Real Estate in Saudi Arabia

"My husband chose this place because it is close to his office, and the house is large enough to accomodate us," explained one expat living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"Finding an appropriate place to live in Saudi Arabia can be a daunting task. Depending on your budget and the area you are looking to live in, there are a variety of ways to find the best place for you. Consider browsing online real estate portals such as Tamleek.sa or Ekar.sa, which feature a variety of housing options for rent or for sale within certain cities and towns. Another option is to contact a local real estate agency, which can help you find suitable properties in and around the city of your choice. You may also consider joining expat and local social media groups in the city that you plan to live in, to help you get advice and tips on finding the right place. Lastly, leveraging the power of social networks in finding a suitable home is also beneficial, as you can be connected with people who have recently moved to the city and can provide helpful insights," said one person in Saudi Arabia.

"Expat homes and apartments typically come fully furnished with modern amenities and are comfortable and secure. The apartments generally come with a variety of appliances, such as a refrigerator, oven, washing machine, and air conditioner. The homes and apartments also come with secure parking and often have access to a pool and/or gym. In some cases, the expat homes and apartments may also have balconies with views of the surroundings. Additionally, expat homes and apartments may be situated in popular Compound areas, which offer a range of amenities such as a café, supermarket, dry-cleaning service, and health clinic," explained one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"The average cost of housing in Saudi Arabia varies widely depending on the area and type of accommodation. In general, housing prices in Saudi Arabia tend to be some of the highest in the Middle East, with luxury apartments and villas often costing significantly more than those in other cities. However, housing in some areas may be considered affordable in comparison to other major cities in the region," said one person in Saudi Arabia.

"Costs are much lower in Saudi Arabia. Avg cost of housing is approximately $400 US per month which includes all utilities," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Dhahran.

"Buying a home in Saudi Arabia is a great investment, as the real estate market is both reliable and secure. Property values continue to rise with great prospects for the future, and homeowners benefit from generous tax incentives. Renting is also an attractive option as rental prices are comparatively low and Saudi Arabia offers attractive rental rates. Ultimately, both rent and buy options have their own pros and cons, so it's essential to take into account your individual needs, budget and plans when making this decision," said one expat who made the move to Saudi Arabia.

"1. It is essential to obtain legal advice when buying property in Saudi Arabia as the law can be complicated. 2. Foreigners intending to buy and own a property in Saudi Arabia must obtain permission from the Ministry of Interior. 3. Obtaining a property title can take up to six months in Saudi Arabia. 4. All property transactions will require a tax paid stamp. 5. The buyer must be present at the notary office to sign the sale contract. 6. The sale contract should be drafted by local attorneys. 7. The transfer of a property title requires the permission of the local municipality. 8. It is important to be aware that the husband may have the majority of rights to any property purchased in Saudi Arabia," said one person in Saudi Arabia.

"Foreigners are not allowed to own property in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government does not permit foreign nationals to own real estate in the country, except in certain cases where a foreign investor has obtained a special permit from the Ministry of Interior. This permit is usually granted to foreign investors who are investing in certain sectors of the economy, such as oil and gas, or to those who are employed by a Saudi company. In addition, foreign nationals may be able to purchase property in certain areas of the country, such as the Red Sea coast, if they obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Interior," wrote one expat who made the move to Saudi Arabia.

"In Saudi Arabia, rental properties typically include appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, washing machine, and air conditioner. Some properties may also include additional appliances like a dishwasher and dryer," said one expat in Saudi Arabia.

"Expats can search for homes in Saudi Arabia by using online real estate websites, such as Property Finder, which offer a wide range of listings for both rental and purchase. Additionally, expats can contact local real estate agents who specialize in helping expats find suitable housing in the area. Expats can also search for housing through online expat forums, which often have members who are familiar with the local housing market and can provide advice and recommendations," explained one expat in Saudi Arabia.