If you’re a Saudi citizen dreaming of owning a land in Riyadh but feeling priced out of the market, 2025 just brought you some good news.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has rolled out new transformative measures designed to make land ownership more accessible and affordable for locals.
If you’re serious about securing a piece of the capital city for yourself then here’s everything you need to know about the affordable land in Riyadh.
Why Affordable Land in Riyadh is a Big Deal for Saudis Right Now?
Let’s be real, Riyadh’s real estate prices have been soaring. With the population jumping from 7.2 million in 2020 to 8.6 million in 2024, demand for homes has exploded and naturally, so have land, villa, and apartment prices.
Result? Many Saudi nationals found it nearly impossible to buy land or even rent reasonably.
That’s why these new reforms to provide affordable land in Riyadh with easy restrictions, free up land, and set price caps are a game-changer for everyday citizens.
What’s Changing? The Quick Version
- 81.48 sq km of land now open for development.
- Land prices for locals capped at SR1,500 per sq meter.
- 10,000 to 40,000 new residential plots to be released every year for the next 5 years.
- Strict conditions to prevent land hoarding:
- Must build within a set time.
- No reselling, renting, or mortgaging for 10 years (except for construction loans).
- If you don’t build, land reverts back to the government and you’re reimbursed.
Who Is Eligible?
Not everyone can just snap up an affordable land in Riyadh. Here’s who qualifies:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a Saudi national |
| Age | Must be 25 years or older |
| Marital Status | Married Saudis prioritized, but singles over 25 are eligible |
| Ownership Status | You must not currently own property |
If you fit these criteria, you can easily get affordable land in Riyadh.
How Much Will Land Actually Cost?
Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Size | Estimated Cost (Capped) |
|---|---|
| 250 sq. meters | SR375,000 (~$100,000) |
| 400 sq. meters | SR600,000 (~$160,000) |
| 600 sq. meters | SR900,000 (~$240,000) |
Of course, final prices can vary slightly based on location within Riyadh, but this gives you a realistic starting point.
Where Will the New Land Be Released?
If you’re wondering where exactly this new affordable land in Riyadh will pop up, here’s the lowdown:
North Riyadh
A lot of affordable land in Riyadh is available in North Riyadh, which is already super popular because of all the new developments happening there. It’s a prime spot if you want something close to the action (and future growth).
East Riyadh
Then there’s East Riyadh, perfect if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly without giving up too much on location. It’s becoming a new favorite for families and younger buyers because prices start lower, and it’s still well connected to the city.
South Riyadh
South Riyadh is where you’ll generally find bigger plots and quieter neighborhoods. If you’re dreaming of a big backyard or just want more space around you, South could be a great pick.
West Riyadh
And finally, West Riyadh is heating up too, thanks to a bunch of new infrastructure projects. It’s a bit more under the radar right now, which means smart buyers might be able to lock in great deals before prices rise.
Bottom line? If you’re flexible about where you live, you’ll have way more choices and you might even score a much better deal.
How to Apply for Affordable Land in Riyadh (Step-by-Step)
Ready to go for it? Here’s how the process works without all the confusing jargon:
Step 1: Get on the Sakani platform
First, you’ll need to create an account on Sakani, the official portal for Saudi housing programs. It’s super user-friendly, think of it like your personal dashboard for everything land and home-related.
Step 2: Prove you’re eligible
You’ll have to upload a few basic documents: your national ID, proof of your marital status (if you’re married), and proof that you don’t already own a home. The goal is to make sure the land goes to people who actually need it.
Step 3: Check out the land options
Once you’re all set up, you can start browsing available plots. You’ll see details like size, location, and pricing and since new areas are opening up, expect a lot more variety soon.
Step 4: Reserve your plot
Found something you love? Reserve it right away. It’s usually first-come, first-served and trust me, the good ones can go fast.
Step 5: Start building
After you grab your plot, there’s a deadline to actually start construction. If you wait too long, you could lose the land (and just get your money back). So, make sure you have a plan to move forward within the timeline they give you.
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Real Talk: Is It Worth It?
Honestly? If you’re serious about owning a home, this is one of the best chances Riyadh has seen in a long time.
Because the government is putting really tight rules on resale and flipping, it keeps the prices much more stable. No more investors grabbing everything just to sit on it and jack up prices.
This setup actually gives regular Saudis, people who want to live in the homes, not just profit off them; a real shot at ownership.
So, if you’ve been thinking about building a family home or even planning for a future rental property, this move could save you a lot of money compared to waiting. Plus, with the way Riyadh is growing, anything you buy now could be worth a lot more down the line.
If you’re ready to commit to building, it’s definitely worth looking into and honestly, you might not get a better opportunity anytime soon.
Final Thoughts
With Riyadh growing faster than ever, these affordable land reforms are a golden chance for Saudi citizens to own property in the heart of the Kingdom without getting priced out.
If you’re ready to invest in your future, now’s the time to prepare. Land isn’t just cheaper; it’s finally fairer and more accessible.
Last Reviewed: 28 April 2025
Keep checking Marhabein for more updates, guides, and tips on comfortable living in Saudi Arabia’s booming real estate scene!
