New rules for documenting land transactions to boost real estate supply: minister

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail said the Cabinet’s approval of regulations for documenting real estate transactions on land subject to the White Land Fees system and vacant properties marks a strategic step to protect the state’s rights in collecting due fees and to enhance transparency and governance in the real estate sector.

Al-Hogail explained that the new rules stipulate that no property transaction transferring ownership of land covered by the system can be documented unless all due fees have been paid, ensuring the state’s financial rights are secured within the approved legal framework.

Encouraging development and increasing supply

The minister noted that the regulations are designed to balance the protection of state rights with ongoing development activity in the real estate sector. He stressed that the rules do not hinder land development, but rather encourage owners to begin actual development. This, he said, will help increase real estate supply and improve the efficient use of land within urban areas.

Supporting homeownership for citizens

Al-Hogail added that the ultimate goal of the regulations is to support the housing sector and enable citizens to own homes more easily by providing a wider and more diverse range of housing options. This, he said, contributes to achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 target of raising the rate of Saudi families owning homes.

The minister concluded by affirming that these regulatory steps will enhance the efficiency of the real estate market, safeguard rights, stimulate land development, and drive sustainable urban growth in a way that serves the public interest and maintains balance in the Saudi real estate market.