.

Then, he writes the details of each party into the computer system.

The notary clerk then issues the new title deed (sack), and each one signs it. 

The first step takes about 60minutes to complete. 

New Mosque In Jalmoudah, Jubail

9. Second And Final Visit To Notary Public Office (Ministry of Justice)-The Deed Transfer

The Buyer and Seller Visit Notary Public To Complete The Deed Transfer

Step 2

Later, the notary public transfers the deed document (saq) from the seller to the buyer in a separate room and at a later meeting. 

To do this, both parties attend again with the Notary Public official.

The seller and the buyer will receive an SMS text message Opens in a new tab.asking them to return to the notary public office a few hours after the first visit.

Again, both submit their documents to the front desk and then enter a room with the notary public official to complete the transfer. 

Another time, the Notary Public official takes the documents, does a final check, approves the document before putting your name (s) on the deeds, by signing, stamping, and finally sealing the title deeds. 

Before this, you will make only ONE payment (no cash allowed) by handing the certified check to the seller in front of the Notary Public official. 

Traditional Entrance To Saudi House -Courtesy Faris Al Zahrani

10. You Receive The New Title Deed In Your Name 

You Are Now A Proud Owner Of Land Or A Home  

The notary public official then completes the exchange by handing the new title deed to you. He will also archive a copy of the document at the Notary Public Office. 

An electronic copy of the deeds is always available at the notary office anytime you wish to make an online title deed search via the Ministry of Justice online portal.Opens in a new tab. 

Related Questions

Can Foreign Nationals Buy Property In Mecca and Madinah? No, they cannot. However, foreign nationals can inherit property in these cities. Also, GCC or non GCC companies can buy or lease in Mecca and Madinah for businesses that invest in and finance Saudi nationals, follow SAMA rules and accord with Capital Market Authority (CMA) regulations.

Are Premium Residency Visa Holders Allowed To Own Property in KSA? Yes, they can own one property (land and house 3,000 m2 or less) for residential purposes. They can also lease a home in Mecca and Madinah with Usufruct RightsOpens in a new tab. for 99 years ONLY.

Must I Conduct A Survey Before Buying or Selling A Property? No, it is optional and not legally required for a title transfer. For peace of mind, you can hire a Shaikh Al Aqar who will survey and inspect the property and give you a written evaluation. See details above.

References And Useful Sites

Salam Allekum! Hi there! Thanks for reading. Contact the Editor Mohammed Francis directly at insidesaudia@gmail.com with any questions or queries.

Mohammed Francis

I am a UK national, a college teacher, father of 3, writer and blogger.

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