New for 2026 · Muslims worldwide can now own in the Holy Cities
Saudi Arabia’s new ownership law opens designated zones of Makkah and Madinah to Muslim buyers worldwide. Everything you need to understand it is here: eligibility, the official Saudi Properties portal, the approved zones and the full costs.
Now selling
What you’ll find here
Buying in the Holy Cities is unlike any other property purchase. This site sets out the rules, the zones, the costs and the process in plain English.
Every claim is checked against official announcements and reputable legal analysis, with sources cited.
From digital setup to ownership and management, the six stages of a purchase are set out end to end.
The Cabinet-approved zones of both cities, mapped and explained in detail.
Register your interest to receive updates as verified opportunities open to international buyers.
Two cities, one calling
The process
From digital setup to ownership and management, this is the path a non-resident buyer follows under the 2026 rules.
Set up your Saudi digital foundations: SIM, Border Number, Absher, Nafath and a bank account.
Confirm eligibility and find approved designated-zone developments on the Saudi Properties portal.
Check the developer, approvals, payment plans and title, with independent legal advice.
Reserve your unit and submit the ownership application through the portal.
Sign, pay through approved channels, settle taxes and fees, and register the title.
Handover, utilities, management, rentals, resale and succession planning.
Developments & zones
One-minute eligibility check
Three quick questions give an indicative view of your eligibility to own in the designated zones, along with a clear next step.
Authority guides
Madinah
Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah is advancing across all five districts. See the latest status and timelines…
Read guide →Foundations
How Muslim buyers who are not Saudi citizens can own property in Saudi Arabia under the 2026 ownership…
Read guide →Makkah
JODC's August 2026 earnings confirm plans to sell 400 Makkah hotel units, with its CEO linking the sale…
Read guide →Stay ahead
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll contact you as verified opportunities open in the Holy Cities. Under a minute, no obligation.
Frequently asked
Yes, if they are Muslim. Under Saudi Arabia’s ownership law, in force since January 2026, property in Makkah and Madinah can be owned by Muslim individuals whether they live inside or outside the Kingdom, but only within designated zones approved by the Council of Ministers in June 2026. Non-Muslims cannot own in the Holy Cities, even inside those zones.
Yes. Muslim buyers living in the UK are eligible to apply for ownership in the designated zones of Makkah and Madinah, and residency in Saudi Arabia is not required. Applications are made through REGA’s official Saudi Properties portal, which opened for foreign applications in late June 2026.
The official Saudi Properties portal lists 12 zones in Makkah: Rou’a Al Haram Al Makki (the King Salman Gate project), Thakher Makkah, Masar, Jabal Omar, Ajyad Tower, Makkah Towers, Al Manar, Sumou Suburb, Tilal Village and Makkah Zones 1, 2 and 3. In Madinah it lists 10: Rua Al Madinah, Downtown Madinah, Dar Al Hijrah, Knowledge Economic City, Mishraf, Al-Ghurrah, Al-Mahwa, Diyar Al-Muqarr and Madinah Zones 1 and 2. The portal remains the definitive, current source.
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should budget for the 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) plus a transfer fee on non-Saudi transactions, which the law caps at 5% and the July 2026 executive regulations set at 2% for Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. Legal fees come on top, and which party pays which fee is negotiable in the contract.
Through REGA’s Saudi Properties portal, the official platform where eligible buyers inside or outside the Kingdom verify their eligibility, submit an application, track approval and access the designated opportunities. The whole journey can be completed online from abroad.
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Ownership in designated zones of Makkah and Madinah is now open to Muslims worldwide, and availability is being released progressively. Register your interest to receive updates as verified opportunities go live.
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