The question we hear most, and since 2026 the answer has changed fundamentally.
Quick answer
Yes. Muslims living in the UK can apply to own property in Saudi Arabia, including in designated zones of Makkah and Madinah, without being resident in the Kingdom. Applications opened via REGA’s Saudi Properties portal in late June 2026.
You do not need Saudi residency
The new framework explicitly allows Muslim individuals “residing inside or outside the Kingdom” to own within the Holy Cities’ designated zones. Elsewhere in the Kingdom (for example designated areas of Riyadh and Jeddah), ownership is open to non-Saudis more broadly, subject to the geographic scope.
What about Premium Residency?
Premium Residency still exists and carries its own property privileges, but it is no longer the only practical route: the 2026 law created a direct ownership path for non-resident Muslims in the designated zones.
What the process looks like from Britain
Verify eligibility and apply on the Saudi Properties portal; choose a designated-zone property; budget for the 5% RETT plus the non-Saudi transfer fee of up to 5%; reserve, contract and register your title. Keeping each step aligned with the current rules is the core of a safe purchase.
Sources
- Saudi Properties portal: official zone registry
- REGA: Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership platform
- REGA: System enters into force (announcement)
- White & Case: Landmark real estate ownership law for non-Saudis
- King & Spalding: New foreign ownership law: key implications
- Arab News: Cabinet approves ownership zones
- AGBI: Saudi Arabia opens property market to foreigners
- Enterprise KSA: Mapping the foreign ownership zones
Facts last reviewed: July 2026. Rules can change, always confirm the current position on the official Saudi Properties portal and take independent legal advice before acting.
Important
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always obtain independent legal advice in both Saudi Arabia and your country of residence before entering into a transaction.