Buying Property in Makkah in 2026: Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate?

Buying property in Makkah is possible for some non-Saudi buyers under Saudi Arabia’s updated property ownership framework, but the rules are stricter than in most other Saudi cities. The key point is that individual non-Saudi ownership in Makkah is limited to Muslim natural persons and is subject to the officially designated geographical ownership zones and other regulatory controls.

The updated Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis entered into force on 22 January 2026. The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) confirms that the new system covers residents and non-residents, but ownership in Makkah and Madinah is treated separately because of the religious status of the two holy cities.

Plan your buying budget: Use the Makkah and Madinah property purchase cost calculator to estimate tax contributions, applicable disposal fees, brokerage, VAT and quoted legal costs.

Can a foreigner buy property in Makkah?

Yes, potentially. A non-Saudi individual may acquire property or other real rights in Makkah only if the individual is Muslim and the property falls within an area and ownership category permitted under the official geographical zones framework.

This means that being Muslim does not automatically make every property in Makkah available for purchase. Buyers must still check whether the specific property, location and type of real estate right are permitted under the current REGA ownership map and rules.

Can a non-resident Muslim buy property in Makkah?

REGA states that the updated system applies to both Saudi residents and non-residents. Residents can begin the ownership process through the official Saudi Properties portal using their Iqama details. For eligible non-residents, the process begins with obtaining the required digital identity through a Saudi representation or embassy before continuing through the official portal.

Eligibility should always be verified through the government platform before paying a reservation amount, signing a binding purchase agreement or transferring funds.

Are all areas of Makkah open to foreign ownership?

No. Non-Saudi ownership is controlled through designated geographical zones. The Saudi Properties portal provides the official ownership maps and the applicable conditions, including permitted areas, ownership percentages, types of rights and other controls.

Because these zones and controls can change, buyers should not rely on a broker advertisement that simply says “foreign ownership allowed.” Verify the exact property on the official platform.

What about Saudi companies with foreign shareholders?

The law also contains separate provisions for Saudi companies whose capital is wholly or partly owned by non-Saudis. Depending on the company structure and applicable regulations, such companies may have property ownership rights different from those available to an individual foreign buyer. Corporate buyers should confirm the exact legal route before proceeding.

What should a buyer check before purchasing?

Ownership eligibility: confirm that you fall within a permitted buyer category.
Geographical zone: confirm the property is inside an area currently open to your category of ownership.
Property title and registration: verify the ownership documentation and registration status before making a binding commitment.
Broker licence: check the broker or brokerage establishment through REGA’s FAL licence inquiry service.
Advertisement legitimacy: verify the real estate advertisement licence where applicable.
Purchase contract: make sure the contract clearly states the property, price, payment schedule, completion conditions and refund provisions.
Tax and transaction costs: Saudi Arabia generally imposes a 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax on real estate transactions unless an exemption applies.

Real Estate Transaction Tax

Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Transaction Tax is generally imposed at 5% on real estate transactions, subject to statutory exemptions. Buyers should confirm the tax treatment of their specific transaction before completion rather than assuming the advertised property price is the total acquisition cost.

Official process for a non-Saudi buyer

Check your eligibility under the current non-Saudi ownership rules.
Check the property location on the official Saudi Properties geographical ownership map.
Verify the seller, title information, broker and advertisement.
Review the purchase agreement and all payment conditions.
Complete the ownership application and registration through the official channels applicable to your case.
Confirm taxes, fees and any project-specific service charges before completion.

Do not confuse residency with automatic property rights

Holding an Iqama, Premium Residency or another Saudi status does not by itself mean every property in Makkah can be purchased. The holy-city restrictions and geographical ownership controls must still be checked for the specific transaction. Separate legal regimes may provide additional rights to some categories of buyers, but the current property and buyer must still qualify.

Buying for investment

Makkah has obvious long-term demand connected to pilgrimage, hospitality, residential accommodation and urban development, but investment potential should not be confused with legal eligibility. Before comparing rental yields or capital appreciation, first confirm that you are legally permitted to acquire the specific property and that any intended use is allowed.

Official sources

Use official sources before making a purchase decision:

Information reviewed 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not a legal determination of eligibility. Always verify the specific property and buyer category through the official Saudi authorities before paying or signing.